Chapter 75

Unice's PoV

Everything went well after we visited Ace in the mental hospital. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to visit him on weekends, which was good. We arrived home, and Justin parked the Humvee, after which I unbuckled the seat belt and exited, noticing that Zoey was not talking to me for some reason. Maybe she and Justin talked about something, and I need to remind her that I'm her best friend and can help her.

We entered my house, and Zoey went straight to the living room without changing her clothes, which confused me. I followed her, saw her lying on the sofa, and she noticed me.

"Unice! Why did you follow me? Will you tell me what happened at the mental hospital?" Zoey asked, and she quickly rose to her feet.

"It's not about that; you didn't speak to me earlier; did something happen that you don't want me to know about?" When I asked her, she pouted.

"Justin and I talked about Max, and he told me that Max has a crush on me," Zoey laughed.

"I know that too, Zoey. I'm sorry, I just want to help him and you," I explained, and she was surprised when I revealed that I knew Max liked her.

"Okay, what should I do now? If he comes to your house! He will undoubtedly speak with me!" Zoey whimpered, and I could tell she was nervous.

"Don't be concerned; I'm here to help you. If you talk in private, remember to bring your phone; if you don't know what to say, I'll text you," I suggested to her as I laughed, and she laughed as well.

"All right, why don't you call Max and inquire about what happened to your company?" Zoey responded, and she was correct. I need to know what happened to Ace's Company, and I need to look into it right now.

"Go change your clothes; I'll change mine after I call Max," I reassured her, and she nodded as she walked away.

"See you later. Thank you for your help. I'm going to cook for our dinner and work tomorrow," Zoey said as she exited the living room.

I pick up my phone and dial Max's number to check on him.

"Max, how are you? Is there anything I should know about the company?" I question him after he quickly answers the phone.

[Hello Miss Unice, everything is fine, you have a meeting with Mr. Daffe tomorrow, he said you have a new project collaboration,] Max explained that I put it on the loudspeaker and removed my shoes.

"Do you know who that person I'm going to collaborate with is, and did you get any information about him?" I inquire of Max.

[His name is Kenji Masamoto, Japanese, but he speaks English.] I was surprised to learn that the next person I will work with is Japanese.

"That's fantastic; thank you for informing me, and what time are you leaving?" I thanked him and inquired about his name, which I heard someone call him.

[I'm going to our base before I go home; are you all right now? Because you've been to the hospital for check-ups.] Max elaborated.

"Yes, I'm fine, and I've made an appointment with my ob-gyn. You'll pick me up tomorrow; I need to plan what I wear." I explained to him

[Is Ace okay? Did you speak with him? How was he?] Max interrogated me.

"He's fine, and he promised to return, but I don't know when because the case is still ongoing," I replied, and I heard Charlie's voice.

"I think you should focus on your work now, but thanks for today. Remember to text Zoey to improve your relationship," I muttered, and he was about to respond when I hung up the phone.

I stood up, picked up my phone, then picked up my shoes, and decided to wear pajamas today.

I went upstairs and entered the room. After that, I went to the cabinet to select the gray pajamas I wanted to wear. I noticed the box containing the BDSM items and packed them because it would be suspicious if the police discovered them.

Closing the cabinet and starting to change my clothes, I stretched my arm and heard someone knocking on the door, so I went there, and when I opened it, it was Zoey.

"I was wondering what kind of food you wanted. I'm going to begin preparing it right now," Zoey asked, and I considered what to eat for dinner.

"Can you make some pasta? I'd also like fried chicken with steamed vegetables!" I asked her, and she pinched my cheek.

"Are you really that hungry? Allow me to prepare that for you, my queen," Zoey teases me as I laugh.

"I'll come down later because I need to unpack my bag," I explained, and she nodded before closing the door and heading downstairs.

I was picking up my small bag and my purse when I noticed the picture on my purse; it was a selfie with Ace. As I look at it, I smile and suddenly touch my tummy, wishing the baby was healthy so Ace would not be concerned.

I stood up from my seat after unpacking my belongings from my small bag and placing them in the small drawer. I brought my phone with me in case Max called me if something happened at the company. As I came down and the elevator doors opened, I smelled the food Zoey was cooking.

"Did you add more since Tom and Justin are here?" I inquired, and she nodded while still cooking.

"Without a doubt! They are watching over us and sleeping in the garage, where I believe they have made a home." Zoey laughed, and after a few minutes, she finished cooking the pasta with meatballs, and the next thing she cooked was sliced and marinated fried chicken.

"Do you require my assistance?" She shook her head when I offered her some help.

"Have you forgotten that you're pregnant? You simply sit and wait for your food to be prepared; I will handle the rest." Zoey's advice made me laugh, so I opened my phone and scrolled through social media.

"Did you mention me to Max when you called him earlier?" I was scrolling through social media on my phone when Zoey asked me.

"Yeah, he just told me about the company and asked about Ace, but I told him not to worry and to text you!" I explained to her and noticed Zoey smile slightly as she cooked the fried chicken.

After a few minutes, Zoey finished preparing the food. She prepared a juice for me and the utensils we required as she removed her kitchen apron, I thanked her, and she called the two outside who were watching my house. They walked inside and sat down.

"Today's meals are delectable! Who makes the request?" Justin inquired, and I raised my right hand just as I was about to put down my phone.

We began to eat. I was thinking about Ace and imagined him eating with us, and we were happy and complete. Someone touched my hand, and she was concerned when I looked at Zoey.

"What are your thoughts? I called you twice because you were zoning out," Zoey said, and I was taken aback.

"I think I'm just tired or overthinking; after I eat, I'm going to take a rest," I told her, sipping the juice.

"Stop overthinking, Unice. I know you're thinking about Ace, but now isn't the time to dwell on negative thoughts. You are pregnant, and you must take care of your child," Zoey said, and I nodded, continuing to eat.

"I'm sorry if I keep worrying you; all I can think about is Ace being with us and eating together; there are no negative thoughts about it." I comforted Zoey.

"Finish your food. I'll sleep with you tonight because I'm perturbed about you and the baby," Zoey exclaimed, and I was touched because she just said she cares about me.

"I really love you, Zoey!" Since I was sitting next to her, I remarked and hugged her.

**