“Why wouldn't I? You were feeling great with me in the apartment earlier, weren't you?"

Blushing, Melissa didn't argue.

They sat quietly for a bit. Elsie seemed to sense Melissa's mood and brought her a glass of cranberry juice. “Mrs. Fowler, try this."

Not wanting to disappoint Elsie, Melissa took it. The scent appealed to her.

She took a sip but the taste made her stomach churn.

Rushing to the bathroom, she retched. She retched for a long time.

Marcus followed. "Let's get you to the hospital. You might've caught something."

Melissa knew her body well. She shook her head. Maybe she...

Behind them, Elsie stuttered, “Is Mrs. Fowler... expecting?"

Elsie smiled softly.

Melissa tensed up a bit while Marcus tilted his head, giving her an intriguing look.

Elsie, accustomed to Albert and Jessie's flirtations while she was still working for them, read the room and exited the spacious washroom silently, leaving the couple alone.

Suddenly, the air between them shifted.

During Melissa's first pregnancy, Marcus had been absent and was unfamiliar with the whole ordeal.

With a touch of concern, he inquired, “How are you feeling now?

Still sick?"

Melissa placed a hand over her chest, shaking her head. "I'm fine.

Just feeling a bit off," she said. There was a brief silence before she added, “Relax, I might not be pregnant. Maybe it's just something I ate."

It seemed Melissa's sudden yearning for Marcus’ presence was spurred by an emotional impulse.

Bathed in soft Light, she pressed herself against him, encircling his waist with her arms.