Joyce realized that the problem was far more serious than she had imagined.
She stood up and paced back and forth in the living room, replaying recent events in her mind, trying to find the connections.
But no matter how she thought about it, she couldn't come up with any clues.
At that moment, her phone rang again.
She stopped in her tracks and turned to look at her phone. The caller ID showed Juanita's name. She hesitated for a moment, but if she didn't answer Juanita's call, Juanita would only become more worried.
After answering the call, sure enough, Juanita's voice came through screaming, "Oh my god, Joyce, you just returned to Khebury, what on earth happened? Mr. Warner's first love from ten years ago is back? Is it true or not?"
The voice was too loud, and Joyce couldn't bear such a high decibel level. She couldn't help but close one eye.
"Maybe it's true, maybe it's not," she replied vaguely.
"What kind of answer is that?" Juanita complained, "Tell me quickly, what's going on? Mr. Warner has another first love? I've never heard of it before, and I've been at R&S Group for quite some time. I wouldn't have missed such a big gossip. I always thought you were his first love."
Joyce rubbed her temples. "Juanita, the situation is a bit complicated. I can't explain it right now. Just focus on taking care of yourself and don't get involved in these matters. Karl must have advised you as well, so listen to him."
"He told me not to get involved, that it's a matter between you and Mr. Warner. But how can I not ask? You two have been through so much, and you finally had some peace for a few days, and now a first love suddenly appears to intervene between you." Juanita shouted.
"All I can say is that there is such a person, but there may be some inconsistencies," Joyce explained, "Give me some time at least. I will handle it."
"Joyce, no matter what, don't believe those rumors. I believe in Mr. Warner, and I believe in my own intuition. Mr. Warner is not that kind of person. The way he looks at you, his actions towards you, it's all filled with deep affection, and everyone can see it. I don't believe any other woman can take advantage of that, even if he had a first love, it's already in the past." Juanita said.
Joyce responded with a noncommittal "Hmm."
"And you absolutely cannot back down, and you absolutely cannot let things escalate. You must drive that woman away, do you understand? This is not the time to prioritize your pride. Think about Anderson, think about the fact that you're pregnant with twins. Don't be reserved when it comes to matters of the heart, understand? Don't hide away just because you've been hurt, and end up helping others, understand?"
Joyce rubbed her forehead, accepting Juanita's advice. "I understand. I won't."
If it was just about a woman, things would be simple.
But it was probably not that simple at all.
"Juanita, another call is coming in, I'll hang up now," Joyce glanced at her phone and saw that her mother Cecelia was calling.
"Okay, remember, if you need someone to talk to, remember to call me. If you need advice, remember to ask me! Bye."
"Okay," Joyce replied before switching to Cecelia's call.
"Mom, did you call me?" Her voice sounded calm.
Cecelia's gentle voice came through, "Joyce, have you been experiencing severe morning sickness recently? Do you need me to come and take care of you for a few days?"
Cecelia's wording was tactful, indicating that she already knew about the situation. Joyce naturally understood that her mother was asking how she was doing and if she needed their support.
She replied, "Mom, I'm fine. I'm used to being here, everything is good. Don't worry, everything is normal."
Unlike Juanita, Cecelia was calm and reserved. "Since you say so, I naturally feel relieved. The military is changing defense positions at the border these days. When Mr. Dewey passes through Khebury, I'll have him bring some things for you to eat and use. You'll find them useful."
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