Chapter 5

Eugene clearly heard Jacklyn's words.

His eyes widened. He couldn't believe that Jacklyn, the woman who had always adored him, had just said something like that.

A sense of panic crept up in Eugene as he noticed how aloof Jacklyn was being. It felt as if a part of him was emptying out.

Like his caged bird finally about to fly free, a wave of loss rushed over him, threatening to drown him.

Without thinking, Eugene rushed forward and stood protectively in front of Jacklyn. His gaze turned dark and piercing as it swept over the trio in front of him.

Finally, his eyes landed on Penelope.

"Penelope, what did you say?" he demanded. His hands clenched into fists at his side.

He feared that Penelope would reveal that they had been sleeping together.

If Jacklyn found out, she'd be heartbroken. How long would he have to beg before Jacklyn would forgive him?

Eugene never imagined Jacklyn would leave him. In his mind, she might be upset and give him the silent treatment, but she would never walk away. He had never doubted her love for him.

Jacklyn, standing behind him, looked at his back with a complex gaze.

She wanted to tell Eugene right then, "I already know about you and Penelope."

But it wasn't the right time.

She didn't want Eugene to keep clinging to her, so she'd have to deal with him decisively—preferably in one swift strike.

Before Penelope could speak, Jacklyn slowly said, "She didn't say anything. She's just jealous of me. What's that?"

She pointed to the items Eugene had thrown on the floor.

Eugene visibly relaxed. He quickly crossed the distance and picked up the box of custard tarts before presenting it to Jacklyn like a treasure.

"These are the new custard tarts from the handmade pastry shop on the east side of the city. I knew you'd love them, so I waited half an hour in line to get them for you."

He paused. Then, his gaze dimmed slightly. "I think they're crushed."

So, Eugene had been late because he was getting Jacklyn custard tarts.

In the past, Jacklyn would've taken a bite, even if they were crushed, and said something like, "Honey, you're the best!"

But now, she just replied indifferently, "It doesn't matter. Not like this is the only place that makes custard tarts I like."

Her words were loaded with meaning. She wasn't just talking about the tarts. She was talking about Eugene.

Eugene didn't catch on. He just said, "Alright! I can have someone search the entire city to find the best pastries that suit your taste."

After he finished speaking, Jacklyn noticed Penelope's gaze.

She looked up at Penelope, only to see her forehead vein bulging. Her anger was visibly apparent, and her eyes glistened with unshed tears.

Was she jealous?

Jacklyn couldn't help but find it amusing. She, the legal wife, wasn't even angry, yet the mistress was already losing her temper.

She didn't want to see Penelope's venomous expression anymore, so she turned to Eugene. "Gene, why are you suddenly here at the hospital?"

Eugene's eyes flickered with panic. But he quickly regained his composure, preparing to come up with an excuse.

Before he could speak, Penelope suddenly smiled and stepped forward. She naturally linked her arm with Eugene's.

"Jackie, I'm pregnant. I wanted Eugene to take me for a checkup. You know, he's the most reliable person in the family. I feel safer with him around."

As she spoke, she shot Jacklyn a smug look when Eugene wasn't looking her way.

She lightly swayed Eugene's arm. "Right, Eugene?"

Eugene's face stiffened. He pulled his arm away and responded to Penelope's words, "Yeah. Don't misunderstand, Jackie."

Jacklyn narrowed her eyes at those words before saying calmly, "You know I hate Penelope, and now you're taking time out to go with her for a checkup? Are you trying to disgust me?"

Jacklyn left no room for pleasantries. Her disgust for Penelope was written all over her face.

Penelope's face immediately drained of color. "Jackie, you—"

"Shut up!" Jacklyn snapped, not sparing her a second glance. "Eugene, I need an explanation."

Eugene was at a loss for words. His mind raced.

The head of the Lloyd family, usually the one calling the shots, suddenly seemed helpless. He couldn't come up with a reason.

George cleared his throat and said, "Stop making a scene, Jacklyn. Penelope is your sister. There's no reason to hold a grudge. You're just being too stubborn!"

Rebecca chimed in, "Exactly. You should really control that temper of yours. Eugene is just kindhearted, unlike you, cold and cruel, even harboring hatred for your own sister. You—"

"Enough!" Eugene raised his voice, cutting them off.

He grabbed Jacklyn's hand and said coldly, "How dare you say that about Jackie? Are you looking for trouble?"

Eugene now seemed like a cold, venomous snake, sending a chill down their spines.

George and Rebecca instinctively stepped back.

Only Penelope gazed up at Eugene with a hurt expression. "Eugene, my parents just want Jackie to get closer to us. They mean no harm. P-Please don't be so angry."

Seeing Penelope's pitiful expression, Eugene relented. Honestly, he almost felt sorry for her. He even thought that maybe Jacklyn was being a bit too harsh.

He pressed his lips together, about to come up with an excuse to send Jacklyn away.

But Penelope suddenly frowned and clutched her stomach with both hands. "Ouch… Ouch! My stomach hurts so badly! Is something wrong with the baby? Baby, I'm sorry!"

George and Rebecca immediately rushed to Penelope's side, showering her with concern.

Honestly, Penelope's acting was a little over the top. At least, that was how Jacklyn saw it.

With her knowledge of Eugene, she was sure he'd see right through it. But Eugene, seeing this scene, was clearly flustered.

He instinctively released Jacklyn's hand and dropped the custard tarts. He rushed to pick Penelope up in a panic. "Don't worry. I'll take you to the doctor!"

He might not care for Penelope, but he couldn't ignore the baby inside her.

As Penelope leaned into Eugene's strong chest, she cast a smug glance at Jacklyn. Her pained expression was already gone. It was as if she was saying, "See? Eugene cares more about my baby than you."

Jacklyn felt a ripple of emotions stir within her.

She stared coldly at Eugene. "What are you doing?"

Eugene's face flickered with impatience. "Jackie, a life is at risk here. Don't cause a scene. Wait for me at home."

With that, he grabbed Penelope and strode down the hallway. George and Rebecca followed close behind.

Their figures disappeared from Jacklyn's sight, and the hallway fell silent. Jacklyn was left standing alone.

As she looked at the custard tarts on the floor, she fought back tears and rubbed her arm where Rebecca had pinched her.

Then, out of nowhere, a deep voice called her name, "Jacklyn?"

She turned, stunned to see a familiar face she hadn't seen in a long time.

After a long pause, she slowly uttered, "Liam? Why are you here?"