Chapter 17

“Would you like anything else to eat?”

His question might have sounded caring, but she understood the utilitarian intent behind it. He was nourishing her solely for the well-being of his child. The more he acted this way, the more she felt like a mere surrogate.

“No need, I’m full,” she finally declared.

***

He gently took her hand, guiding her through the meandering paths of the shopping mall. Caroline was utterly perplexed, clueless as to his motives. Yet, she found herself instinctively following him. To a casual observer, they might’ve looked like an enamored couple relishing a stroll.

“Why have you brought me here?” she finally asked, curiosity lacing her voice.

Raymond tightened his grip on her hand, and for the first time, he was introducing a lady to the world of commerce: “We’re shopping for furniture.” he revealed: “soon you’ll be moving into my place, and we’ll need some additional things.”

She blinked in surprise, her gaze dartin