Violette was deeply engrossed in animated chit-chat with her friend, Odette, completely oblivious to the fact that Elijah was approaching them.
“Violette, are you nervous at all? It won’t be long before you’re expecting,” Odette stirred the juice in her glass with a straw.
“Not really nervous, just eager to have the baby already. I’m weary with this big belly.” She nibbled on a small piece of cake, then asked, “What about you?”
“My in-laws get the same answer every time. “Let's wait till next year.” I'm not done enjoying life as it is!”
“Having a baby won’t necessarily stop you from enjoying life.”
“It will certainly change things. I do love kids, but once I have one, I know I won’t be able to resist caring for them.”
“You can enjoy life with your child. Having a kid has its own joys. You don't have to worry too much.”
“You give me so much courage, Violette. Whether it's having a baby or working, you're fearless.” Odette admired. “If I were a man, I’d fall in love with you.”
Violette chuckled, “If you were a man, I'd marry you, haha!”
Both women laughed together until the figure of Elijah appeared in their view. Odette's smile instantly vanished, and she coughed awkwardly. “Why is he here?”
Following Odette's gaze, Violette's laughter faded upon seeing Elijah.
“Did you invite him?” Odette asked in a whisper.
“No,” Violette replied softly.
“Should I excuse myself?” Odette continued to whisper.
“No need,” Violette assured her.
By now, Elijah had reached them and had overheard their conversation. He didn't say a word but just stared at Violette with a calm gaze.
“Elijah, I understand your concerns, but children need to be respected too. If you have a better way of changing Rita's mind, I won't stop you,” Violette didn’t want to argue, so she kept her tone gentle. “I’ll hold onto the card you gave me for now. I'll return it to you once you fall in love with someone else.”
He gave a bitter smile. “You might be waiting forever.”
“Don’t be too sure,” she said, heading towards the elevator.
He followed her closely.
He thought she was going home, but she headed to the drugstore next door after leaving the hotel. He thought she was going to buy an anti-inflammatory ointment for the scalp, but she ended up buying two boxes of medicinal facial masks.
After paying, she handed him the masks. “Take these and use them.”
“You think it's my face that's hurt?” He didn’t take the bag she was offering.
He had more to say, but he didn't. Yet, she understood what he meant.
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