The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Cecilia finally nodded, waving at Thomas who was standing nearby.

Thomas heaved a sigh of relief, throwing a grateful look towards Vivienne.

Inside the house.

Cecilia, carrying some groceries, entered the kitchen, mentioning she just needed to warm something up.

Vivienne, without giving it much thought, hung up her coat and went to the living room to turn on the TV for Isolde.

Just as she sat down, she suddenly remembered something and headed to the kitchen, only to see Cecilia calmly moving aside a herbal concoction Mr. Wolf hadn't managed to discard, placing a new pot on the stove. Had she not been in such a rush leaving with Mr. Wolf, leaving the kitchen in disarray, she would have thought she was hallucinating.

Didn't see it?

Impossible.

As Cecilia turned around and spotted Vivienne, she gestured for her not to come closer, "I'll handle this, just relax in the living room. No need to come here." Vivienne, "..."

Remembering Mr. Wolf's reaction the last time he was upset, she felt the need to clarify things beforehand to avoid a repeat of that incident. "Mom, that medicine is for me."

Cecilia, with her back turned, dropped a spoon with a clang back into the pot.

Turning to face Vivienne, her eyes widened in disbelief, "You're taking it? What's wrong with your health, did the doctor make a mistake?" That was a lot to process.

Vivienne couldn't immediately guess if her suspicions were correct.

All she could do was try to calm Cecilia down, "I've just been having trouble eating lately. The medicine is just to help with my appetite." Though her words were true, they masked the most crucial detail.

The Ellingtons' concern for her was something she understood well.

If the pregnancy came to light, she doubted she'd even be allowed out, not to mention the unknown number of people who might follow her.

Better to follow Mr. Wolf's advice and wait a bit longer before making it public.

Hearing Vivienne's explanation, Cecilia nodded in understanding.

Not suspecting her for a second, "That makes sense, you are too thin. And with your busy schedule, you need to eat more to stay strong. Looks like we're running low on medicine, should I get more?" Vivienne's brow twitched in annoyance, "No need, I'm already feeling better."

Cecilia, speaking from experience, advised, "Herbal medicine may work slowly, but it's harmless and nourishing for the body. It wouldn't hurt to take a few more doses." Vivienne, "..."

was afraid she'd become marinated in herbal medicine if she

passed

Vivienne's favorite dishes, steaming hot,

to

reluctantly, started to eat in small

her some vegetables, and Isolde's face lit up, returning the favor with a rib

her. Try this fish, it's fresh from the market." Vivienne nodded, about to take a bite,

her utensils and

was startled,

Cecilia was also stunned.

back at the dish she prepared, unsure where to focus her

he found his mom and sister arguing over

"Is it too spicy?"

mentioned she's been feeling unwell. I would've made something stewed

must've spoiled on the way here. Vivienne dislikes dishes with strong smells, especially fishy ones. I told you, mom, but you never

thought sea fish was nutritious, wanted to see which one your

Vivienne's absence, Percival grew anxious, "Mom,

Isolde pointed towards the bathroom, "Bro, Vivienne felt sick suddenly and went to the

hearing the sound of running water in the bathroom, Percival knocked lightly, "Vivienne,

voice, Vivienne took a deep breath and stepped

with one hand and checking her forehead with the other, asked, "Why did you throw up again? Did you eat something you shouldn't have?" Vivienne shook her head, having not even eaten yet, "It was just the smell of fish that made

Percival frowned with concern.

reassured him, "Mr. Wolf, mom doesn't know yet. Don't let

nodded, still worried

living room, the fish dish

worriedly looking over, "Vivienne, I'm sorry. Let's not eat that anymore. There are

Vivienne bit her lip.

couldn't stomach anything at

eat anything, so let's not force her. It'd be awful if she threw

feeling nauseous at the smell of anything lately, unable

the best defense against

"Recently, have you..."

an upset stomach and needs to watch her diet. You saw the medicine." Cecilia let out a sigh, her mind

a trip to the