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, "..."

in herbal medicine if she kept

passed

minutes later, Cecilia served up some of Vivienne's favorite dishes, steaming hot, even making a

it was to

to eat in small

lit up, returning the favor with a rib

Vivienne, don't mind her. Try this fish, it's fresh from the market." Vivienne nodded, about to take a bite, when a peculiar smell

down her utensils

startled, "Vivienne, what's

Cecilia was also stunned.

dish

the house, he found his mom and sister arguing

"Is it too spicy?"

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

with strong smells, especially

wanted to see which

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

Percival, Isolde pointed towards the bathroom, "Bro, Vivienne felt sick suddenly and went to the bathroom. You should check

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

a deep breath and

eat something you shouldn't have?" Vivienne shook her head, having not even eaten yet, "It was just

Percival frowned with concern.

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

still worried for

living room, the fish dish was

that anymore. There are other dishes, try to eat a

Vivienne bit her lip.

couldn't stomach anything at the

be awful if she threw up again." Remembering Vivienne's pale face, Cecilia felt guilty and was about to clear

with hope, "Vivienne, have you been feeling nauseous at the smell

was the best defense

"Recently, have you..."

in, "Mom, we went to the doctor a few days ago. They said Vivienne just has an upset stomach and needs to watch her diet. You saw the medicine." Cecilia let out a sigh,

all, a trip to the doctor would surely