Chapter 116
Chapter 116
Rupert was stunned. “Dad, this… this is too sudden. I need to discuss this with Claudia. Is that okay?”
“Rupert, we bought that house for you. Now that we have nowhere to live, do we need your wife’s permission to stay with our son? You’re really spineless,” Jimmy criticized.
Rupert quickly explained, “Dad, that’s not what I meant. I just need to let Claudia know so she can prepare. I’m sure she’ll be happy to have you over.”
“If that’s the case, then take us to your place now,” Jimmy insisted. “Your mom just got out of the hospital and isn’t fully recovered yet. Do you really want us to be homeless?”
“Dad, of course not,” Rupert forced a smile. “Dad, let’s go.”
Jimmy and Peyton got into Rupert’s car.
Once inside, Rupert glanced at his parents through the rearview mirror, his brow furrowed.
He started the car and drove away from the hospital.
His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, his heart filled with anxiety.
When the car stopped, Jimmy got out and realized they weren’t at Rupert’s neighborhood.
Jimmy looked up and saw the sign for a hotel. “Rupert, what’s the meaning of this?”
“Dad, Mom, please stay at the hotel for just one night,” Rupert said cautiously.
“You know Claudia’s been alone at home since she got pregnant, and I’m always at work. “The house is a mess, and the rooms are filled with clutter. I’ll clean up tonight and pick you up tomorrow. It’ll be more comfortable for you. What do you think?”
Jimmy glanced at Peyton, who had remained silent.
Peyton spoke softly, “Let’s listen to Rupert. One night won’t hurt.”
“Thank you, Mom and Dad,” Rupert felt the crisis was averted and hurried into the hotel. “I’ll get you checked in.”
And so, Rupert temporarily settled Jimmy and Peyton in the hotel, even covering their meal expenses.
Afterward, Rupert returned home, where Claudia was lounging on the sofa watching TV.
“Honey, I’m back.” Rupert cheerfully walked over and placed a bag on the coffee table. “Look, I bought your favorite charcuterie.”
Since getting pregnant, Claudia had been craving all sorts of food. Seeing her favorites, she couldn’t help but drool.
“Hubby, you’re the best.” Claudia wrapped her arms around Rupert’s neck. “You’re so good to me.”
“You’re my wife. Who else would I be good to?” Rupert kissed Claudia.
“But you’re going to make me fat. I’ve already gained three pounds in two months of pregnancy,” Claudia pouted.
“I’ve seen people gain ten pounds in two months of pregnancy,” Rupert said. “You’re only up three pounds. You’re not even close to that.”
“I don’t want to get as fat as you say. You’ll hate me and leave me. Waa…” Claudia started crying.
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Chapter 116
Rupert wiped Claudia’s tears in a hurry. “How could I ever leave you? You’re carrying our child for the Reed family. I’ll only remember how good you are.
“Even if you become as fat as a ball, you’ll still be the most beautiful in my eyes. You’re the only one for me.”
“I don’t want to be fat!” Claudia bit her lip. “You’re the one who’s a ball!”
“Yes, I’m the ball. You are beautifully slim.” Rupert drew a ball on his body.
Claudia felt amused and stopped crying.
“Alright, no more crying.” Rupert cupped her face. “I’ll go cook. I’ll make you some tomato egg soup. It’ll make you even more beautiful.”
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“Just don’t make soup.” Claudia pulled him back. “Have you ever made it right? Neither of us has any talent for cooking. Let’s just order takeout.”
“This soup is simple–just fry an egg, add water, and toss in some tomato slices. Just wait for me.” Rupert headed to the kitchen.
When dinner was ready and Claudia sat at the table, she frowned slightly at the egg soup.
“The egg is just a little burnt, but it still tastes fine.” Rupert served her half a bowl, adding a few tomato slices. “Try it?”
“Is this even edible?” Claudia was highly skeptical.
“Yes.” Rupert took a sip of the soup himself and even ate the slightly burnt fried egg.
Claudia picked up her bowl and took a small sip. It didn’t taste bad–just the sweet and sour flavor of tomatoes. She then dug into her favorite charcuterie.
After they finished eating, Rupert cleaned up everything in just over ten minutes. “Claudia, let’s go for a walk to help digest.”
“Sure.” Claudia wouldn’t have moved on her own, but with company, she felt more motivated. Honestly, she could continue eating like this without exercising, and it wouldn’t be the worst thing.
Rupert held Claudia’s hand as they walked around White River Park outside the neighborhood, returning home in forty minutes.
“Tired?” Rupert helped her sit down on the couch. “Come here, let your husband give you a massage.”
He lifted Claudia’s legs onto his lap and began massaging her calves. “How’s that? Feels good?”
“Mhm.” Claudia closed her eyes and enjoyed it.
Seeing her satisfied expression, Rupert hesitated for a moment before speaking. “Claudia, there’s something I want to discuss with you.”
“What is it?” Claudia’s tone was lazy.
“Claudia, you know about the one million dollars my family owes Ryan-”
The moment Claudia heard “one million dollars,” her eyes snapped open. “Didn’t we agree that the one million dollars had nothing to do with us? What now? You want to go back on that?”
“No, listen to me. My parents have paid off the one million dollars, but they had to sell the Maplewood Estates house. Now they have nowhere to live, and my mom just got out of the hospital. So… can they stay with us for a while?”
Rupert carefully observed Claudia’s expression.
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“Rupert, now I finally understand why you were being so nice to me today–buying me good food, giving me a massage. Turns out, it’s all for your parents.” Claudia let out a cold laugh.
“Claudia, that’s unfair! When have I ever treated you badly?” Rupert held her hand. “I’m just discussing this with you, that’s all.”
“Discussing? Well, my opinion is no,” Claudia said, “When we got married, I made it clear I didn’t want to live with your parents. You agreed to that. Now you want them to stay for ‘a while‘? How long is ‘a while‘?
“Rupert, haven’t you heard the saying, ‘It’s easy to invite the gods but hard to send them away? What if they move in and never leave? Am I supposed to kick them out?
“Then what kind of person would I be? What would people think of me? Especially your two wonderful sisters–they’d definitely think I’m the villain. I’m not stupid enough to take that risk.
“Besides, their housing situation is their problem. If I ever find myself without a place to live, I wouldn’t bother them. I’d figure it out on my own. They can rent a place or stay in a hotel. But I don’t agree to living with them.”
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