Chapter 180
Since Levi and I arrived early, we almost disrupted Aiden and Rhea's rhythm. Their old friends had come over to visit, and we couldn't really join in their conversations about the past, so we had to go wait in the guest room first.
My mother-in-law called to say she'd bring Celestia over a bit later. They were at the playground with Celestia and Hayden.
The two of us lay on the bed, each looking at our phones.
This was our most relaxed yet most boring moment lately.
I didn't want to lie down at first, but I felt a bit tired. Sitting wasn't comfortable, so I lay down to rest for a bit.
Levi lay down too. I had no idea what he was thinking - he rarely acted so casual around me.
My phone vibrated. Levi turned toward me.
"Ms. Ember, you're quite busy."
"Stop teasing me."
I can enjoy being alone. I can be immersed in my own world even without my phone. What I hate most is people contacting me when I'm resting - I'm too lazy to socialize.
Nola always says I'm a weirdo who likes to be lost in my own world, completely oblivious to everything else.
"Fine, I won't look at yours."
What's with Levi lately? I've noticed he's been talking more and more.
"I'm not afraid of you looking anyway."
I put down my phone and looked at him seriously. "Tell me, Mr. Morgan, do you dare swap phones with me?"
"Boring."
Levi put down his phone and stared at me.
"If you don't dare, just say so. Why change the subject? To you, everything is boring - or is it just being with me that you find boring?"
I don't know what was wrong with me. Even I felt awkward listening to myself talk, all passive-aggressive like that.
"Why wouldn't I dare? Let's swap right now."
Levi put his phone in front of me.
I didn't expect him to actually do it. In all our years of marriage, we'd never gone through each other's phones. At most, we'd answer calls for each other, but we never looked after hanging up.
"Are you feeling guilty?"
"What do I have to feel guilty about?"
I put my phone in front of him, too.
But neither of us made a move. No one touched the other's phone. The boundaries we'd always maintained were still there.
After two minutes, my phone got another message.
Levi sat up and slowly walked to the window. He didn't say anything, probably giving me space, since I hadn't looked at the earlier message either.
I opened my phone. Elliot had sent several messages.
I was glad Levi hadn't looked just now, or he might have gotten the wrong idea.
The messages said that Ava had gone to his place and was planning to eat dinner there. He also said that when Jessa went to get money today, she mentioned going to return money to Levi, and Ava went with her.
I didn't understand why he needed to explain this to me. It clearly had nothing to do with him. He seemed determined to clear himself of any involvement.
Why would I care where Ava was? The less I heard her name, the better I felt. His message actually annoyed me.
I didn't reply. I sat up too.
"Looks like grandpa's friends left. It's almost dinner time anyway. We shouldn't stay in here - mom and dad should be arriving soon too."
I walked over to Levi's side. I don't know what got into my head, but I suddenly wanted to hold his hand.
In all these years, I'd never been this far forward. Even though I really liked him, we'd always kept our distance.
I clearly felt Levi's surprise. He straightened his back, then gripped my hand tightly. Without saying anything, he just led me out.
We'd just reached the living room when Levi's parents came in too.
As usual, Celestia threw herself into my arms. Levi picked her up so I wouldn't have to carry her.
"Daddy, I missed you both so much! But after New Year's, grandpa and grandma will leave. I really want to play with them too." Celestia was caught in a dilemma.
Levi patted her head. "Then we'll have your grandpa and grandma stay at our place for a few days. After the public holiday ends, your mom and I both have to work, so we won't have much time to look after you at home."
"Let Celestia stay with us instead. That way, you two can focus on work. Besides, we'll be leaving in about another week."
"So soon?"
I'd been so busy, I hadn't even had a chance to invite them over for a meal at our place.
"In a few days, it's Levi's birthday. We'll definitely wait until after his birthday to leave." My mother-in-law looked at Levi - staying a few more days was to celebrate his birthday.
Celestia touched Levi's face. "Daddy, your birthday's coming up! I'm definitely going to prepare a super awesome birthday present for you."
"No need to go to all that trouble. Just hand over your New Year's money to me."
Levi was deliberately teasing the child.
"Forget about my New Year's money. I've already decided to split it into two parts for my little brother or sister."
"You little thing, you've got big ideas. Don't worry, your brother or sister won't miss out in the future." My mother-in-law reached out to hold her - she wanted to hold her granddaughter every single second.
Celestia leaned against her. "Grandma, your hugs are so warm, but you need to put me down now. I've gotten fat lately - don't want to hurt you."
My mother-in-law put Celestia down and sat with her. "I can carry you no matter how heavy you are. It would be best to just carry you straight to my home abroad."
"Grandma, that won't work. I can't be away from my mommy. How about when the baby is born, you take one to look after."
"You little smarty, I'd love to, but your mom and dad wouldn't let me take one away."
Celestia held her grandmother's hand. "Then I have another idea - this time, don't leave. Let Grandpa go back by himself."
"Haha, I think that works! My granddaughter is too cute. I really don't want to leave."
Just as they were laughing happily, Cleo arrived. The click-clack of her high heels broke the joyful moment.
"Hayden, what are you grinning about? Your grandma didn't say she couldn't bear to leave you, did she?"
Right off the bat with that kind of comment, instantly dropping the mood to freezing.
My mother-in-law quickly explained, "Cleo, don't talk nonsense in front of the children. I love both kids the same. I don't treat them differently."
Cleo smiled. "Mom, don't be nervous. Even if you're biased, that's fine. Sons and daughters are different, right? After all, she has the Morgan last name."
"Cleo, you have the Morgan last name, too. We're all family. We love Hayden very much, too."
I tried to ease the atmosphere. My tone was soft - I hoped Cleo would, for the sake of today being a family dinner, not ruin everyone's mood.
"Oh, so you remember I'm a Morgan too? I thought you'd all forgotten. But I won't hold it against you. Just stay out of my business from now on."
I didn't expect her to still blame us. Michael had treated her that way, yet she was holding the grudge against us.
Levi stood beside me and put his arm around my shoulder. "We won't interfere in your business. Just don't bother her either."
"Oh wow, so lovey-dovey now? Haven't seen you in a few days, Blair - you've got some skills, huh?"
"Cleo, stop talking nonsense."
This time, Levi's father spoke up. He usually doted on his daughter and rarely criticized her.