Chapter 5

Grace’s heart clenched as she hadn’t expected Brian to abruptly turn back after leaving.

Despite her racing heart, she tried to keep a calm facade. “I’m just asking for a classmate about what precautions to take if she wants to have a child.”

The female doctor remained composed. “For wanting a child, you need a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and moderate exercise. If your classmate has severe low blood sugar like you, then she definitely can’t get pregnant. You need to improve your health before considering pregnancy.”

Hearing the doctor’s words, Grace couldn’t help but exhale a sigh of relief.

Brian, half–squinting, looked at her, highly skeptical of Grace’s words. He believed there was no such classmate. It was likely Grace’s own desire for pregnancy.

With this thought, Brian’s face darkened. He coldly said, “Since the doctor says you’re fine, hurry up and go back.”

Seeing he didn’t press further, Grace’s heart finally settled. She sat up in bed and followed him out of the ward.

He walked fast, his long legs making large strides, without a thought of waiting for her, seemingly afraid of being seen leaving together.

Only when they reached the hospital’s entrance did Brian stop, standing there waiting for her.

As she approached, he turned coldly toward her. “Grace, I’m warning you again. Be mindful of your position, and don’t fantasize about things you shouldn’t!”

Under the scorching sun, Grace looked up at him, the brightness making it hard to open her eyes. She sighed bitterly. “What can I fantasize about? Since the day you brought Miss Adkins back, I haven’t dared to think of anything.”

Brian’s lips curved into a cold and ruthless smile. He indifferently said, “Then why were you asking so much at the hospital? Did you think I’d believe you were asking for a classmate? From today, I won’t touch you even once. Don’t even think about having my child!”

His words felt like a bucket of ice, cooling her from head to toe. She clenched her fists, her body swaying slightly. She struggled to contain the pain in her heart as she stared at him, firmly stating, “I understand. The contract is almost up. I’ll acknowledge my position and won’t cause you any trouble.”

Brian, looking at her frail form as if she might collapse any moment, coldly remarked. “Since you’re fine, go back and rest. There are plenty of servants at home. You don’t need to do everything.”

Grace was puzzled. ‘Why would he say that? Could it be because I fainted just now, so he’s showing concern?‘ thought Grace.

Brian reached the car door, opened the driver’s seat, and told her, “Be more careful in the future, don’t cause trouble!”

Grace watched him get into the car and speed away. Her heart chilled as she realized he only thought her fainting was causing trouble for him. She thought perhaps he abandoned Louise to come to the hospital, finding her a nuisance, disrupting his time with Louise. Her nose tingled, eyes heating up. She fought back the tears, forcing herself to look up at the sky, refusing to let the tears fall.

Grace had been waiting by the roadside for a long time under the scorching afternoon sun, unable to find an empty taxi. Her head was spinning from the heat, her cheeks flushed. Finally spotting an empty cab, she waved frantically, but the vehicle stopped near a middle–aged woman not far away.

The woman, about to get in, noticed Grace’s pale lips and halted, saying, “I’ve seen you waiting here longer than me. You take this cab.”

Grace couldn’t resist any longer and gratefully replied, “Thank you.”

As the car moved away, a black Bentley arrived at the hospital entrance. The driver glanced around, furrowed his brows, and then dialed a number.

“Mr. Francis, I’m at the hospital entrance, but I don’t see Miss Sherman.”

Brian paused briefly before his cold voice replied, “If you don’t see her, forget it. Just come back.”

Dragging her exhausted body back home, Grace collapsed onto her bed. Sleep eluded her, her mind filled with Brian’s indifferent face and the words spoken at the hospital entrance.

Touching her flat abdomen, she whispered, “Baby, your dad doesn’t like you, but Mommy will love you doubly.”

In a daze, she dozed off, waking up when it was already dark outside. Feeling a bit hungry, she went downstairs to find something to eat.

She barely took a few bites when she heard a noise outside the door. Moments later, Louise walked in, arm in arm with Brian. Both were exceptionally good–looking, like characters from a fairy tale emitting an undeniable radiance. Watching them, Grace felt as if their brilliance was blinding her. Bitterness surged within her, and she abandoned her half–eaten food, intending to go upstairs. But Louise suddenly called out, “Grace!”

She halted, slowly turning to face Louise. Standing next to Louise, Brian turned icy when he saw Grace as if silently warning her not to speak out of turn.

“Miss Adkins, do you need something?” Grace obediently played her role as a servant.

Louise smiled and approached, taking Grace’s hand. Apologetic, she asked, “How are you feeling? I heard you fainted. It worried me so much. I couldn’t even eat. Now that I see you’re okay, I feel relieved.”

Grace felt uncomfortable as Louise held her hand, subtly withdrawing hers. “Thank you for your concern. I’m sorry to have worried you.”

Louise noticed Grace’s withdrawal and the situation, maintaining her gentle smile. “I should be the one apologizing. If I had known you weren’t well, I wouldn’t have let you help me with the laundry.”

“Louise, that’s what she’s supposed to do. No need to apologize.” Brian’s deep voice suddenly cut in.

He walked over to Louise, gently wrapping his arm around her waist, his affectionate gaze undisguised.

Softly, he asked, “You didn’t have much for lunch. Are you hungry?”

Louise nestled into his embrace, nodding slightly. “A bit.”

Brian shifted his gaze to Grace, his expression turning icy and indifferent again. “Didn’t you hear? Why aren’t you hurrying to cook?”

Grace’s heart sank like a deep, heavy pond. She nodded slowly, turning to walk into the kitchen.

Brian held Louise’s hand and went upstairs.

Standing in the kitchen, Grace was momentarily lost. She had forgotten to ask what Louise liked to eat.

Glancing at the ingredients in the fridge, she decided to make Brian’s favorite beef stew. She intended to consider this cooking as something for Brian because she felt that in the upcoming three months, perhaps she wouldn’t have another chance to cook for him.

Melvin noticed Grace working alone in the kitchen and stepped in to help.

“Miss Sherman, let me help you.” Melvin kindly offered to help Grace with cooking.

“No need, Melvin. I can handle it myself.” Grace insisted on doing it herself.

Even though Grace said so, Melvin still couldn’t rest easy and insisted on wanting to help Grace. “You fainted today. Don’t strain yourself. Let me assist you.”