All Novel Sweet
53
53
Camila followed Connor’s gaze to her own stomach. She had just been sick, and the thought that he might assume she was pregnant seemed absurd to her. She couldn’t help but snicker, “Mr. Connor, you don’t actually think I’m expecting, do you?”
Connor’s eyebrows knitted together tightly, his expression turning a shade paler.
“Mr. Connor, do you think I’m out of my mind? Would I take blockers instead of contraceptives? It was just a reflex to the green onions I ate this morning, not morning sickness.”
Connor’s face darkened ominously, sending a shiver down Camila’s spine.
“The light’s green,” Camila pointed out.
With a sharp turn, Connor expertly maneuvered the steering wheel, his arm muscles tensing visibly. Camila clutched her seatbelt tightly, barely daring to breathe. Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.
Connor gripped the steering wheel firmly with one hand, his fingers clenching it tightly, while his other hand casually rested on the window sill, his chin propped up by his bent fingers, his face expressionless.
Unable to contain her curiosity, Camila asked, “If I really were pregnant, what would you do?”
Connor blinked, his lips pursed, clearly unsure.
“Keep it or not?”
“Keep it.”
“Would you marry me?”
“I’d take responsibility.”
Camila chuckled softly, a hint of self–mockery in her voice, “Using the child to climb the social ladder? I’m not that naive. Two people who don’t love each other getting married just because of a child is the ultimate irresponsibility.”
Raising an eyebrow, she continued, “So, Mr. Connor, rest assured, I won’t be having your illegitimate child. As for anyone else, I wouldn’t
know.”
Hearing this, Connor felt an inexplicable emptiness and rummaged through his pockets.
“Looking for a smoke?”
“Yeah.”
“There’s a convenience store around the corner. Pull over, and I’ll go buy some,” Camila suggested, pointing ahead.
The car pulled over, and Camila headed straight into the convenience store. “I’ll take a pack of cigarettes, this brand, and a lighter, please.”
As Camila was about to pay, Connor handed over the card.
“They didn’t have your usual brand, so make do.”
“Alright, let’s grab some breakfast too,” Connor suggested, pointing at the food display.
“You want some breakfast?”
Connor nodded.
“Two servings of toasts. Please, separate them.”
Camila glanced at the counter and picked up a box of candy, “Is this the only flavor of Jelly Beans left? I haven’t been able to find the orange flavor lately.”
“They’ve discontinued it, no more coming,” the cashier shrugged.
“You are too old to like sweets. Aren’t you worried about cavities?” Connor commented as he placed a bottle of milk and a bottle of water on the counter, taking the candy from her hands.
Camila wrinkled her nose and snatched the candy back, placing it on the.cashier’s desk. “I’ll treat you to breakfast.”
Connor picked up the water and the packed breakfast and got back into the car, “You start eating. I’ll have a smoke.”
Camila took a big bite of the beef ball sneaking glances at Connor at the designated smoking area.
He stood casually, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a cigarette, gently drawing in a breath of smoke and then slowly exhaling, seemingly releasing his emotions. His gaze, through the thin veil of smoke, appeared somewhat lost and profound.
He must be relieved, Camila thought.
After a moment, Connor made a call. “Hi, Mr. Connor, what can I do for you?”
“Do you guys produce a candy called Jelly Beans?”
*Jelly Beans? Sounds familiar, the snack department is my brother’s responsibility, I’ll ask him for you.”
“Thanks, I’m looking for the orange flavor.”
Connor pressed the cigarette butt down until it was completely extinguished before slowly opening the car door and getting back
inside.