The housekeeper was at a loss for words, and Cicely's response only deepened her silence.
Coco returned swiftly with breakfast, but something felt off in the room.
The housekeeper unfolded the table and arranged the food neatly on top. Cicely moved forward in her chair, took a spoonful of oatmeal, and tried to swallow, but nausea churned in her stomach. She gagged slightly, unable to stomach the meal before her.
The housekeeper watched anxiously from the side. Initially, she knew Cicely as Mr. Diaz's hidden mistress, a relationship not established by convention.
The housekeeper had no fondness for girls who would sell themselves for money without self-respect. But as time passed, she began to see that Cicely was not the typical mistress she had imagined.
Cicely never asked Mr. Diaz for anything, nor did she flirt with men as other women might. The housekeeper could even sense a deeper, more complicated, and inevitable bond between Mr. Diaz and Ms. Cicely, one that was far more profound than superficial displays of affection.d2
Unwittingly, the housekeeper found she couldn't bring herself to dislike Cicely. She even thought that this beautiful, radiant, and proud young woman, with her straightforward and unencumbered demeanor, deserved affection more than the widely known superstar girlfriend.
"Ms. Cicely, if you can't eat, don't force yourself. Is there something specific you'd like? I can prepare it for you," the housekeeper offered.
Cicely shook her head, took a bite of the breakfast roll, and forcefully pushed down the nausea. "No need. I'm quite hungry, and right now anything will do."
The food in the prison wasn't exactly something one could be picky about. Moreover, when feeling unwell, nothing tasted right.
Cicely alternated between bites of oatmeal, the side salad, and the breakfast roll, but it was as if she was chewing wax.
The housekeeper watched with a heavy heart, her eyes brimming with tears. She knew the girl had come from prison.
After finishing two breakfast rolls and her oatmeal, Cicely finally felt some strength returning. The housekeeper cleared the table while Cicely lay down on the bed.
"Do I need to continue with the IV drip?" Cicely asked.
The housekeeper nodded, "I'll go check with the doctor."
Cicely tucked herself under the covers and closed her eyes, her voice soft and steady, "I'd like to get it over with as soon as possible."
"Alright."
*
Chloe had just stepped out of the elevator and into the apartment lobby when she encountered the cool and distant Seth. Both slowed their pace.
Seth eyed her up and down. "Pregnant and still not staying put?"
Chloe tugged at her lips. "Just back from the hospital or heading there now?"
Seth, one hand in his pocket, his expression stern, retorted, "Can’t I be somewhere else? Why do I have to get involved with the hospital?"
"That's fine. As for me, I'm just off for a morning walk."
Seth glanced at her still-flat belly. "Be careful."
Chloe smiled and hummed in acknowledgment.
As they passed each other, Chloe suddenly called out, "Seth."
He stopped and turned around. "Something else?"
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