Third Person's POV
Haven knew everything but still played along. “Oh, really? Well, she’s at the age to start dating, I suppose. But why would she sound so happy to share news about her pregnancy with you?”
“Happy?” Edmond feigned confusion. “You must’ve misheard. A girl her age would be scared out of her wits if something like that happened.”
His explanation was flimsy, and Haven knew it. But instead of calling him out, she leaned back, her expression calm and trusting. “Maybe I did mishear. Either way, since she called you, perhaps you could check in and see if she needs anything. After all, we’ve sponsored her for so many years. It’s only right to do so.”
Edmond studied Haven’s face intently, ensuring that she still trusted him and harbored no suspicions. Once satisfied, he relaxed, offering her a smile that was almost convincing. “I think it’d be inappropriate for me to meet with her alone. I’ll just have my secretary handle it.”
He looked every bit the devoted husband, as though his relationship with Hattie was purely distant and formal.
But no matter how careful Edmond was, there were always people eager to stir the pot.
That day, while Haven was at the amusement park with Leigh, an all-too-familiar voice cut through the air.
“Hello, Aunt Haven,” Hattie greeted with a bright, calculated smile.
At 27, Haven was only seven years older than the 20-year-old, and the use of “Aunt” was an obvious provocation.
But instead of rising to the bait, Haven’s gaze dropped to Hattie’s stomach. The girl was pushing it out in an exaggerated manner, as though she were further along than she actually was. The sight was absurd, but Hattie seemed quite pleased with her performance.
“What a coincidence, Aunt Haven,” Hattie said, her tone sugary sweet. “I’m meeting the father of my child here today.”
Haven’s eyes didn’t waver, though she felt a flicker of annoyance. Just as she opened her mouth to respond, she spotted Edmond approaching from the other side of the park. His face was thunderous, his steps quick and heavy.
Haven kept her tone neutral. “Oh? I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting him yet. Who is it?”
Hattie smiled provocatively. “You know him well.”
Haven glanced toward Edmond, now only a few steps away, and replied evenly, “Then why don’t you tell me?”
Hattie’s smile grew bolder as she said, “The father of my child is, of course, your—”
Before Hattie could answer, Edmond’s cold voice cut through the tension. “Who is it?”
Hattie’s smirk faltered as she turned to face him. His expression was like ice, and the warmth she sought was nowhere to be found. Still, she placed a hand on her stomach and tried to appear pitiable. “Of course, it’s my boyfriend’s child.”
Edmond’s tone remained curt. “At your age, you should be focusing on your studies. But that’s none of my business. You’re an adult now—handle it yourself.”
Tears welled up in Hattie’s eyes, her voice trembling as she spoke. “But my boyfriend stood me up again today... Can’t you drive me home, Edmond?”
Her words were laced with insinuation, making Edmond tense up. He was terrified Haven would catch on. Keeping his expression cold, he said, “I’m here with my wife and child. Just commute by yourself.”
The dismissal was brutal, and Haven found the entire performance laughable. 'Does he really think I’m that gullible?' she mused.
Ignoring the tearful Hattie, Edmond wrapped his arm around Haven’s waist and spoke softly, “Haven, I’m off work today. The nanny told me you brought Leigh to the amusement park, so I came over right away.”
Haven glanced at Edmond, who looked like a loyal dog wagging its tail, and smiled faintly. “Is that so? Well, since you’re free, why don’t you take Hattie home? She’s pregnant, her boyfriend stood her up, and she seems quite pitiful.”
Edmond froze. The next moment, he looked at Haven with a pitiful expression. “She’s nothing to me. How could you ask me to take another woman home? You know, the passenger seat in my car is only for you, right?”
Out of the corner of her eye, Haven caught Hattie’s face going pale. The sight was so absurd it nearly made her laugh.
