The factory owner, a resilient single mother raising two children, impressed Raegan with her strength and determination.

As dinner time approached, Raegan graciously accepted the invitation, allowing the factory owner to treat her to a meal.

They chose a restaurant favored by the dye factory owner, who hailed from the northern regions and had a penchant for exotic cuisine.

A roasted sparrow was served, but Raegan found the dish so repulsive that she couldn't even bear the smell, let alone consider eating it.

As soon as the dish was served, Raegan was overcome by an overwhelming urge to vomit.

Although there was a restroom available in the chamber, Raegan hesitated to use it, concerned that the lack of sound insulation might disturb other diners.

Deciding to excuse herself under the guise of answering a phone call, Raegan made her way to the restroom outside, where she promptly began to vomit violently.

Unbeknownst to her, a pair of eyes had been watching her every move.

As soon as Raegan entered the restroom, the person who had been watching her followed closely behind.

Raegan rushed to the sink, vomiting violently, after which she used her mouthwash to freshen her breath.

As Raegan turned to leave, she noticed a woman at the sink, reeking of booze and a pungent mixture of greasy barbecue and spicy scents.

The stench caused Raegan to gag, fighting back the urge to retch once more.

Retreating to the restroom, Raegan succumbed to another bout of violent vomiting, remaining inside until the wave of nausea had passed.

To Raegan's surprise, the woman remained, her brow furrowed with concern. “Hey, beautiful. You alright?"

The woman, now tidied up, smelled fresher and looked more presentable.

Raegan instinctively covered her nose and mouth. “I'm fine. It's nothing."

The woman apologized, “My apologies. I reeked of food and drink due to a clumsy waiter. Did it bother you?"

Raegan dismissed the apology. “Don't worry. I've been extra sensitive to smells lately."

“You look exactly how I did when I was pregnant. Are you pregnant?" the woman observed, raising her eyebrows.

Raegan's silence was her only answer to the woman's question. She kept her guard up, wary of strangers bearing too much familiarity.