Chapter 4
I didn't walk far into the church before overhearing a group of worshippers whispering:
"Wasn't that just the CEO of Shaw Enterprises and Mrs. Shaw? Mr. Shaw is really going all out. He donated $30 million for incense and pushed through a hundred-million-dollar project just to catch an auspicious time to pray for their unborn child. Any kid who could be reborn as his son would be blessed for three lifetimes with such a doting father."
"That's not all. I heard Mr. Shaw is totally crazy about his wife. Did you see Mrs. Shaw's outfit and jewelry? Mr. Shaw just took her shopping for all that. I couldn't afford it even if I worked a hundred lifetimes."
Donavan was just helping Britta out of the hall when he looked up and saw me.
He nervously let go of her hand and tried to explain:
"Seraphina, don't get the wrong idea. I was on my way to find you when I ran into your sister. She's so pregnant, I thought it would be nice to give her a ride since she looked uncomfortable..."
Britta waddled up to me, her belly protruding, and said in a snarky tone:
"Sis, even though you're not destined to have children, your husband has always doted on you, hasn't he? What are you doing here?" "I saw what you heard about the Saint Mary granting children, but aren't you just tempting fate with her? Given your health condition, even if you cracked your skull open, you probably couldn't pray for a child. Don't trouble the divine beings."
Before I could say anything, Donavan backhanded her across the face and snarled:
"Shut your damned mouth! If you dare spout any more bullshit to your sister, I'll rip out your tongue and feed it to the dogs. Get lost!"
A flash of resentment crossed Britta's eyes as she held her cheek and left.
Donavan took my hand:
"Seraphina, I'm done with my work. How about I go with you to see Blossom now?"
I pulled my hand away and said coolly:
"I've already seen Blossom. I just came here to light some candles for him."
"Alright, I'll wait for you then."
Just as we exited the main hall, Donavan's phone pinged with a message.
He didn't notice I was right behind him, and I saw the message clearly.
"New toy, absolutely thrilling. In the car. Waiting for you."
Donavan's breath caught, and lust tinged the corners of his eyes red.
He didn't even glance back at me before rushing out impatiently. A few minutes later, Donavan called me, his breathing slightly hurried:
"Seraphina, there's still a small issue with the previous project. The client is pressing us, so I need to go check it out. I'll have the driver take you home, and I'll bring back something delicious for dinner."
Just as I stepped out of the temple gates, I saw a few men approaching from afar, their faces full of gossip:
"Damn, that car we just saw hidden in the woods looked like it belonged to the CEO of Shen Corporation. Getting frisky in broad daylight, huh? That car was rocking like a roller coaster."
"And here I thought rich people had better taste. Doing that stuff next to a church, aren't they afraid of karma?"
The driver looked at me uncomfortably.
"I didn't hear anything, and there's no need to mention this to him when we get back."
His eyes showed sympathy as he nodded.
Two hours later, Britta sent me a message.
"Seraphina, Donavan beat me up for you today. Are you feeling smug now?"
"Don't celebrate too soon. I've got a show for you to watch. Pay close attention, because in your husband's heart, only me and my child truly matter."
The next second, she video called me on WhatsApp.
The angle was strange, as if secretly recorded, but it didn't prevent me from clearly seeing her location. My eyes widened in shock. That was Blossom's grave!
Donavan stood next to his mother-in-law and a man dressed as a spiritual advisor. Britta was nestled in his arms.
"Donavan, I've been having terrible stomach pains lately. The advisor says it's because Blossom is jealous of our baby and wants to harm him. We must let wild dogs scatter Blossom's ashes to break the curse."
Donavan's brow furrowed: