Careful What You Fake

Kayla's grandmother and two uncles stood before me and questioned me.

"Where's the ring?"

I instinctively covered my hand. An idea flashed through my mind, and I quickly lied to my grandmother-in-law, Eleanor Sanford.

"Grandma, to be honest, I'm allergic to the ring. I can't wear it."

Before I could finish speaking, I was struck with a cane.

"Since you're determined to cover for Kayla, you'll stand here under the sun for two hours. You can leave when you finally understand what you've done wrong! You're Kayla's husband. Your first responsibility is to carry on the family line, not help her fool around outside. If you can't even understand that, then don't call me Grandma!"

I stared at them in confusion.

The three elders were so angry that they stormed off, leaving me alone in front of the family shrine.

When I was leaving, the family butler hurried after me and handed me a bag of supplements.

Right on top was a bottle of folic acid.

"Madam Sinclair prepared these herself. Make sure Ms. Kayla takes them. They're important for the baby's development in the future."

My hand shook as I accepted the bag.

I looked at the butler in shock.

Eleanor had even prepared folic acid.

Didn't that mean Kayla was pregnant?

Yuvan was impressive. It hadn't even been that long.

Looks like I didn't have to worry about my peaceful, laid-back future anymore.

Thinking back on all the effort I'd spent proving that I wasn't interested in Kayla, I felt exhausted.

It was definitely time to reward myself.

I immediately sent Selena a message.

[Good news. Kayla's pregnant. Even better news, I've escaped from the Sinclair Estate!]

[Let's celebrate later. I've got a surprise for you too.]

I glanced at the bag of supplements and thought I might as well pass them on to Selena. After all, Yuvan was already taking care of Kayla.

If I suddenly started sending things to her, what if they misunderstood my intentions?

There was a big difference between relaxing for a while and enjoying that lifestyle for the rest of my life.

I wasn't about to mess that up.

I happily went to find Selena.

She was in such a good mood that she rewarded me with three wonderful days together.

Unfortunately, we got a little too carried away, and I somehow managed to dislocate my leg.

Not long after I returned to the bridal suite wearing a leg brace, Kayla and Yuvan showed up.

Even before he arrived, I heard Yuvan's thoughts first.

'Those old Sinclair fossils just won't stop trying to tear Kayla and me apart. I won't let them have their way. Trying to match Kayla with Benjamin? Keep dreaming. I'll never let that happen.'

I stared quietly at the doorway until Kayla and Yuvan finally showed up.

She looked a little surprised that I already knew she was coming.

I wanted to say it was because Yuvan's thoughts were way too loud, but I didn't.

Instead, I just poured her a cup of tea.

"Why didn't you call me when Grandma punished you?"

I glanced at her, then at Yuvan, who was still glaring at me. His thoughts kept exploding in my head.

'Scheming trash! You think playing the victim and faking an injury will make Kayla care about you? Dream on.'

I rolled my eyes at him.

"It's fine. You were busy. I could handle something like that."

Kayla looked at me differently than usual after that.

'Ah! Kayla's actually starting to feel bad for him? Benjamin, you're disgusting! Kayla, don't fall for it. He's definitely faking it. I asked around. He didn't even stand under the sun for ten minutes before he left. There's no way he's actually injured.'

I really wanted to plug my ears and shut out Yuvan's nonstop whining.

Before I could explain, Kayla handed me another card.

I glanced at it. Good. Not a hotel key.

It was a bank card.

"This is my apology. Rest well. Buy whatever you need."

I took it, confused.

So this was a reward for covering for her in front of the elders?

Yuvan stepped in, clearing his throat.

"Kayla, your appetite has been off lately, and you've been nauseous. I've already set up an appointment with a doctor I trust. It's almost time. Let's go."

The moment he said that, I felt a jolt of alarm.

So it was true.

No appetite, nausea, and she'd switched to flat shoes.