Lost in her thoughts, Alexis was brought back to the present when a servant handed her a glass of hawthorn juice.

The scent immediately unsettled Alexis. Covering her nose, she hurried to the bathroom. “Claribel, what is this? Why does it make me feel sick?"

Claribel responded with innocent surprise, “It's just hawthorn juice.

I got it freshly squeezed just this morning."

Why was Alexis feeling nauseous?

Women often felt that way when pregnant, and Claribel couldn't help but wonder if that was the case with Alexis.

A dramatic shift came over Claribel's expression. That speculation soon caught the attention of others in the house, their eyes turning toward Leonel.

But Leonel had undergone a vasectomy.

How could Alexis get pregnant?

Before Leonel could clarify, Alexis, leaning weakly against the wall, emerged and said feebly, “I just went for a run. There's no way I could be pregnant."

Tears brimmed in Alexis' eyes as she looked at Leonel, a silent plea in her gaze.

Only Leonel could truly read the emotion in her eyes, and he longed to embrace her.

Their explanation, however, seemed to disappoint the older family members.

The prospect of Alexis' pregnancy would have brought more joy to the family.

Trying to appear indifferent, Mark chimed in. "It's okay that you're not pregnant. I think Edwin and Laura might be considering another child next year."

At that, Cecilia gave Edwin a sharp kick. “Laura will have a hard time if she's pregnant again so soon. You don't seem to care about her struggles since she's not your daughter, do you?"

Mark quickly backpedaled, admitting his error, “Alright, I misspoke.

I apologize."

Cecilia, not easily placated, retorted, “Even with a natural birth, Laura should rest for at least a year before they even consider a second child. And it's a decision for her and Edwin, not you. How did it become your concern as a father-in-law? You should be ashamed for meddling."

Mark apologized once more.