Chapter 4
Chapter 004
Tahlia's point of view
"Jaxon, how do I look?" Tahlia turned and showed Jaxon how well the dress he had purchased for her fit her.
Tahlia was shocked to find a gorgeous black dress and the following note on the bed after taking a bath:
[Dress in this.]
She waited for him to respond, her heart bursting with joy. She was anxious for Jaxon's approval because this was the first time he had truly taken notice of her attire.
"Leave now." He opened the door with a stern expression. Although Tahlia was a little let down, she controlled her emotions and accompanied him to the car.
Alfred was at the door already, waiting. He took the keys and said, "I'll drive." Alfred gave Tahlia a courteous nod.
"Yes, sir. Madam, a pleasant evening. Alfred smiled at Tahlia, and she smiled back.
"Hi, Alfred."
Tahlia entered the car after Alfred held the door open for her. She turned to Jaxon as soon as he was inside.
Tahlia exclaimed with excitement, "I have some critical news to share at Grandpa's party."
"What's new?" As usual, Jaxon asked in a flat, aloof voice.
Although it's a surprise, the news is fantastic. Stay put, shall we? With a tone full of enthusiasm, Tahlia answered.
Jaxon detested surprises more than he detested waiting. The last surprise he'd experienced was Mia's departure on his birthday, which devastated him. However, he nodded when he noticed the gleam in Tahlia's eyes.
"All right."
As Tahlia fastened her seatbelt, her smile grew.
Jaxon navigated the peaceful streets. The sky was glowing orange as the sun was just setting. Tahlia stared at the breathtaking scenery, picturing Jaxon's response when she informed him that he would soon become a father.
Jaxon abruptly applied the brakes, flinging Tahlia forward. She felt the sting of the abrupt stop, but the seatbelt prevented her from hitting her head.
She hurried out of the car and hid behind it, fighting the urge to throw up. She didn't want the surprise to be spoiled. After the sensation subsided, she assumed Jaxon might have gone outside to see how she was doing, but instead she heard a voice.
"Oh, Jaxon! I'm glad you're here! I nearly got into an accident when my tire burst! Mia held on to his arm.
"Are you in pain?" Jaxon inquired in a cautious but worried tone. His car was the only source of light.
"Hi, Mia." It's been a long time," Tahlia said icily.
Tahlia rolled her eyes inward as she assessed the situation. "How likely is it that Mia had a flat tire and nobody else was able to assist her?"
Mia grabbed Tahlia's arm as she hurried to her side. "Tahlia, please! Can someone give me a ride?
Tahlia answered, "I'm sorry, Mia, but we're going to Grandpa's house, not home."
Mia's face contorted with annoyance, but she maintained her poise before sobbing more loudly. Grandpa's house is on the same street as my destination, so I know it. I have a crucial meeting! Help me, Tahlia, please! She made a scene by continuing to hold Tahlia's arm.
Tahlia let out a defeated sigh. We're already running late, so I assumed Jaxon would say no, but I suppose he's content to spend more time with his true love.
At last, Tahlia said in a tight voice, "Okay." Mia instantly wiped away her tears and grinned broadly, as if she had won the lotto.
"Thank you! I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience, Tahlia.". Mia said. "
"No issue—" Mia hurried to the front seat before Tahlia could finish.
Incredulous, Tahlia hoped Jaxon would ask Mia to take a seat in the back. Instead, he simply said, "Let's go," after giving her a quick glance.
Her heart sank as she sensed someone pushing her aside. She appeared to be merely an additional passenger in the vehicle.
"I can't get my seatbelt on!" Jaxon, please help me! Mia grumbled.
Tahlia experienced a sudden, intense pain in her chest as Jaxon quickly reached over and carefully adjusted Mia's seatbelt.
"Why has the seatbelt become stuck when it was in working order?" She was shocked by Mia's manipulation, but it was even more painful to witness how lovingly Jaxon looked after her and did everything she asked without question.
Tears filled Tahlia's eyes, but she forced herself to suppress them. When they arrived, she would rather not appear disorganized.
Mia leaned in to give Jaxon a gentle shoulder rub as they went on down the street. "Do you recall when we were younger and used to sneak around, Jaxon?" “This is the same road we always took when we went on our adventures,” she said, giggling.
Jaxon could feel Tahlia's mood deteriorating, and he knew that discussing his history with Mia would only exacerbate it. He interrupted her abruptly.
"That's enough, Mia," he said icily.
"Oh? Is Tahlia to blame for this? With a mocking tone, Mia laughed. "Tahlia, are you easily envious?" She made fun of it.
Tahlia ceased to be polite when she became angry. "You'll realize that jealousy comes fairly easily when you have a husband who cares even a little bit as much as mine does."
Mia was shocked by the incisive reply. Though her mind was already formulating a new plan, she fell silent for the remainder of the ride.
Tahlia and Mia got out of the car simultaneously when they arrived at the address Mia had provided.
"Jaxon, thank you! When I need you, you're always there for me! From the window, Mia spoke.
Jaxon said, "You're welcome," without raising his head from his phone.
Mia watched him with a sense of triumph. She had successfully tested whether Jaxon still cared. She turned away, grinning to herself, only to find herself looking directly at Tahlia.
With a cold expression on her face, Tahlia moved ahead of her. "Mia, you're welcome. However, the next time a married man offers you a ride, ensure you know where to sit and opt for the back seat.
Tahlia slid into the front seat, leaving Mia stunned and her mouth hanging open like a fish gasping for air.
