Chapter 182
Salome was absolutely indignant. “We’re paying customers here! If you fell, it’s obviously Northcrest Tower’s fault. I’m going to go have a word with them!”
Beckett winced in pain, but still reached out to stop her. “No, don’t. It was my own fault–I wasn’t watching where I was going. Don’t trouble yourself over it, especially being this far along. I’d worry about you.”
A shy, pleased smile crept across Salome’s face. In her heart, she was elated–Beckett was starting to care about her.
That had to be a good sign.
On the way home, Salome tried to sound casual. “Honey, I heard Northcrest has a really popular maternity center these days. It’s almost impossible to book, and, well, it’s pretty expensive…”
As she spoke, she watched Beckett’s expression out of the corner of her eye, ready to change tack depending on his reaction.
When she saw that Beckett didn’t seem especially put off, she finally allowed herself a quiet sigh of relief.
He sounded distracted. “Which one is it? I’ll have my assistant call and make a
reservation. If it’s what you want, we can pay extra and get you in.”
Salome could barely contain her excitement, though she tried her best to keep her voice even as she gave him the name of the center.
Beckett had heard of the place before–it’d been all over the news, famous for their so–called “million–dollar birthing suites.”
He frowned. “Aren’t the prices there just being driven up by hype?”
Salome immediately sensed his reluctance.
She lowered her head, her voice tinged with disappointment. “Even if it’s just hype, I just want what’s best for our baby. I want to give him everything I can. Is that so wrong?”
She glanced over at Beckett, who was still driving, her tone as sweet and pitiful as she could manage. “Honestly, if you think I’m being unreasonable, just say so. I’ll change, I promise.”
Looking at her, so vulnerable and hopeful, Beckett couldn’t bring himself to argue.
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17:40
Chapter 182
“Salome, there’s nothing wrong with wanting the best for our child. I’ll have my assistant take care of it.”
A small, almost imperceptible smile of triumph touched Salome’s lips.
She’d earned her place now, her own status. She could afford this “million–dollar” maternity center, after all.
It was like a ticket into Northcrest’s exclusive circle of society wives.
Only women whose children were born in that center could truly claim a spot in that
world.
Tonight, the city sky above Northcrest was unexpectedly clear, and stars twinkled above the skyline.
Edith looked up and spotted them through the floor–to–ceiling windows. The stars really were beautiful.
No wonder this place cost so much.
The manager personally served their dinner, explaining with careful attention, “Mr. Hawksley, tonight’s menu has been crafted around your allergies. Everything is perfectly safe for you.”
Edith’s first thought was–does Justin really have that many allergies?
She blurted out, “What are you allergic to?”
Now that she was Mrs. Hawksley, she figured it was only natural to pay more
attention to his habits.
The manager jumped in eagerly, “Mr. Hawksley is allergic to quite a few things…”
He rattled off a long list, and when Edith heard “curry,” her eyes widened in surprise.
Justin shot the manager an irritated look.
The manager seemed to realize he’d overstepped and quickly excused himself, “Please enjoy your meal. If you need anything at all, just let me know.”
Once the manager left, Edith stared at Justin in disbelief. “You’re allergic to curry?”
Justin’s mouth twitched, and he tried to play it off. “There are so many things on that list, I don’t really keep track. Don’t listen to the manager–he was just rambling.”
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.