When Catherine saw Clarissa’s huge baby bump, she laughed. “Your neighbor told me that she guessed it’s a girl. When you were carrying Damian, your morning sickness wasn’t that bad and your tummy didn’t swell as quickly. But since this baby is different, she is likely a girl.”
Rubbing her stomach, Clarissa replied languidly. “I sure hope so. Matthew has bought a ton of things for girls and even painted the baby room pink. There doesn’t seem to be any doubt in his mind. If it turns out to be a boy, I’m sure he will be disappointed.”
“Don’t worry, you’re a lucky gal. I’m sure it’s a girl, just like both of you wanted.”
As Clarissa’s tummy grew bigger, the seasons grew warmer.
However, Catherine seemed to be growing weaker potentially due to the heat.
In the mornings, she would wake up for a while and chat with Clarissa. After that, she would go back to sleep out of exhaustion.
In truth, Clarissa was cognizant of what was going on. Catherine was advancing in age and becoming frailer. Although she didn’t have any disease, age was just catching up.
Despite being mentally prepared, Clarissa still hoped that Catherine would be able to hang on.
When she saw Catherine fall asleep while talking, Clarissa quickly got Jenny to cover her with a blanket. As she watched her grandma, she talked to her daughter in her tummy.
Actually, it was easy for them to find out the baby’s gender by then. It was just that Clarissa instructed the doctor not to reveal it.
She was worried that Matthew would be disappointed to find out that it was a boy.
Hence, it was better not to face the truth yet.
Standing up, Clarissa massaged her back. Her baby had tormented her throughout the pregnancy. She started off with morning sickness and was experiencing cramps at night now.
When she had Damian, she didn’t have any problems at all. It was evident this baby, regardless of its gender, was going to be a difficult one to raise.
Meanwhile, she headed into the garden for a walk under the shade of the trees. After chatting with Matthew on video, she returned to the house. When she inquired about the progress of the movie, she was informed that it would be ready for screening during the holiday season.
Filled with anticipation, Clarissa couldn’t wait to see it.
Although she could now watch the edited version, she didn’t want to watch it at home. Instead, she preferred to watch it amongst the audience in the cinema.
In the afternoon, Yaala dropped by Zen Highlands. Other than visiting Clarissa, she had something else to discuss.
Worried that Clarissa would be utterly bored at home, Matthew had asked some of her friends to drop by for a chat with her.
Obviously, the best way to cure boredom was the internet; however, there were just too many negative comments on it. Hence, Matthew forbade Clarissa from using her phone or the computer. Therefore, her only connection to the outside world was through her friends.
“I don’t feel like getting married to Henry. At my age, I’ve already lost the enthusiasm for it. Isn’t everything wonderful now? Why must we be married?”
Clarissa had heard from Matthew that Henry had proposed to Yaala in public. However, she turned him down, causing them to give each other the cold shoulder for a couple of days. Nevertheless, Henry refused to give up and kept proposing repeatedly.
The moment Clarissa heard about it, the professional side of her kicked in. “I think Ms. Zaha and Mr. Jackson’s relationship is so complex that it has all the ingredients to make a good novel.”
However, Matthew didn’t think much about her suggestion then.
But now, Clarissa felt that Yaala’s perspective did make sense.
“Ms. Zaha, you’re right. As long as you love each other, it doesn’t matter whether you’re married. But, what about kids? Have you thought about that?”
Yaala shook her head. “Not at the moment. We’ll just go with the flow.”
Since she wasn’t too concerned about it, Clarissa didn’t press on.
However, Yaala added, “Do you know what Shermaine is up to recently?”
Clarissa shook her head.
“They didn’t want me to tell you, but I don’t think it matters that much. She has established a movie production company that invests in movies where she is the female lead and producer. In fact, I heard that she has taken on the role of the director too. Furthermore, she is currently making an urban romance movie.”
Clarissa furrowed her eyebrows.
“She must be doing it on purpose. Those in the know are aware that she is trying to provoke you. I heard that they are rushing through filming so that it can be screened before your movie. Hence, you’d better be mentally prepared.”
Clarissa grunted in acknowledgment. “There’s no reason for me to be afraid of her challenge. Nevertheless, Ms. Zaha, don’t worry as I’m not angry. I’m confident that her movie wouldn’t be better than mine given how little time she has. After all, the quality of my script is excellent. Also, with Director Yates at the helm and Ryler’s influence, there’s no way our movie would be outdone by Shermaine’s.”
“The issue isn’t about your movie losing out as most people are pessimistic about hers. It’s just that her deliberate attempt to rattle you is just annoying. However, it’s good that you are not bothered by it. There’s no point in stooping to her level.”
“Mmm-hmm. I have long been at the receiving end of her despicable methods. This is something I’m well aware of.”
“Evidently, Matthew has underestimated your emotional strength. It’s better I let you know now than you finding out yourself later.”
Clarissa laughed. “Men always assume that women are weak. They don’t know how wrong they are and how unimaginably tough we can be.”
Both women exchanged glances and laughed.
After Yaala left, Clarissa got Mandy to send her all the information about Shermaine’s movie.
The moment Matthew returned, Clarissa asked Matthew for permission to use the computer.
“Hubby, I would like to use the computer for twenty minutes… No, thirty minutes.”
Hugging Matthew by the waist, she tried to cajole him into granting her permission, just like Damian did when he was asking for a treat.
Matthew laughed as he pinched her chin. “What do you need it for?”
“Mandy has sent me some information which I need to see.”
“What kind of information?”
“Sigh, it’s a commercial secret, so stop asking me. I’m not allowed to tell you.”
Smiling affectionately, Matthew grabbed her hand before agreeing.
However, before Clarissa could celebrate, Matthew stated his condition.
“Let me go through it with you.”
“No…”
“It’s not up for discussion.”
Pouting, Clarissa grunted grudgingly in agreement.
When Matthew brought over the computer, Clarissa suddenly felt a sense of connection. How long have I not used it or even typed on it? Why do I feel the urge to hug it to sleep?
The longing she felt for her computer was the result of their long separation from each other.
However, Matthew was oblivious to the rush of emotions that were going through her mind.
All he saw was her opening her email with her eyes glistening in anticipation. When he realized what the content was, he couldn’t help but frown.
“Isn’t this supposed to be about work?”
“Sigh, it is! Don’t freak out, as I already know. Moreover, I’m not angry. Shermaine is just making a fool of herself. Hence, I’m not bothered by it. I just want to see to what depths can she lower herself to. Of course, I need to know what my enemy is planning too. It’s better I know now than I find out when it’s too late.”
Matthew was relieved that she wasn’t upset.
Nevertheless, he insisted on going through it with her. When Clarissa was done, she couldn’t help but laugh.
“Haha… how ridiculous can it be? Does the male lead have a brain? After being run down by the female lead’s car, they fell in love with each other instead of going to the hospital? Haha… There must be something wrong with Shermaine’s head. Also, there’s this part where the female lead’s dad was killed by the male lead. But she falls deeply in love with him. An unfilial girl like that should be executed…”
When Clarissa teared from laughing, Matthew had to remind her to calm down.
“Don’t overdo it.”
“Mmm-hmm. Don’t worry, your daughter has a strong heart. Anyway, what’s wrong with Shermaine? How dare she challenge me with a movie like that? Where did she get her confidence from?”
“True. Not just anyone can go up against you…”
After laughing for a while, Clarissa remarked, “Isn’t she supposed to be smart? Even if she wants to annoy me, this isn’t going to succeed. There’s no way I would feel threatened by it.”
“Mmm-hmm. Very good, that’s what you should do. She is nothing to you. Anyway, let’s go down for dinner…”
“Wait, it’s not half an hour yet. I still want to read.”
Hugging the computer, Clarissa refused to let Matthew take it away.
When he saw the pleading look in her eyes, Matthew’s resolve melted.
“Fine. Just a while more.”
When Clarissa checked her Twitter account for news, Matthew was worried.
However, given that the previous incident happened some time ago, he figured that she would likely not see anything controversial.
When Clarissa scanned through the trending topics, she saw some new celebrities going viral, some public complaints, and then…
Mr. Tyson has an affair.
While Mrs. Tyson is pregnant, Mr. Tyson has a secret liaison.
Clarissa even read the headline out, causing Matthew’s face to darken.
Holding back her laughter, Clarissa looked at Matthew’s frantic expression.
“Tell me. Who is she?”
Matthew folded the computer but was stopped by Clarissa instead. “What’s wrong? Are you trying to destroy the evidence? No way. Just tell me the truth.”
Given the stern look on Clarissa’s face, Matthew felt as if he was put on trial.
