Chapter Five Diana promised. 

 

Eunice’s POV

Tyler reached for my hand the second time as we walked upstairs, but I didn’t hold on too tightly. The weight of our argument still lingered in my chest. I had told him I would believe his words when I saw action, and nothing had changed. 

We lay in bed together, but my mind kept replaying the moment I saw Lola smirking at me. Even when Tyler wrapped his arms around me, whispering soft reassurances, I couldn’t shake the doubt gnawing at my thoughts.

Morning came quickly, the golden hues of the rising sun spilling into our room. I stretched beneath the sheets, glancing at Tyler, who was still asleep beside me. For a brief moment, I allowed myself to hope that today would be different—that I would wake up to proof of his loyalty, not just empty promises.

I slid out of bed, pushing aside the warmth of his embrace. There were things I needed to take care of today—things that didn’t involve waiting around for Tyler to prove himself.

I made my way to the kitchen, determined to focus on something productive. Diana needed breakfast and her medication. Tyler would need something before heading to work. And I needed something light to sustain me before my doctor’s appointment—I wouldn’t let anything get in the way of that today.

The sound of soft footsteps made me glance up from the sizzling pan. Diana emerged from the hallway, her walking stick tapping lightly against the floor.

“Good morning, Mum. How is your health today?” I greeted her warmly.

She smiled, but there was something subdued about it, her usual buoyant demeanor missing. Almost as if the smile was only there for my sake.

Concern tugged at my chest. “Is everything okay?” I asked gently.

“Yes,” she answered, though the sadness in her voice was unmistakable. Pressing her walking stick firmly on the floor, she quickened her steps toward me.

It was the first time in a long while Diana had approached me while I was cooking. The last time she had done so, she wanted to surprise Tyler and me with a meal. But since falling ill, she only ever left her room to go to the sitting room.

So why now?

I watched as she leaned against the countertop, her gaze fixed on me. Then, in a voice so low it was almost a whisper, she spoke.

“I heard everything that happened yesterday.” She paused, as if choosing her words carefully. “You are a good woman, Eunice. And I know Tyler, my son, is a good man too. Please, do not leave him. I promise you, I will talk to him, and he will get rid of that lady called Lola.”

Her hand reached for mine, squeezing it tightly. Her eyes bore into mine, pleading.

A warm feeling spread in my chest. It was a blessing to be loved so deeply by my mother-in-law.

“I am not leaving Tyler, Mum,” I reassured her softly. “We have settled our differences, and he made me understand that he will sack her today.”

Her worried expression melted into relief, and she smiled again. “You are always the best for us, dear. We love you so much.” With that, she turned and slowly made her way toward the couch.

Before I could dwell on our conversation, a familiar voice boomed through the space.

“And what’s that smelling so delicious?!”

I turned to see Tyler, perfectly dressed in his blue suit. He always looked exceptionally handsome in this suit.

Our eyes met, and adoration filled my heart as I walked toward him wanting to help him adjust his tie.

In one swift motion, he pulled me into his arms as though we had completely settled our differences.  

I would have pulled out of his embrace immediately as he pulled me in but since Diana was in the sitting room and that she had pleaded with me earlier, doing that would make her think I was adamant to leaving Tyler. 

So, I let him cradle me against his firm chest. He pressed his lips gently to my forehead.

“I love you, babe,” he murmured.

My heart swelled but with a sad thought about Lola. Yet, for Diana’s sake, I tightened my arms around him, breathing in the familiar scent that clung to his skin. The moment felt perfect.

Then I remembered—this was the best time to tell him again the good news he refused to believe two days ago.

I leaned back slightly, looking up into his eyes. “I am pregnant, babe. You are going to be a father soon.”

For a moment, I searched his face, expecting joy to light up his features. But instead, his eyes narrowed slightly, his brow furrowing. Then, as quickly as the emotion appeared, he averted his gaze.

“Don’t be silly, babe. Help me with my food. I will make sure to come home early tonight, huh?”

He kissed my forehead again before pulling away.

I stood frozen. Did Tyler just dismiss my words again? Did he not hear me say I was carrying his baby?

I turned toward the couch, hoping Diana had heard everything. Surely, she wouldn’t ignore it the way Tyler had.

But when my gaze landed on the spot where she had been sitting, she was gone.

She had left silently?

I barely had time to process my thoughts before Tyler moved toward the front door.

“Tyler!” I called out, my voice slightly raised as I hurried after him.

He had just pulled open the door, stepping outside when we both froze at the sight before us.

Standing there, as if she had been waiting all night, was Lola.

“Lola?” Tyler’s voice was laced with shock.

“What are you… How did you know my place?” he asked.

My heart pounded as I stepped beside him. “Tyler, what is she doing here?” I asked, my voice low and measured.

Lola smirked. Her hands rested on her belly. A sinking feeling gnawed at my gut.

Then, in a voice filled with eerie satisfaction, she said, “I came with good news, babe.”

Her gaze locked onto Tyler’s, her smirk deepening.

“I am pregnant for you!” she declared.

My eyes widened in utter shock.

The world around me seemed to freeze.