The Five Year Itch (Sera and Julian) novel Chapter 3

3 

No one had expected Julian to be so determined. The air in the living room thickened with tension. But Sera was not moved at all. 

Finally, Julian’s mother, Emily, gave in.“Alright, let’s eat.” 

Dinner was quiet, punctuated only by the occasional pointed sighs of Emily. Sera’s grip tightened around her silverware. She knew what was coming. The next second, Emily put down her fork.“We don’t want to be annoying, but you need to give usa grandchild. Someone’s gotta carry on the family name!” 

Julian slammed his own fork down.“I’ve told you, Sera hates pain, and I’ll never force her to have a baby. I’d rather remain childless!” 

His parents were furious. 

Just as another argument was about to erupt, Sera spoke, her voice calm but chilling.“In two weeks, Mom, Dad, you’ll have a grandchild.” 

Everyone stared at her, stunned. 

“Sera?” Julian held her hand.“We agreed not to have children. You don’t have to do this for me. 

She met his earnest gaze, a wry smile playing on her lips. They would have a grandchild, but not from her. 

She was leaving the country in two weeks, and given his obvious fondness for Chloe- and their frequent sex- this would be perfectly natural. 

“The elders want grandchild, 

a 

we can’t say no to 

that,” she said sweetly. 

An unsettling feeling crept into Julian’s heart. It was really weird. 

His 

parents beamed.“That’s my girl!” 

Julian still felt uneasy. Before he could ask why, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, his 

ression changing. 

Sera was 

close enough to see the message. It was from Chloe. 

“Julian, a guy just asked for my number. Should I give it to him?” 

Sera counted. One, two, three… 

On the third second, Julian stood up.“Excuse me, Sera, there is an emergency at my company. Take your time. I’ll pick you up later.” 

He didn’t wait for a response, rushing out without even grabbing his jacket. The moment he was gone, Julian’s parents unleashed their pent–up frustration on Sera. “How long have you two been married? Why aren’t you pregnant? Are you even trying?” “You came from a normal family and your parents are dead. If it weren’t for Julian, you’d be nothing! We’re so unlucky to have you as our daughter–in–law.” 

“Don’t cry! Don’t even think about telling this to Julian! Every wife gets scolded. He’s busy! Don’t bother him with this!” 

Serà endured five hours of relentless berating. 

() 20:26 

< 3 

Meru 

Finally, Julian returned to pick her up. As they drove home, Sera asked, “Did you finish your 

work?” 

He paused, then said smoothly, “Yes.” 

As he spoke, his index finger tapped rhythmically against the steering wheel–a telltale sign of his good mood. 

Noticing her silence, he added belatedly, “My parents didn’t give you a hard time, did they?” 

Sera was about to reply when she spotted a pair of ripped polka–dot stockings under the Apassenger seat.