Chapter 129
The short holiday ended quickly.
Levi and I were having breakfast.
"Did Cleo just call you?"
I heard them on the phone when I came downstairs earlier. They seemed to be talking about Hayden going to school.
"Yeah."
"Actually, why not just let her stay at Mom's place? There are more people there, and it's more convenient to take care of the kid."
Levi shook his head. "It won't make much difference. Mom will be leaving soon anyway."
"But it's still better than the current situation, right? She doesn't like taking care of kids. What if something goes wrong again?"
Michael was very vengeful. After what happened that day, I was worried he might retaliate secretly.
"He won't."
I picked up my milk, thinking I'd distract myself from the awkwardness. I rarely got involved in his family matters, but apparently, even making a suggestion wasn't okay.
"Ugh..."
Suddenly I felt nauseous. I couldn't hold it back and spat the milk back into the glass. My face turned red instantly, feeling both embarrassed and sick.
Levi got up and patted my back. "You okay?"
I shook my head. I didn't dare speak, afraid I'd throw up again if I did.
Morning sickness starting at just over two months? Wasn't that too early?
"Mrs. Morgan, did you eat something bad?"
Indigo was puzzled. All the ingredients were fresh.
"No."
I forced out those two words, then covered my mouth again.
"We still have some time. Let's go to the hospital for a checkup." Levi suggested taking me to the hospital.
I refused repeatedly. "No need, no need. It's just a small thing, no need to go."
Levi frowned. "You sure you don't need to?"
"Of course. You were in such bad shape and still didn't go. I'm just nauseous, nothing serious." I used his refusal to go to the hospital that day to challenge him.
Sure enough, this tactic worked. He stopped mentioning the hospital.
"Mrs. Morgan, how about I go with you and let Mr. Morgan go to work first?" Indigo thought I was just trying not to trouble Levi.
I waved my hand. The nausea hit again, and I had to run to the bathroom, leaving the two of them standing there, worried.
I could hide the pregnancy from Levi, but not from Indigo's eyes. I figured she'd notice something soon enough.
Actually, there was no need to hide it. I was planning to tell Levi anyway. His birthday was coming up soon, and I was planning to tell him the news then.
I thought it would be a really good birthday present.
By the time I came out, Levi had already left for work. Indigo said he specifically told her to let me rest if I wasn't feeling well.
I told Indigo a few times that I was fine and went to work. It was only two months along - I could handle it for now. I needed to get everything at the company sorted out before I could focus on the pregnancy.
I had it all planned out. This time, I'd go home to rest when I was six or seven months pregnant. In the meantime, I needed to build a team at the company that could handle things independently.
If Nola didn't have any special circumstances, I'd still ask her to take charge.
If she got pregnant, too, the company would definitely need a capable person.
As soon as I got to the office, I received an invitation from Elliot.
Nola was already waiting in my office.
"You have to go tonight. If you have family stuff, arrange it in advance."
Nola looked like she was in great shape. John had been taking her out and having a blast these past few days.
"I'm not in good shape lately. I can't drink a drop tonight. Can you cover for me?"
"Tsk tsk, I remember you insisted on drinking that day. Now the opportunity's here and you're playing coy?" Nola was joking with me.
I laughed awkwardly. "Things are different now. Please, please."
"Fine. But if you get drunk later and do something crazy, that'll be trouble."
It was a casual remark, but it made me want to laugh. It really was because I got drunk before that I ended up with these two babies in my belly.
"I'm leaving now. I figured you don't have any decent formal wear in your office, so I'll go prepare something for you."
I rolled my eyes at her. "You're clearly going on a date during work hours, but you make it sound so noble."
"Hey, you won't give me time off, so what choice do I have?"
"You two are like conjoined twins, can't be apart for a day."
Nola stuck out her tongue and slipped away. Women in the honeymoon phase are really something - she and John were truly inseparable now.
I thought back - Levi and I never had days like that.
Time passed quickly. Maybe because I was in a better mood, I didn't feel tired.
Soon it was evening. Nola insisted on doing my makeup. I had worked up the courage to go bare-faced - I wasn't planning to wear makeup during pregnancy.
But she said I couldn't be so sloppy, that I had to be all dolled up.
As the CEO of a jewelry company, going completely bare-faced really wasn't appropriate. Plus, sometimes dressing up nicely is also a form of respect for others.
It was year-end, and Elliot had gathered all his business partners together.
After all those tedious formalities ended, Nola and I found a quiet corner.
We planned to exchange a few pleasantries with Elliot in a few minutes and then leave.
But he came over with Michael.
"Ms. Ember, thanks for coming. To tell you the truth, today is also my birthday."
I smiled and raised my glass, which had already been switched to juice.
"Mr. Sullivan, happy birthday!"
Nola also offered congratulations, and we all drank up.
"Thank you, thank you. Today is truly an unforgettable birthday - all my good friends came." When Elliot said "good friends," I couldn't agree with that.
Elliot pushed Michael forward. "Michael, everyone here knows each other, no need to be formal. Plus, you're all in the same industry - there'll be plenty of opportunities to exchange ideas in the future."
He probably didn't know about Michael and Levi's fight yet. Seeing Michael now made me feel disgusted.
"As the saying goes, those who follow different paths cannot make plans together. Mr. Sullivan, not all relationships need to be forced together. Forget about whether he's willing - I personally have no interest whatsoever."
I had no desire to deal with someone like Michael. Besides, he was the Morgan family's sworn enemy. Me being this calm was already giving him face - or rather, giving Elliot face.
Hearing me say this, Elliot looked embarrassed. "Ms. Ember speaks her mind. Perhaps there's some misunderstanding."
"There isn't."
I just wanted to express that I simply looked down on Michael as a person.
My position was very clear and firm. Someone like Michael could forget about having any relationship with me.
"You think anyone cares about being with you..."
"Michael!"
Elliot stopped him, then turned to me with a smile.
"Ms. Ember must be in a bad mood today. I spoke out of turn." Elliot lowered himself, wanting me to give him face and stop targeting Michael.
I smiled. "Mr. Sullivan, today you're hosting this event, and it's your birthday - such good things, why would I be in a bad mood?"
"That's good then."
"It's getting late, I'll be going now. Mr. Sullivan, congratulations again."
I drained the rest of my juice. I tried to maintain my composure. Michael had already wanted to blow up at me earlier - if Elliot hadn't stopped him, I don't know what would have happened.