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."

harmless and nourishing for the body. It wouldn't hurt to take a few more doses."

she'd become marinated in herbal medicine

situation passed

up some of Vivienne's favorite dishes, steaming hot, even making

was to keep her

albeit reluctantly, started to

lit up, returning the favor with a rib for

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

down her utensils and rushed to the

startled,

Cecilia was also stunned.

bathroom, then back at the dish she prepared, unsure where

his

"Is it too spicy?"

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

dislikes dishes with strong smells, especially fishy ones. I told you, mom,

fish was nutritious, wanted to

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

felt sick suddenly and went to the bathroom. You should

running water in the bathroom, Percival

Vivienne took a deep breath

the other, asked, "Why did you throw up again? Did you eat something you shouldn't have?" Vivienne

Percival frowned with concern.

doesn't know yet. Don't let

still worried

to the living room, the fish dish

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

Vivienne bit her lip.

anything at the

can't eat anything, so let's not force her. It'd be awful if she threw up again."

smell of anything lately, unable to stand even the slightest scent?" Vivienne remained