3: Just the Wrong Medicine

The next day

Lillian awoke feeling under the weather. She reached for the cold medicine in her drawer and poured herself a glass of warm water. Just as the pill hit her tongue, something clicked, and her face paled. She rushed to the bathroom to spit it out, bending over the sink to rinse away the bitter taste.

"What's the matter? You seem flustered. Feeling unwell?" The crisp voice of Oliver startled her as he appeared at the doorway.

Their eyes met for a split second before Lillian quickly looked away. "Nothing, just took the wrong medicine," she said, dabbing the water from her lips and exiting the bathroom.

Oliver watched her leave, his brows furrowed in thought. Something about her had been off since last night.

After breakfast, the couple prepared to leave the house together.

"Want to ride with me?" Oliver asked, noting Lillian's pallor.

She was about to agree when his phone rang. It was Serena. As he moved aside to take the call, Lillian instinctively walked away. Though married, they were far from united, and Lillian had never made a habit of eavesdropping on his calls. This was their usual pattern.

But today, her hasty retreat pricked at him. Yet, the feeling was fleeting, and he answered the call.

From a short distance, Lillian observed him. His soft expression confirmed who was on the line. The warmth he showed Serena was something she'd never received. Taking a deep breath to quell the envy inside her, she pulled out her phone and headed for the garage.

Five minutes later

Oliver ended the call to find Lillian's absence echoing behind him. A text arrived: "Rushed to the company. Left first."

His eyes darkened as he stared at the message.

*

Lillian, fighting off discomfort, made it to her office and slumped into her chair, then flopped onto her desk. Her head throbbed, but pregnant as she was, she couldn't simply pop pills for relief.

She had briefly entertained the thought that Oliver might accept the child, that their marriage could become real. But after witnessing his unchanged affection for Serena, she knew better. If he found out about the pregnancy, he'd likely suggest ending it to avoid complications with Serena.

Reason told her to get an abortion soon, to save her dignity from a messier scandal later.

"Lillian."

Yolanda Lin's gentle voice pulled her back to the present. Lillian straightened up, offering her assistant a practiced smile.

"Morning, you're here."

But Yolanda was concerned. "Lillian, you look pale. Are you sure you're alright?"

Lillian hesitated, then shook her head. "Just didn't sleep well last night."

Yolanda wasn't easily convinced. "Your complexion is really off. Are you certain you're okay? Maybe take some time off to see a doctor?"

"I'm fine," Lillian insisted, steering the conversation back to work. Yolanda reluctantly handed over the organized files and poured her some hot water.

"Since you don't want to visit the doctor, drink more hot water then."

Yolanda, a diligent assistant Lillian had personally hired, usually only interacted with her about work. It was heartwarming to see her concern.

After drinking some hot water and feeling a little better, Yolanda still looked worried. "Let me handle today's report. Why don't you rest in the office?"

Lillian declined. "I'll do it myself."

She wasn't one to fuss over a bit of discomfort. If she started leaning on others now, it would only make her lazy.

Gathering her files, Lillian headed to Oliver's office, a bit farther than usual. Today, the walk seemed particularly taxing.

"Knock knock."

"Come in."

Oliver's frosty voice beckoned her inside.

As she entered, Lillian froze. Serena, in a white dress, was the additional figure in the room, her fair hair softly cascading down her back, looking ethereal in the sunlight.

"Ah, Lillian, you're here."

Serena approached with a warm smile, embracing Lillian before she could react. As Lillian stiffened, she caught Oliver's gaze over Serena's shoulder, his dark eyes unreadable.

When Serena finally stepped back, she looked at Lillian with concern. "Oliver told me everything. I'm sorry you're going through this. Let me know if you need help."

Everyone knew about Lillian and Oliver's high-profile marriage—it was impossible to hide from Serena. And Serena had always been kind to her.

Forcing a smile, Lillian asked, "When did you get back?"

"Just yesterday's flight."

Yesterday—so Oliver had rushed to see her right away.

"By the way, you look unwell. Is something wrong?" Serena's words drew Oliver's attention, his brows knitting together with concern.

"The rain yesterday?" he guessed.

"Rain?" Serena's confusion mirrored Lillian's sigh.

As Lillian opened her mouth to explain, Oliver interjected sharply, "If you're not feeling well, why push yourself? The company can manage without you. Go home and rest."

Even Serena looked at him, surprised by the sudden edge in his voice.