Chapter 3

When I returned to the villa, Vincent still had not come back.

I walked into the bedroom and quietly packed my belongings. I gathered all the gifts Vincent had given me over the years, such as shoes, handbags and various pieces of jewelry, and packed them all up.

I scheduled an appointment with the auction house staff to come pick them up and sell them for me. I kept only my identification documents, a few changes of clothes and some cash.

Just as I closed my suitcase, Vincent walked in with damp hair, having clearly just showered. However, the lingering female pheromones on his body could not be washed away no matter what.

My stomach began churning again.

"What are you doing? Did you get some rest?"

He reached out to take my hand, but suddenly noticed something. "Nina, where's your wedding ring?"

I pulled my hand back and replied flatly, "I took it off."

Vincent was obviously displeased. "I designed that myself. The wedding ring represents my love for you. How could you take it off?"

I brushed him off casually. "I think I gained weight from carrying the pup. It doesn't fit anymore."

Vincent's frown smoothed out as he lovingly touched my belly. "What a troublesome little guy. When he's born, I'll definitely have to discipline him!"

Then he smiled at me. "It's okay. I'll take it to the jewelry store another day to resize it. No matter how much weight you gain, you'll always be the one I love most."

Then he noticed the jewelry box on the table, surprise flashing in his eyes. "Is this a gift for me?"

I nodded. "Yes, but you can only open it after one week."

Vincent touched the jewelry box curiously. "Why do I have to wait a week? I can't wait to see what gift you've prepared for me!"

"Because... this gift will be more meaningful in a week."

He reluctantly hugged the gift box tightly and kissed my forehead. "Alright, I'll listen to you."

The scent of pheromones grew stronger, mixed with a faint metallic sweetness.

I turned my head away as my stomach churned violently, and I couldn’t stop myself from throwing up.

Vincent rubbed my back sympathetically. "Is it because of the pup? He's really putting you through the wringer!"

From the moment Vincent came home, I kept throwing up. When he tried to get close to me, I pushed him away in discomfort.

"Please stay away from me. When I smell the scent on you, it makes me vomit even worse."

Vincent sniffed his sleeve. "Maybe you don't like the cologne I'm wearing. This is the one you gave me, but if you don't like it, I won't wear it anymore. Is that okay?"

I leaned weakly against the sink and did not correct his misunderstanding.

Vincent took me to the hospital. He gripped my hand tightly with worry and consulted the doctor about my issues from carrying the pup.

The doctor looked at the report and frowned. "The pup is very healthy, but the mother's emotional state is not good. She seems to have experienced significant emotional trauma."

Vincent asked me with concern, "Nina, did something happen to upset you? You must tell me so I can help you solve it."

I shook my head with a bitter smile. That was impossible. The person who had caused my trauma was no other than he himself!

"It's nothing you can solve, but I've already dealt with it."

Vincent thought for a moment, as if making a difficult decision. "Nina, I'll wrap up my current work. For this whole week, I won't go anywhere. I'll stay by your side and keep you company."

I looked at him steadily. "Are you sure you can stay by my side for the entire week?"

He smiled easily. "Of course. Nothing is more important than you and the pup. I promise to stay with you for a week and I'll keep my word. I never go back on my promises."

After that day, Vincent indeed put aside all his work and stayed by my side. His phone rang constantly every day. I quietly watched his expression change from initial irritation to eventual helplessness.