The Billionaire's Bundle of Joy

Chapter 12

JUSTIN

EVER since Riz came, it’s like I’ve been on a roller coaster. It was easy for her to rile me up. Even though I have a long patience, there are times when I feel like I’m about to lose my sanity. Dealing with her was like disciplining a child having a tantrum. She admits that this isn’t her usual behavior. I’ve read that in the pregnancy book as well. Pregnant women go through a lot of changes. Their hormones are acting up along with several other things.

“You always use him against me,” she snapped at me.

I didn’t answer her; instead, I called a designer. “Renata, I need a white dress. No, short. Like one of those cocktail black dresses you have, but I want it in white. Off-white is fine. Size?” I looked at her. “Send me two dresses, size two and four. I’ll pay for both. I want different designs. Send me some shoes as well.” When I ended the call, she was staring at me. “What is it?”

“Is this really how you are? You don’t know how to say thank you?”

“Am I supposed to? It’s business. I pay for their services. They should thank me.”

There were a lot of things I learned as I got older, and I do not intend to change anytime soon. You show people any sign of weakness, and they use it against you. The truth is, it’s a cruel world out there.

“People will do more for you with a simple thank you.” When she talked to me like this, I felt like we were the same age. And although I don’t share the same views because I’ve been burned before, there is some sense in what she’s saying.

“When you do things for your stepmother, does she thank you?” She quickly averted her gaze, and I knew their relationship wasn’t good. It’s a common Snow White-Cinderella story when you have a stepmother. I’m not generalizing, but only a few women can accept their husband’s child at first.

“Sometimes.”

I chuckled. “Sometimes,” she says, even though it’s clear it has never happened. “Keep telling yourself that.”

She didn’t say anything else and just looked out the window. On one hand, I didn’t need to offer her marriage. But she was stressing out, and if I used her father again as a threat, she probably wouldn’t believe me anymore. For the first time in my life, I found someone I wanted to protect since my mother passed. And no matter how tough Riz tries to appear, she’s still vulnerable.

I want to believe that the child she is carrying is mine and that she isn’t that kind of woman, but I don’t remember anything from that night. If I hadn’t seen myself on the CCTV, I would think she was lying. My memories will return on their own, but I want to remember now. This time, I won’t refuse the therapy I’ve been putting off for so long.

When we arrived at the house, I stopped her when she tried to get her luggage from the trunk.

“Someone will take care of that for you. Leave it and come with me.” Riz hesitated, so I took her hand and started walking. She had no choice but to move her legs. I didn’t drag her because I knew her condition was delicate.

This house has long been owned by the Calderons. My stepfather gave it to me when he passed away and entrusted me never to sell or give it to anyone except for my future child.

We encountered Manang in the living room, and I introduced them before sending refreshments to the lanai. The garden was spacious, and the air was fresh. There’s a pool not too far from here, and there’s a man-made lagoon as well. I actually missed coming here.

“It’s beautiful here,” she commented, her admiration evident in her voice.

“This property has been owned by the Calderons for a very long time. I’m glad you like it. You can do whatever you want here.”

“I can cook and bake?” Riz looked excited.

I nodded. “Just don’t burn the house down,” I joked.

“I won’t burn it down. I will be very careful.” She cleared her throat. “Thank you.”

I acknowledged her without saying anything else about it. I don’t know her well yet, but from the way she acts and what she says when she’s being rational, it’s clear she hasn’t been treated well in the home she grew up in. She probably had many restrictions and had to be careful with her actions.

“Sir, ma’am, please cool down first. I also made some tuna sandwiches.”

“Thank you, Manang,” Riz replied to her.

She knew I wouldn’t thank the old woman, so Riz did it for me. It amazed me how she could still be grateful to people she just met, even though her upbringing was rough. For others, they might have rebelled, but she graduated. She even finished with Latin honors—c*m laude.

We sat down, and I drank the juice that Manang prepared. Riz picked up a sandwich and took a bite. When she noticed I wasn’t eating, she took one of the sandwiches and handed it to me.

“You should eat. You didn’t eat anything for breakfast. You’ll get an ulcer.” She continued eating after she said her piece.

I wasn’t hungry, and the juice was enough for me, but I obliged her. I’m not even a fan of tuna.

“Is it good?” I asked her as she reached for another one.

She nodded with her mouth still full and then smiled. When she smiles, it feels like the world around me brightens and becomes colorful. What the f**k is wrong with me? I’m too old for this.

“What were we supposed to discuss?” she then asked after swallowing her food.

“The terms for our marriage of convenience.” She nodded. “We are not going to live together, so don’t expect that I will be here every day. Don’t call me if it’s not important. You won’t always have me with you at doctor’s appointments, but if I’m free, I will be there. Whatever you need, I will provide.” I opened my wallet and took out the black card to give to her. “Buy whatever you want. You will not see or date any man until our marriage is annulled.”

“If you’re going to ask me that, then it’s only fair that you don’t see or date any woman too.”