Soon, the game began.At first, Calla was in front, with Mercer behind her. The balloon was wedged between her bottom and his abdomen. This immediately drew laughter from the crowd.However, this method proved too slow, so they changed tactics. They faced each other, and the balloon was now squeezed between their bellies as they held hands to synchronize their movements.Calla's hands were enveloped by his warm, large hands. Their faces were so close that they nearly touched.Suddenly, she felt a flutter in her chest, and her face flushed. She didn't dare look up at his eyes. His warm breath brushed against her cheek, making her feel a little ticklish.However, she had no time to dwell on these feelings. Even the slightest lapse in attention would cause the balloon between their bodies to drop.Encouraging cheers filled the air around her. Coming in last meant facing a penalty, so she was determined not to lose.Their coordination was quite good. Though not first, they maintaine

"Sure!" Alicia gladly agreed.On the way, she whispered, "Looks like the scrooge is treating you quite well. His expression changed dramatically when you fell just now.""He's just worried about my belly. Do you think he really cares about me?" Calla replied, though she couldn't deny the warmth she felt inside."Come on. Which of the women here wouldn't want that thing in your belly? Don't act innocent. By the way, the way the scrooge held you was so gallant—like a knight protecting a princess." Alicia clasped her hands together, and her eyes betrayed obvious envy.Calla pondered whether her encounter with Mercer was a blessing or a curse. Having him by her side gave her a sense of security, just like earlier when she felt like a fully protected princess.Throughout the years, she had always taken on the role of protector for her mother and sister. Even during her relationship with Tim, she was the one taking care of him. She had never experienced the feeling of being protected an

Seeing her lowered face, Mercer smiled slyly. He reached out, but instead of taking the glass, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her toward him. Both Calla and the glass fell onto the bed."Ah!" Calla screamed as she was pressed under a massive weight.The glass rolled away sadly, spilling water, and wetting the sheets. Calla's hands pressed against Mercer's chest as she stared at the figure above her in panic. Utterly bewildered, she froze."T-The water spilled," she stammered after a while. Feeling nervous, she couldn't help but lick her lips.It was an unintentional gesture, but it was the most enticing temptation for the man before her. His eyes grew darker, and his voice became huskier. "I don't feel like drinking water now.""W-Why?" she asked, feeling at a loss."I want to taste you instead," he whispered into her ear.Was that a sweet nothing? Even if it wasn't, Calla's heart had already melted.Then, Mercer sealed her lips with his and deftly untied the belt of her bathr

Alicia glanced at Calla and smiled mischievously. "Did something happen last night? You seem off today."Seeing Alicia's playful grin, Calla decided to come clean. "Something is bound to happen when a man and woman are alone in a room with such beautiful scenery, alright?""Spill the details, now!" Alicia's interest was instantly piqued."The food will stop you from talking." Calla jabbed a piece of chicken with her fork and shoved it into Alicia's mouth.As Alicia chewed, she continued smiling mischievously at Calla. "Mmm, delicious!"Calla rolled her eyes in exasperation, feeling thoroughly annoyed with her friend.At that moment, Simon, who was dining at the same table with Mercer, suddenly stood up and cleared his throat. "Everyone, Mr. Garland has a special treat for us today. Each of you will get a serving of Macosia-imported premium caviar. Enjoy!"The announcement caused a stir among the employees, as the Macosia-imported premium caviar was known to be extremely expensiv

Calla thought that Mercer's excuse was far-fetched. He drove all the way here at night just because the air was fresh? Did he feel that way because of her presence?Even though she felt she might be flattering herself too much, she couldn't help but think this way.The night was quiet, and neither of them spoke again. Calla began to feel drowsy, but she was aware of something soft and furry brushing against the back of her neck.Instinctively, she shifted her position. Although she hadn't experienced significant pregnancy symptoms yet, she couldn't endure his demands for two consecutive nights.Calla squirmed a bit and couldn't help but say, "I-I can't.""Can't what?" Mercer asked with a smirk. His voice carried a captivating allure."I-I'm pregnant. I can't handle your… nightly demands," Calla stammered. Her face was burning.As soon as she spoke, Mercer cleared his throat and said, "I spent eight hours negotiating with the head of a company this afternoon. I drove straight to