Skylar cooked a bowl of pasta for Penelope in case she had not eaten anything yet that night. She’s pregnant now; she needs to take good care of herself for as long as that baby’s in her belly.
“Brayden has gotten in touch with me. He says it’s up to me to keep the baby or not. My parents have been bugging me about the father’s identity ever since they found out that I was pregnant. However, I can’t reveal the truth.”
Penelope frowned after swallowing some pasta.
Skylar looked at her in disappointment. “You knew Brayden was married, right? And you know the complications of having a baby out of wedlock. He’s got his own family too. I think you should go for an abortion. I’ll accompany you to the procedure.”
Penelope had been in shock the past few days herself. She had found out from Brayden that Skylar’s mysterious partner was Tobias.
The CEO of the invincible Ford Group is single.
To think I was worried that Skylar might be fooled by Tobias. She could not help but laugh at her past ignorance. Skylar will never draw the short end of the stick if she’s with a man like Tobias. Even if they split up, she’ll earn herself a pretty penny. I’d have to worry about myself first.
Penelope did not want to abort the baby. She replied to Skylar, “Well, he can always get a divorce. I’m younger and prettier than that wife of his anyway. This baby is my trump card. I’ve always said that I’m going to marry into a rich family. Now the opportunity’s right in front of my eyes; I can’t just let it slip by. Skylar, you can stop talking me out of this.”
As they chatted in the living room, there was the sound of a car parking in the driveway.
Penelope glanced at Skylar nervously as she wondered about the identity of this late guest.
The key turned in the lock of the front door. Skylar approached the door as Tobias walked in. A gush of cold wind followed him into the room.
“Why are you still awake? Were you waiting up for me?” Tobias asked as he removed his shoes. He saw Penelope standing up from the couch.
It’s her problematic friend. Looks like Brayden’s not too choosy about his romantic liaisons. She looks pretty normal to me.
Feeling awkward, Skylar took Tobias’ jacket from where it was slung on his elbow. “My friend’s staying the night. I didn’t know you’d be home today. I hope this arrangement doesn’t bother you.”
Tobias answered matter-of-factly, “This is your house. Anything you decide doesn’t bother me at all.”
Penelope felt nervous around Tobias after knowing about his relationship with Skylar. Even a simple hello seemed like a challenge to her. Her eyes darted around the room.
Tobias happened to notice the small bump on Penelope’s abdomen. I don’t know how women are supposed to look like when they’re pregnant, but that looks like she’s at least two months along.
The awkward atmosphere in the living room persisted. Skylar went to the kitchen to prepare supper for Tobias, leaving him and Penelope alone in the living room.
Tobias flipped through one of the magazines on the coffee tables.
“Mr. Ford, are you close to Brayden?” Penelope cleared her throat and attempted to make small talk with him.
Without lifting his head, he replied, “I don’t like to pry into other people’s private affairs. However, you are Skylar’s friend. I don’t want your emotions to affect her wellbeing, so I’d advise the two of you to reduce your interactions.”
He had conveyed all of this in a chilly tone, which accurately reflected his sentiments when it came to his thoughts on Skylar’s relationship with Penelope. While he did not mean to stop her from socializing with others, he preferred her to stay away from someone who invited trouble as frequently as Penelope did.
Tobias’ direct barb was a huge blow to Penelope.
