Chapter 10%
When Chase returned to the Hollis residence, the designer was already there, busy sketching jewelry for Isla.
Isla lounged lazily on the sofa, then tossed a pile of handmade accessories onto the table in front of him. “Brother, for my birthday this year, I want something special. I want you to make my gift with your own hands, just like the designer’s draft. Please?”
The design was intricate, layers of delicate patterns and embellishments that would take no less than ten hours to complete.
Chase frowned, a trace of hesitation flickering in his eyes. “Isla, I still have meetings to attend. I’m afraid I won’t have that kind of time…“& Before he could finish, Isla’s face crumpled, and she burst out, “So my birthday means less than your work now? Fine, don’t bother anymore! I won’t ask for anything ever again!“}
As she spoke, tears welled up and slid down her cheeks, making her tantrum look even more fragile and dramatic.
How could Chase bear to see her cry like that? He quickly gave in, his tone soft. “Alright, alright, I’ll cancel the meetings. The little princess’s birthday is the most important thing…”
But as he said it, his brows furrowed. This deal was a major step for the Hollis Corporation. Walking away from it now could cause real damage.
For some reason, his mind drifted to Rosalie.
If it had been her, she would’ve quietly smiled and told him to go to work. She always put others before herself.
The thought hit him hard. Why was he thinking about Rosalie now? Why was he comparing her to Isla? Wasn’t Isla the only one he cared about?
Just then, his phone rang.
He picked up. “Hello?”
A calm voice answered on the other end. “Hello, is this Mr. Chase Hollis?”
“Yes, speaking.”
“Today was Ms. Rosalie Redmond’s follow–up for her prenatal check–up. We couldn’t reach her, so we’re contacting you instead…“}
His mind went blank.
“Prenatal check–up… Rosalie… she’s pregnant?“>
“Yes. The baby is healthy. But the father hasn’t shown up once; she’s come alone every single time.“}
The voice kept going, but Chase heard nothing else. Everything around him faded.
Countless memories flashed through Chase’s mind.
He vaguely remembered seeing an ultrasound report once, but Rosalie had quickly hidden it from him.”
And that child in the photo, those eyes, that nose, it looked like a blend of him and Rosalie.
No, that couldn’t be their child. Could it?!
But one thing was certain: Rosalie was pregnant.}
Why hadn’t she told him?
A strange feeling rose in his chest, part disbelief, part joy. A warm wave flooded through him.}
He was going to be a father.}
The thought made the corners of his lips curl into a deep, quiet smile.
Even when Isla came over to feed him fruit with her own hands, his mind wandered. “Is!a, I don’t feel like eating.”
Normally, even the smallest touch from her would make his heart race. But now, the moment he thought of Rosalie carrying his child, he felt a strange resistance toward Isla, like something inside him had changed.
Later, Isla curled up beside him and spoke sweetly, “Brother, can you stay with me these next few days? I want to shop, plan some private events, and I want you to personally light the fireworks on my birthday, okay?“}
Chase sat beside Isla, but his mind was far away from Rosalie.}
She was pregnant with his child, yet still chose to fly abroad to care for a friend. What if something happened? What if the baby was hurt?
If he had known, he would’ve gone with her. He should have been the one by her side, protecting her.”
As these thoughts filled his mind, everything Isla said started to fade into the background. “Okay, I got it,” he replied absentmindedly, not even hearing her properly.”
Even when Isla spoke with a hint of sarcasm, “She’s been married to you for three years and only now gets pregnant…“}
For once, Chase didn’t let it slide. His tone turned sharp. “She’s your sister–in–law. Don’t talk about her like that.”
As soon as those words left his mouth, silence fell. Even he froze, stunned at himself.
Something didn’t feel right.”
Without another word, he stood and made up an excuse to leave the house.
Behind him, Isla called out softly, “Brother….”
