Dorothy was fast asleep, blissfully unaware of the world around her.
But Kenneth, as if he had heard her silent slumber, felt compelled to send a message her way. His text, delivered through WhatsApp, pierced the silence.
Ding! Even in her deep sleep, Dorothy sensed the disturbance and, groggily, reached for her pocket.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtEverett frowned, snatched the phone, and quickly silenced it.
"Go back to sleep. It's nothing important.” "Mmm." Dorothy didn't even open her eyes, just murmured an acknowledgment and drifted back into her dreams.
Everett lit up her phone screen to find a voice message from Kenneth.
[Hey, I was thinking... Why don't | drop off breakfast for you two in the morning? That way you don't have to cook for Karen, and you can catch a little extra sleep!] Even Everett had to admit, Kenneth was one thoughtful guy. Trying to weasel his way in with a breakfast offer? If Dorothy nodded along, would lunch and dinner invitations be far behind? He stared at the screen, almost wishing he could punch through it with his glare.
His fingers danced across the keyboard, typing out a response. But just before hitting send, he paused and deleted everything.
No, that wasn't right.
Shouldn't he be glad that Dorothy had someone like Kenneth to take such good care of her? Otherwise, she might end up with some random Joe, good or bad, who knows? At least Kenneth’s intentions were genuine.
Karen, on the other hand, was skeptical about the paternity report.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmBut that wasn't the main issue.
"Even if that child isn't yours, there's no way we're getting back together," she stated flatly, leaving no room for argument.
"It's really because someone set me up, | swear. Even when I'm drunk, I'm not entirely out of it; I'm sure | took precautions!" Jeffrey insisted, knowing full well that he was careful with protection, given his wild lifestyle and the fear of catching something.
Karen scoffed and gave him a cold glance. "If you're so sure, then why, when Paige claimed the child was yours, did you not even bother with a DNA test before starting to act like a dad?" Jeffrey didn’t respond.
"In your heart, you must also agree and maybe even feel a little thrilled that Paige has remained chaste just for you all these years, right?" "No! It's just—" "Just that Paige gave you her first time, and she's got a thing for you?" Jeffrey was left speechless, head bowed in defeat.
"I told you, I'm not interested in competing with any woman. This whole tussle is just pointless." Karen took a step back, positioning herself for a quick exit if needed, "Thinking about it, | reckon I'm better off with someone like Levi. He's uncomplicated, no exes, no baggage.” Levi! That name was like a dagger to Jeffrey's heart.
He looked up sharply, his eyes dark with emotion. "Karen, you're carrying my child and already thinking about other men?" "Are you so sure the child I'm carrying is yours? Unlike Paige, | wasn't a virgin when we got together.” nn "l was just using Levi as an example. After the mess you made last time, there's no chance of us getting together now! I may not know exactly what I'm looking for in a man to spend my life with, but | do know it's not someone like you!" The thought of dealing with a potential illegitimate child was just too much hassle.
"Karen, | respected your wish not to be a stepmother, and | had nothing to say. But now that it's confirmed the kid isn't mine, can't you give me a chance?"