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 sgroceries, 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 toe closer, "I'll handle this, just relax in the living room. No need toe here." Vivienne, "..." Remembering Mr. Wolf's reaction the last the 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 cto 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, "..." She was afraid she'd be marinated in herbal medicine if she kept at it.

The situation passed without further incident.

A few minutes later, Cecilia served up sof Vivienne's favorite dishes, steaming hot, even making a small plate for Isolde. Claiming it was to keep her sister-in-lawpany.

Isolde, albeit reluctantly, started to eat in small bites.

Vivienne served her svegetables, and Isolde's face lit up, returning the favor with a rib for Vivienne's bowl, "Sis, you eat too." Cecilia, sitting nearby, added a piece of fish to Vivienne's plate, "Eat up, 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 made her face change color.

She put down her utensils and rushed to the bathroom.

Isolde was startled, "Vivienne, what's wrong?" Cecilia was also stunned.

Glancing towards the bathroom, then back at the dish she prepared, unsure where to focus her concern.

When Percival entered the house, he found his mom and sister arguing over a dish.

"Is it too spicy?" "Your sister-in-law just mentioned she's been feeling unwell. I would've made something stewed had I known." "It must've spoiled on the way here. Vivienne dislikes dishes with strong smells, especially fishy ones. I told you, mom, but you never listen." "I just thought sea fish was nutritious, wanted to see which one your sister-in-law would like..." Noticing Vivienne's absence, Percival grew anxious, "Mom, where's Vivienne?" Seeing Percival, Isolde pointed towards the bathroom, "Bro, Vivienne felt sick suddenly and went to the bathroom. You should check on her." Percival rushed over, worried.

Only hearing the sound of running water in the bathroom, Percival knocked lightly, "Vivienne, it's me." Hearing Mr. Wolf's voice, Vivienne took a deep breath and stepped out, "Mr. Wolf, I'm fine." Percival, supporting her 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 madenauseous." Percival frowned with concern.

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

Percival nodded, still worried for her.

|| Returning to the living room, the fish dish was gone from the table.

Cecilia, worriedly looking over, "Vivienne, I'm sorry. Let's not eat that anymore. There are other dishes, try to eat a little more." Vivienne bit her lip.

She couldn't stomach anything at the moment.

Isolde took Cecilia's hand, "Mom, Vivienne's feeling sick right now. She probably can't eat anything, so let's not force her. It'd be awful if she threw up again." Remembering Vivienne's pale face, Cecilia felt guilty and was about to clear the table when a thought struck her.

Sitting back down, her eyes filled with hope, "Vivienne, have you been feeling nauseous at the smell of anything lately, unable to stand even the slightest scent?" Vivienne remained calm, shaking her head.

Staying silent was the best defense against prying questions.

"Recently, have you..." Percival cut 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, her mind spinning with thoughts.

After all, a trip to the doctor would surely clear any doubts.

She was just being overly suspicious.

Before leaving, Cecilia didn't et to remind Percival, “Son, you and Vivienne have just tied the knot, try not to bury yourself in work like you used to, okay?" Percival nodded.

Seeing him like this irked Cecilia, who glared at him, "Also, your grandpa is so eager for a great-grandchild he's practically going gray. Can you keep the promise you made?" en.kikistories Percival paused, the thought of Vivienne's pregnancy bringing an unstoppable smile to his face, "I'll tell grandpa to just sit tight." Cecilia scoffed, "Easy to say, let's see you prove it." Percival just smiled.

He had timed everything perfectly, the baby would arrive in the season of blooming flowers.

It might even be a girl, who knows.

Seeing her son's nonchalant demeanor, Cecilia was speechless and couldn't bother to lecture further, "Vivienne's not feeling well, take good care of her, you hear?" Percival responded affirmatively, walking ahead to open the car door for Cecilia, "I know, Vivienne has me. You and Aunt Isolde don't need toe over so often." Percival was silent.

He hadn't realized this side of his mother before.

Those dishes were something even his dad hadn't seen, probably.