The Million-Dollar Heart

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."

but it's harmless and nourishing for the body. It wouldn't hurt

afraid she'd become marinated in herbal medicine if she kept at

situation passed without

of Vivienne's favorite dishes, steaming hot,

was to keep her

started to eat

vegetables, and Isolde's face lit up, returning the favor with a rib for Vivienne's bowl,

mind her. Try this fish, it's fresh from the market."

down her utensils and

was startled,

Cecilia was also stunned.

the dish she

the house, he found his mom and sister arguing over a

"Is it too spicy?"

sister-in-law just mentioned she's been feeling unwell. I would've made

the way here. Vivienne dislikes dishes with strong smells, especially fishy ones. I

sea fish was nutritious, wanted to see which one

Vivienne's absence, Percival grew

suddenly and went

in the bathroom, Percival

Mr. Wolf's voice, Vivienne took a deep breath and stepped out,

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

Percival frowned with concern.

Wolf, mom doesn't

nodded, still

room, the fish dish was

over, "Vivienne, I'm sorry. Let's not eat that

Vivienne bit her lip.

anything at

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

at the smell