Chapter 52 Chapter 18.1
Desmond was busy talking to other guests while Heaven was speaking with Desmond’s grandmother.
“Your belly is getting big, dear. Do you have a pregnancy pillow so you won’t have a hard time sleeping?” Mariam asked Heaven.
“I have one, grandma. Desmond bought everything I need,” Heaven answered politely. Mariam smiled, happy to see that Desmond and Heaven had a good relationship, even though they had forced Desmond to marry her.
“Does Desmond like you now? How is your relationship? You two never visit our house, so we rarely get to talk to you. Is Desmond taking good care of you?” Mariam asked.
“Our relationship is okay, grandma. Desmond doesn’t neglect me, and he gives me everything I want,” Heaven replied. Mariam sighed in relief. They’d been afraid that Desmond might someday leave Heaven and choose Macie instead. Now that they saw the couple doing well, it seemed they had succeeded in helping Desmond forget Macie.
“I’m glad to hear that. If Desmond ever hurts you or raises his voice at you, tell us right away.” Heaven simply nodded. The chairman continued speaking on stage. Heaven ate quietly because talking to so many guests had made her hungry.
When Desmond stood up, Heaven glanced at him. He went up the stage and began his speech. He thanked everyone who contributed to the company’s growth. Heaven continued eating because she really liked the anniversary dishes.
“Water, dear.” Shiermy handed Heaven a glass of water. Heaven took it and drank. Her attention shifted to the stage when she heard what Desmond said next.
“I also want to thank my wife. I want to introduce to all of you my beautiful wife, who has stayed by my side.” Heaven coughed from shock. She didn’t expect Desmond to announce their relationship to all the guests.
“Go to Desmond on stage, Heaven. Join him,” Shiermy encouraged her with a smile. Heaven stood up shyly. Her heart beat faster as all the guests turned to look at her.
Desmond stepped down the stairs to fetch her. He took her hand and guided her up the stage.
“Do I really have to face them? This is embarrassing,” Heaven whispered.
“I told you I’d introduce you to everyone,” Desmond replied. Heaven was embarrassed, but she knew she had to go. She swallowed hard as the cameras flashed repeatedly in her eyes.
“I would like to introduce my wife to all of you. Her name is Heaven Rosales Velasquez. I also want you to know that we will be expecting our first-born child.” As Desmond announced this, Heaven held his hand tightly, nervously. She could see guests whispering among themselves. She couldn’t tell whether they were pleased or not.
After the introduction, the two of them stepped down. The function hall was cold, but Heaven’s cheeks felt warm.
“I am so happy for both of you,” Shiermy said excitedly once Heaven sat back down. Heaven smiled. “Have you thought of a name for your baby?” she asked.
“Desmond thought of it, mom. He wants our baby to be named Daryl.” Shiermy smiled and gently touched Heaven’s belly.
“I didn’t expect Desmond to do something like this. I’m so happy to know that the two of you developed feelings for each other. Don’t hesitate to come to me if my son gives you a hard time, okay?” Heaven nodded.
“Do you want to eat something again? Try this, it’s good.” Desmond said as he offered Heaven some food. She tasted it. Now that she was in her third trimester, her appetite had returned.
“Eat slowly so you don’t choke. If you want more, just tell me,” Desmond added, and Heaven nodded.
“I’ll just go to the restroom,” Heaven said.
“Come on, I’ll accompany you.” Desmond stood up and helped her walk. They went to the restroom. Desmond waited outside since he couldn’t enter the ladies’ room. Heaven went into a cubicle to pee.
“Have you seen Desmond’s wife up close? I didn’t even know he was married. I had such a huge crush on him. I even asked my parents if they could arrange a marriage for us, but he’s already married. It hurts so much,” one of the women outside said.
“I heard his girlfriend is a model. Who was that woman he introduced? I know his girlfriend, so I’m sure it wasn’t her. I wonder what happened to them,” another woman replied.
“It’s annoying. I’m way prettier than the woman he married. And she’s pregnant too! What did she do to my Desmond? Do you think she gave him a love potion?” Heaven wanted to go out, but she couldn’t because they were still talking outside her cubicle.
She waited for them to finish talking, but several minutes passed and they still didn’t leave. Desmond began worrying, so he stepped inside the restroom. The women were shocked when they saw him.
“Desmond!” they said excitedly. Desmond ignored them.
“Heaven, are you still there? Do you need help?” he called out. The women began whispering, clearly unaware that Heaven had been inside all along.
Heaven finally stepped out, fearing Desmond might knock on every cubicle door.
“Are you okay? Why were you taking so long?” Desmond asked. Heaven shook her head and pulled him out of the restroom.
“What happened in there?” Desmond asked.
“They were talking about me, so I couldn’t come out. They know Macie too, and one of them likes you,” Heaven explained. Desmond stopped walking.
“Do you want me to talk to them?” he asked. Heaven quickly pulled him back toward their table.
“No, just leave them. They can’t do anything anyway. They’ll have no choice but to accept me as your wife.”