Billionaire's Pregnant Ex-wife novel Chapter 5

Thirty minutes later, I walked downstairs in my uniform: a white long sleeve shirt with a black vest and a pencil skirt cut above my knee. A black ribbon secured my hair in a bun at my nape. I wore no accessories except a watch, a gift from my mother on my twenty-third birthday.

Mom spotted me from the top of the stairs, her lips stretching into a smile. “You look good, darling.”

My cheeks burned from her compliment. I grinned at her. “You tell me that every day, Mom. It’s hard to believe you now.”

She chuckled. “I mean it, darling. You really do look great.”

Celine emerged from the kitchen holding a dozen fresh pink roses, picked from Mom’s mini garden. When she spotted me, her lips curved into a smile. She replaced the withered roses in the vase with the fresh ones before turning back to me.

“I packed you some lunch, Lily.” She set a lunch bag on the kitchen counter and handed it to me.

“You shouldn't have bothered,” I said, my cheeks turning pink as I accepted the bag.

“I don’t mind. There’s enough food left for us,” she assured me.

“You'll be late for work, darling. You should hurry,” Mom chimed in.

My high-heeled shoes padded across the carpeted floor as I pressed my lips to Mom’s temples. “Don’t forget to take your medicine, Mom, and don’t stay in front of the television for too long,” I reminded her. “I’ll be off to work now. Please take care, Mom.”

Turning my gaze to Celine, I caught her looking at me. “I will take good care of her, so don't worry.” Her smile was reassuring.

“Please do,” I replied.

I’m worrying too much. Mom will be fine. If there’s anyone I trust to care for her, it’s Celine. She’s been my best friend since middle school.

“Call me if something important comes up,” I said, still looking at Celine. She nodded, waving her hand.

“Take care, dear. Don’t skip your meals,” she called as I headed for the door.

“I won't, Mom. It would be a shame to waste this delicious food,” I replied before gently closing the door behind me.

The clear sky stretched across the horizon like a breathtaking painting. The clouds were the purest blue I’d ever seen, promising a beautiful day ahead.

I tore my gaze from the sky and climbed into the cab before I was late for work. With my back against the leather seat, I watched the scene outside. Old habits die hard, I thought, observing the birds spread their wings and dive into the sky, inwardly wishing I could be as free as them.