Chapter 4

"I'm not interested in whatever's going on between you two. Now kindly move," I declared.

"I'm genuinely trying to apologize to you, Steven!" Ian suddenly raised the coffee in his hand. "There's always a long queue at the cafe for this coffee. I bought this specifically to make it up to you. Just drink it and forgive us, okay?"

"No thanks. I don't drink coffee," I replied flatly.

Meanwhile, it was time for Mia to come and pick me up from the office. The elevator doors slid open to reveal a familiar figure.

I had no interest in wasting any more time on Amanda and Ian, so I headed for the elevator.

However, Ian pretended to stumble and started falling toward me. The cup of scalding hot coffee tipped forward, spilling straight at me.

"Honey!" Mia called out.

I could feel the steam from the coffee hitting me. Mia, who was 36 weeks pregnant, didn't even pause as she ran over to pull me aside. The burning liquid was inches away from her belly.

"Watch out!" I shouted.

My eyes widened in horror. I didn't even have time to think. All I could do was pull Mia into my arms protectively.

The burning liquid splashed across my back.

Out of the corner of my eye, though, I caught Amanda's expression. There was a faint hint of anticipation in it. She wanted Mia to get hurt—as if I'd return to her if something happened to Mia.

"Honey! Did you get burned? Are you in any pain?" Mia cried out, her body stiff and her eyes red.

"I'm a tough guy. I'm fine. What about you and the babies? Are you guys okay?"

I patted her back reassuringly, but a surge of rage was already rising inside me. I turned around and fixed my gaze on Ian, who stood frozen.

"Ian Lewis, if the coffee had landed on her, I would've made you regret ever being born."

The icy tone of my voice made Ian turn pale with fear. He instinctively hid behind Amanda before saying, "I didn't do it on purpose, Steven. It's her fault for rushing over out of nowhere and—"

"Shut up!"

I had no interest in listening to his excuses. I took off my stained jacket and tossed it aside before pulling Mia back into my arms.

"That must've frightened you, babe. Let's go home. You need to get plenty of rest today. I've booked you a prenatal checkup with the best OBGYN in the city tomorrow."

"Okay. Whatever you say, Steven," Mia said softly as she stared at me, her eyes red with concern.

Right in front of Amanda, she helped me wipe the droplets of coffee that were still clinging to my shirt.

I couldn't help but smile at the way she gently took care of me. Caressing her head, I said, "I was going to surprise you with news of the appointment. I guess the timing worked out. Well, let's get going."

"Who said you could leave?" Amanda snapped, having finally snapped out of her daze.

She stared fixedly at Mia's hand, which was placed on my arm. Jealousy gnawed at her heart, poisoning her.

"A prenatal checkup, huh? So you're his wife?" she questioned Mia.