Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon novel Chapter 387

“I’ll end up raising a little money-eating monster who’ll spend all my cash,” Lyman joked, grinning.

Effie snapped out of her daze and gave Lyman a playful smack, blushing as she protested, “You’re ridiculous! Who calls their own kid a monster?”

“So what would you call them then?” Lyman’s lips curled into a teasing smile as he looked at her.

“Baby,” Effie declared.

“Alright, baby it is,” Lyman replied without missing a beat.

Effie stared at him, momentarily thrown off, then, realizing what he’d said, swatted him again, this time with even more indignation.

But her blows were so light they barely registered on Lyman, more like a tickle than an attack.

The two of them bickered and laughed together, while Effie’s grandmother looked on from the side, her face lighting up with delight at their antics.

…

Later that day, Effie had to attend Old Mrs. Lawrence’s birthday dinner. Knowing Mrs. Lawrence’s fondness for all things handmade and natural, she decided to pick out a thoughtful gift.

Old Mrs. Lawrence loved artisanal scents.

So Effie made her way to Zenith Aroma. As soon as she stepped inside, a shop assistant recognized her. “Miss Bagnold! What brings you here today? Are you looking for the teacher? She’s in the garden.”

“I thought I’d drop by to see Mrs. McKenzie—and maybe pick out a gift for a friend,” Effie replied.

“Of course, right this way.”

Out in the garden, Mrs. McKenzie was sitting alone at a chessboard, deep in concentration. When she spotted Effie, her eyes lit up. “Effie! You haven’t visited me in ages. I’m stuck on this endgame—would you take a look?”

“Sure thing,” Effie said, settling beside her.

She studied the board thoughtfully. “What about this move?”

“Tried it already—leads to a stalemate.”