She glanced around the yard of the Blanchet Villa, thinking about how she wouldnât be coming back here anymore.
The only thing she felt attached to was that kid, Baber.
Time flew by, and before she knew it, a day had passed after three meals.
In the evening, after having her bath, Ellinor was getting ready to tuck Baber in with a bedtime story when her phone rang yet again.
To her surprise, it was another call from Theo.
What was his deal lately? Was he going to call her every single day?
Not wanting to raise any suspicions with Theo, Ellinor hid her irritation and picked up the call.
âAre you asleep?â
Theoâs voice was low and gentle, a stark contrast to the tension from their conversation yesterday.
âWhat do you think? Would I be able to answer your call if I was sleeping?â Ellinorâs tone was indifferent, neither pleasant nor unpleasant.
Theoâs voice sank a little, âI was worried I might have woken you up.â
Ellinor shot back, âIf you were genuinely concerned about waking me up, you wouldnât be calling at this time!â
Theo fell silent for a few seconds before his tone softened again, âIâve been busy all day and just got some free time. Have you eaten properly today?â
At this point, hearing this manâs concern for her made Ellinor feel a bit sick to her stomach.
She passed the phone to Baber, âYour dad misses you. Have a chat with him.â
Baber was ecstatic; his voice was full of excitement as he greeted Theo. âDaddy!â
Theo didnât respond.
Unable to hear any response from the other end, Baber mimicked the adults and continued trying.
âHellos? Daddyâ¦â
Theo let out a sigh before responding, âIâm here.â
Baber beamed after hearing his dadâs voice, âDaddy, come back soon! I miss you.â
Theo replied, âBe a good boy when Iâm away.â
Baber assured him, âIâm good! Iâll listen to Daddy!â
Then Theo asked, âWhatâs your mom doing?â
Baber paused as his expression slightly became crestfallen, âI donât have a mom⦠No mom.â
The âmomâ in his memory was Patricia Howard, but he didnât want to acknowledge her as his mom anymore; she was always mean and abusive to him.
Theo rubbed his forehead, âWhatâs Ellinor doing?â
Baber glanced at Ellinor beside him, âSheâs lying next to me, keeping me company! Sheâs really nice; I like her!â
Theoâs eyes unintentionally softened as he listened to the childâs innocent voice, âI like her too.â
Since the phone wasnât on speaker, Ellinor could only hear Baberâs voice. She was clueless about what Theo was saying on the other end. Holding the phone for Baber was getting tiring, and she impatiently took it back, âWhat do you want? I need to get the kid to sleep!â
Theoâs voice was deep, carrying a hint of sincerity, âYouâve been working hard, looking after a child who has no relation to you despite being pregnant.â Ellinor let out a cold laugh, âIf you really thought I was having a hard time, you should come back and take care of him yourself instead of just giving me lip service!â
After saying that, she hung up the phone.