Eva’s straightforward remark sliced through the air, immediately painting an awkward silence between her and Vivian. "I didn’t mean it like that," Vivian quickly backpedaled, her voice tense with discomfort. But Eva, with a disinterested shrug, opted to leave the matter hanging. Before they departed, Brian, with an air of authority, had prescribed medication for Eva, turning to Vivian with a serious tone, “Even if your friend is reluctant to take medicine, she really should give it a shot.” With that, the three of them exited the clinic and made their way back to the imposing Blackwood residence. As soon as they arrived, the car door swung open, and with a sense of urgency, Eva pushed herself out, driven by an overwhelming desire to retreat to her room and succumb to the welcoming embrace of sleep. But as she stepped onto the pavement, her leg faltered, and she teetered perilously forward—only to be caught just in time by Adrian, who had just emerged from the vehicle. His frown deepened as he observed her condition, “You’re in this state, and still refuse to take the medication or accept an injection. You truly are…” Vivian, catching sight of their hands entangled in that fleeting moment, hurried over. “Adrian, let me help.” She gently took charge, supporting Eva as they navigated through the grand entryway while exchanging polite nods with the astonished servants. The servants' eyes widened in disbelief at the sight of Vivian, one quietly murmured, “Isn’t that Ms. Morrison, the woman Mr. Blackwood has taken a shine to?” Another responded incredulously, “But isn’t he in love with Mrs. Blackwood?” The group leaned into their whispers, unaware that their discreet chatter had caught the attention of the ever-watchful butler. With a commanding presence, the butler, recognizing the rising gossip, interrupted bluntly, “Don’t you all have work to attend to?” The servants scattered, their curiosity extinguished under his stern gaze. As the room emptied, the butler, a man well over fifty with flecks of gray in his hair, furrowed his brow. So, Vivian had returned. No wonder he sensed something was amiss with Mrs. Blackwood the previous night. Once they reached Eva’s room, Vivian set to making her comfortable. “Thank you,” Eva managed softly. “Of course,” Vivian replied, forcing a smile. “Get some rest.” “Alright.” Eva kicked off her shoes and collapsed onto the bed, her eyes inadvertently drifting towards Adrian, who stood watchfully at the door. “Shall I take you back?” Vivian asked, her voice soft, weary from the day’s weight. With a reluctant nod, Adrian conceded, “Alright.” Before departing, Vivian’s gaze swept the room, and her eyes landed on a tailored men’s suit hanging by the door—one she recognized as distinctly Adrian’s. A sudden pallor washed over her as she pressed her lips together tightly, apprehension gnawing at her. After they left, Eva stirred in her drowsy haze, staring blankly at the ceiling. What was she meant to do about the child? The impending motherhood felt like a shadow looming over her. Her emotions for Adrian could remain hidden behind tightly shut doors, but a pregnancy was a truth that would demand to be seen, forcing itself into the light. An overwhelming surge of dread crept over her, and before she realized it, sleep claimed her once more. In the depths of her slumber, Eva felt an unfamiliar intimacy as someone deftly unbuttoned her collar, a chill dancing across her feverish skin when something cool pressed against her. She sighed, her instincts drawing her towards the source, clinging to the figure’s arm. The hushed groan that followed was followed by heavy breaths. Strong hands found their way to her nape, and her half-opened lips were suddenly captured. Something foreign invaded her mouth, igniting a rush of sensations that pricked at her nerves, making her gasp softly. A frown creased her brow as she bit down instinctively, the metallic taste of blood mingling with fear. The figure pulled away sharply, and she felt her cheeks pinched painfully, a voice drawing a blurred line between annoyance and concern whispering, “You’ve really been spoiled, haven’t you?” In confusion and pain, she pushed the hand away and drifted back into the abyss of sleep. When she awoke, night had draped its fabric over the world outside. A servant stood attentively by her side, eyes lighting up at her consciousness. “Mrs. Blackwood, you’re awake!” The warmth of the servant’s presence was comforting. “Thank goodness, your fever has finally broken.” With cloudy recollections stirring within her, Eva squinted at the servant and asked, “Have you been looking after me this whole time?” A brisk nod was the instant reply, but as the hope flickered in her heart, it quickly dimmed like a waning candle. The fragmented memories hinted at someone whose touch she longed for—someone undeniably Adrian, but now shadowed by stark reality. As she contemplated her predicament, the servant returned with a bowl of bitter medicine, the potent smell wafting in the air. “Mrs. Blackwood, this is still warm; you should take it,” the servant insisted, holding it out with encouragement. Eva’s brow wrinkled in instinctual aversion. “Just put it down; I'll drink it later.” She turned her head away, feigning hunger. “Could you get me something to eat?” “Of course! I’ll be right back. Just remember to take your medicine,” the servant said before retreating, leaving Eva with a moment of solitude. Once the door clicked shut behind the servant, Eva slipped from her bed, gathering the bowl of dark liquid in her hands. She quietly moved toward the bathroom, ready to rid herself of the medicinal contents. As the liquid spiraled down the drain, relief washed over her. But just as she straightened up, a familiar figure materialized by the door—Adrian, leaning against the frame with an enigmatic mix of curiosity and concern etched on his features. “What are you doing?” Her heart fluttered madly, panic flaring in her veins. Adrian approached, his sharp eyes locking onto hers as he took a predatory few steps forward. “You’ve been acting strange lately. Why won’t you take your medicine or an injection?” “I don’t want to. Is that a problem?” Eva’s voice maintained a fragile calmness, defying the storm brewing within her. She could not let on about her pregnancy—not now, not ever, lest the implications spiral beyond her control. Yet Adrian seemed to sense her turmoil. “Eva, about yesterday at the club, when you waited for me—was there something you wanted to say?” He lifted her chin gently but firmly, scrutinizing her every expression. Time froze in that charged moment. Memories whirled—the shocking revelation of her pregnancy, the dreams of sharing the news with Adrian, only to have them dashed when Vivian re-entered the picture. A cold sweat coated her spine; her thoughts raced. Should she reveal this truth? The ticking clock urged her toward a decision, one that could change everything. **Next episode preview:** What will Adrian's reaction be when the truth about Eva's pregnancy comes crashing down? Will love conquer the challenges ahead, or will secrets lead to their undoing?