Chapter 324 Infertility
Lucian comfortably sat in the booth next to Calista, positioned near the window with two couches facing
each other.
Paul, who had trailed Lucian into the restaurant, shot him an irritated look before settling in beside Agnes.
“Mrs Baker,”
Lucian greeted Agnes with courtesy. Agnes smiled and stood up, heading for the
“Some friends invited me for a hangout, and I’ll pass on joining you guys today. So, I’ll need to excuse
myself. You guys go ahead and enjoy.
She rubbed her stomach and chuckled, “As you get older, digestion becomes a bit of a challenge. Beef
steak and such are more suitable for you young folks.”
With Agnes gone, the atmosphere at the table grew tense, leaving only the three of them. Lucian leaned
closer to Calista, his expression filled with disgust as his gaze fell upon the dishes before him.
He remarked, “I’m not a fan of Palaiseau cuisine. Care to join me for some Calaiselle cuisine?”
Calista, her stomach rumbling from hunger since she had only had a small breakfast, wasn’t in the mood
to indulge him.
“Why did you join us if you’re not into Palaiseau cuisine?”
There were plenty of open smoking areas outside, yet he had intentionally chosen a spot under Agnes‘ nose for his cigarette session.
Lucian replied casually, “Well, Mrs. Baker invited me. It wouldn’t be right to refuse a request from a senior.
Calista picked up her knife and fork to cut her steak.
“You may enjoy Calaiselle cuisine on your own.”
“Very well. If you’d like to stick with Palaiseau cuisine, I’ll keep you company.”
Lucian changed his mind and quipped
“There’s no need to push yourself, Calista shot back
Lucian immediately sliced a piece of steak and fed himself
He responded effortlessly, “I’m not pushing myself.
Paul observed the natural and unpretentious interaction between the two of them. Calista had usually been polite and reserved around Paul, avoiding any potential breaches of etiquette.
However, she now appeared more at ease than ever around Lucian.
As Lucian and Calista playfully bantered, Paul noticed a subtle hint of flirtation between them. A bitter and weighty sensation welled up within him, leaving him uncomfortable.
The bitterness grew as Paul reflected on how Calista had intended to turn to him instead of Lucian in
times of trouble.
If Paul had been the one to offer help without considering the consequences at the time, he would now
be the one sitting beside her.
Paul couldn’t shake the feeling that he had lost something precious within his reach. The sensation weighed heavily on his heart and soul.
He tightened his grip on the cutlery and looked at Calista, his emotions swirling.
Battling the increasing discomfort and bitterness, Paul spoke, “Calista, regarding the…”
Lucian’s forehead pulsated with visible veins. What he dreaded the most right now was Paul bringing up
the past.
After all, the love letters Calista had written to Paul were still tucked away in Lucian’s study drawer.
Before Paul could finish his sentence, Lucian’s abrupt actions cut him off and drew everyone’s attention.
Lucian had risen from his seat with a loud clatter of cutlery, prompting Paul to stop mid–sentence.
Calista, feeling mortified, whispered to Lucian, “What’s gotten into you?”
Maintaining a stem expression, Lucian responded, “My feet are numb. Needed to stretch them.”
Calista retorted, “Quit throwing your utensils if your feet are numb! Just sit down.”
Lucian continued with a strained tone, “The food here is terrible. Will you join me for something else?”
Embarrassedly covering her face, Calista ordered, “Remember our agreement? Do you want me to change my mind? Sit down.”
Lucian glanced at Calista and muttered, “It’s getting warm here”
Puzzled by Lucian’s sudden change of topic, Calista noticed him reaching for his shirt buttons.
It reminded her of the disturbing marks on his chest, so she quickly responded, “Alright, fine. What would you like to have?
“Calaiselle cuisine,” Lucian replied.
Calista raised an eyebrow, slowly comprehending his motive, then replied with a forced smile.
“Sure, let’s go.”
With a slight indication of remorse, she directed her attention to Paul.
“Paul, I’m sorry, but I have to go. Something has come up, and I need to excuse myself. Let’s plan for
lunch again next time. My treat.”
Calista’s polite dinner invitation to Paul didn’t sit well with Lucian, who pursed his lips, clearly expressing
his displeasure.
Paul, taking it in stride, replied, “Alright.”
Calista pulled Lucian out of the restaurant, and as soon as they reached the door, she let go of his hand
and walked briskly toward the street.
“Callie …”
Lucian hurriedly caught up, attempting to pull her closer, but she pushed him away.
“Don’t touch me, you jerk. You threatened me on our first date. Now you’re out, Stay away from me.”
Lucian quickly stepped in front of Calista. It had slipped his mind that their relationship was still in its trial
phase, and he was on shaky ground, at risk of being let go at any moment.
“I didn’t threaten you. It’s boiling inside.”
Lucian wiped his forehead and presented his hand, stained with sweat, to Calista.
“See, I’m sweating.”
He was genuinely frightened by Calista’s response.
Calista retorted, “Don’t play games with me. Are you planning to strip in public just because you’re sweaty? Are you some kind of pervert?”
She didn’t believe him for a second.
I didn’t strip down or anything. I was feeling a bit stuffy, so I wanted to unbutton one button, you know?” Lucian explained.
Liidian wasn’t wearing a tie today but had buttoned his shirt up, making him appear quite warm in this Weather, even without a jacket
Calista firmly stated, “You can’t go unbuttoning anything, seriously.”
It was too embarrassing for her if anyone noticed the marks on his body. As Calista’s demeanor softened, Lucian seized the moment, gently taking her hand and guiding her toward the car
“Unbuttoning one button won’t cause a commotion. I’m not some sort of pervert. I want everyone to know we’re a couple, but I promise I won’t use something like this to show off.”
Lucian appeared aggrieved and angry as he continued, “We might be new to this dating thing, but you can’t just give me the boot that quickly. Don’t judge me solely based on your assumptions. I’m not a robot.
I’ve got feelings, too.”
Calista felt a twinge of guilt as she saw the anger on his face. Had she misjudged him so harshly?
I was wrong to accuse you.”
She apologized, “I’m sorry. I was wrong to accuse
Lucian replied, “It’s alright. I’ve had my fair share of mishandling things in
the past.”
Calista fell silent, contemplating her actions. Lucian’s response didn’t seem to comfort her. Instead, it only deepened her guilt. Once they were in the car, Lucian didn’t inquire about Calista’s destination.
He simply drove in the direction of Everglade Manor. Calista didn’t object. She hadn’t slept well last night
and could use a nap. On the way, they passed by a pharmacy.
Calista ordered, “Pull over. I need to buy some pills.”
“You stay in the car. I’ll go buy it.”
Concerned that he might have hurt her again last night, Lucian furrowed his brow and suggested.
Surprised by his compliance, Calista inquired, “Do you
which to buy?”
Earlier that morning, Lucian had mentioned wanting a child, so she found it strange that he didn’t seem upset about her buying contraception pills.
“Yeah,” Lucian replied without looking at her, his voice slightly subdued, as if he were a child who had done something wrong
“While you were in the hospital, I was hanging out in the waiting room. I remember the meds the doctor recommended. There’s this anti–inflammatory and anti–swelling stuff. It’s meant to be used externally
Calisto’s face immediately turned red, and she quickly covered Lucian’s mouth.
meant contraception pillet she exclaimed.
ucian’s expression suddenly turned cold, and he curtly remarked. “There’s no need for that.”
Calista was confident that they had unprotected sex last night. She had woken up to find his fluid below
her this morning.
Moreover, she had clearly stated that she wouldn’t have his child, at least not now. So, why was Lucian opposed to her taking the contraceptive pills?
Suddenly, a thought struck her. Calista stared at Lucian, her eyes widening in disbelief.
“Are you saying you’re infertile?” she asked.
