Chapter 7

The maid, unable to watch this any longer, stepped in to offer a gentle reminder.

"Mr. Lloyd, Mrs. Lloyd is upset because you weren't home on your wedding anniversary. She waited for you for a long time."

Eugene suddenly understood. He had received the news about Penelope's pregnancy that day and hadn't been able to make it home. No wonder Jacklyn was upset.

"Jackie, I made breakfast. Come try it," he said, helping Jacklyn to the table.

As soon as Jacklyn caught a whiff of the greasy smell, a wave of nausea hit her, and she had to fight the urge to throw up.

"What's wrong? Are you feeling sick?" Eugene frowned, clearly anxious.

Jacklyn didn't mention the pregnancy nausea. Instead, she casually lied, "It's too greasy. I can't stomach it."

"I'm sorry. I didn't think it through. I'll make something else right now."

Eugene gently guided her to sit down, his concern overflowing.

But to Jacklyn, it felt completely fake.

"Jackie."

Noticing her silence, Eugene assumed she was still angry. He crouched down beside her, gently took her hand, and began to softly rub it.

"I really had to deal with something at work that day. I had no choice but to stay late. I should've been with you on our anniversary. I'm sorry. I promise I'll make it up to you."

He would make it up? Penelope was pregnant. What could he possibly do to make it up to her?

Jacklyn didn't show her emotions on her face. She just asked, "Are you sure you won't break your promise this time?"

Eugene solemnly swore, "I promise I won't break my word. If I do, let me be hit by a car the next time I leave the house."

His over-the-top vow didn't stir any emotion in Jacklyn. Instead, it just made her feel disgusted.

If vows worked, there wouldn't be so many scumbags in the world.

The maid approached again. "Mr. Lloyd, it's almost 9:00 am."

Eugene glanced at his watch. "Jackie, if you can't eat, have the maid make something else. I have to go to work now. Wait for me at home, okay? Love you."

He grabbed his papers and rushed out the door.

Just before closing it, he glanced back at Jacklyn. She was already heading upstairs, as though he was invisible.

What was going on? Normally, she would've been at the door, reluctant to see him go, like a clingy kitten. Today, she didn't even say goodbye.

Was she still upset?

Eugene couldn't help but chuckle to himself. His dear Jacklyn still cared so much about him.

At work, Eugene didn't even sit down before he started giving orders. "Prepare a banquet. I want to celebrate my anniversary with Jackie again."

His secretary, Sammy Hart, couldn't stop praising him while taking notes. "Mr. Lloyd, you're always so good to Mrs. Lloyd. It's really admirable."

Eugene kept a straight face, but he was secretly pleased.

Even outsiders were envious. Jacklyn would definitely be even happier.

Before he could enjoy the moment, his phone rang. It was Penelope.

Eugene's face immediately darkened. If it weren't for her being pregnant, he wouldn't have bothered to pick up.

"What is it?"

Penelope's sweet voice came through, "Gene, why are you being so cold to me? You left me early yesterday, and I was home alone, struggling with morning sickness.

"My body felt heavy, and I couldn't move. No one was around to help. I had to suffer through it alone. You'd better come and be with me today!"

Eugene sighed. Jacklyn was already upset. If he went to see Penelope now, things would only get worse.

Penelope was pregnant, but Jacklyn was his one true love. He couldn't let her get hurt.

"Gene, why are you so quiet?" Penelope whined, sounding utterly pitiful.

Eugene replied sternly, "Rest well yourself. I'll send you some money. If you don't want to hire a caregiver, ask your parents to help out."

Penelope wasn't having it. She turned on the charm. "I don't want anyone else looking after me! You're the father of the child. I just want you to take care of me. Please, Gene!"

She was determined not to let Eugene be with Jacklyn. She wanted him all to herself.

"I have a lot of work to do. Take care of yourself."

With that, Eugene hung up.

Penelope only cared about personal gain. Throwing money at her was enough.

But Jacklyn was different. She loved him wholeheartedly. He needed to make it up to her with love and actions.

Once the call ended, Eugene returned to planning the anniversary celebration. This time, he was going all out. He was even going to pick a unique gift for her.

Without hesitation, he drove to a shopping mall.

Jacklyn loved jewelry, so this year, he would get her a one-of-a-kind necklace.

The moment the saleswoman saw Eugene, she immediately stepped forward. "Mr. Lloyd, what style are you looking for today?"

"I want the most expensive and newest one."

Eugene's response clearly pleased the saleswoman. She carefully brought out a sparkling gemstone necklace.

"Mr. Lloyd, this is our latest design. There are only two in the world. The other was bought by the Princess of Wimborne."

Eugene took the necklace, inspecting it carefully.

The Princess of Wimborne? Jacklyn was far more regal than any princess.

The saleswoman gushed, "Mr. Lloyd, you're successful, young, and handsome. And you're so devoted to your wife! It's just like they say, 'Happy wife, happy life!'"

Eugene couldn't stop smiling at her words.

"Gene, you're here, too?"

Just as Eugene was basking in the compliments, an unexpected visitor arrived.

Penelope, carrying an exclusive designer bag, beamed at him, with George and Rebecca trailing behind.

When Eugene saw her, his expression immediately darkened.

Penelope had just claimed she was sick, yet here she was at the mall?

The sparkly necklace caught Penelope's eye. Her eyes widened. "This necklace is so beautiful! Gene, I've never seen anything like it before!"

It was clear she wanted it.