After returning home, Lionel noticed Julia's flushed cheeks and asked with concern, "Are you running a fever? Why is your face so red?"
"I was fine just now. How could I catch a fever after just a short trip outside?" Julia looked at the man in front of her, speechless.
Despite being a pharmacist, he seemed to lack basic medical knowledge. Little did she know, Lionel understood but was too worried to remember those basics.
"If you don't have a fever, why is your face so red?"
"Stop asking that question. I have something to tell you." Julia, embarrassed and annoyed, changed the subject.
Could she really tell Lionel that Deanna had lectured her about their lack of restraint?
Seeing her sudden anger, Lionel felt puzzled but remained patient. "Alright, I won't ask. What do you want to say?"
"I..." Julia hesitated. But seeing Lionel's inquisitive eyes, she took a deep breath and said, "I'm pregnant!"
A brief silence filled the room.
Julia's heart sank as she watched the man in front of her remain unresponsive for a long time.
"Why aren't you saying anything? Do you not want this child?"
Lionel finally snapped out of his shock. He quickly shook his head. "No, that's not it. Don't overthink it. I was just too surprised."
"Really?" Julia looked at him skeptically.
Lionel noticed her doubt and led her to the bed, gently pressing her to sit down. "Of course. You walked a lot just now; you must be tired. I'll get some hot water for you to soak your feet. I've heard that pregnant women have trouble sleeping well at night. Tomorrow, I'll ask Deanna what we need to pay attention to during your pregnancy. And when we get back, we need to arrange for our parents to meet and start preparing for the wedding. Otherwise, your belly will grow, and the wedding dress won't look good."
As Lionel busied himself preparing hot water, Julia finally believed he wasn't lying.
However, when he mentioned marriage, she couldn't help but humph. "You haven't even proposed yet and are already talking about marriage. Isn't that too fast? Let me tell you, even if I'm pregnant, we must follow the proper procedures if you want to get married."
"I know. I'll prepare everything when we get back and make sure you're satisfied."
Lionel brought over a basin of hot water and knelt before Julia, naturally helping her remove her shoes and socks before placing her feet in the water. "How's the temperature? Is it too hot?"
Julia was stunned by his actions. She hadn't expected Lionel to do this.
Regaining her composure, she awkwardly pulled her feet away from his hands. "Act normal. I can wash my own feet."
She tugged at Lionel, indicating he should sit beside her.
Lionel complied gently, not wanting to hurt her.
Julia remembered Deanna's advice and cleared her throat. "Also, don't get too excited. Deanna said the baby isn't stable yet, so I need to rest in bed for the next few days. And... that also means no intimacy."
"What do you mean by 'that'?" Lionel didn't catch on immediately and asked instinctively.
Realizing what she meant, his face turned slightly awkward. "Of course, that's understandable. Did she say anything else? Should you take any medication?"
"She'll prescribe something tomorrow," Julia nodded.
Hearing this, Lionel sighed in relief. He trusted Deanna's medical skills.
Meanwhile, Deanna was also discussing Julia's pregnancy.
"That girl is still so careless, not even knowing she's pregnant. I wonder what the outcome will be this time."
"It should be a good outcome. This time is different from the last," Lance said as he hugged Deanna.
He sniffed her neck and suddenly pulled her onto the bed with him, his eyes bright as he suggested, "Let's have another child and raise it together from birth."
Perhaps it was the intensity of Lance's gaze that made Deanna nod involuntarily.
"Alright."
The next morning, Deanna woke up early.
After breakfast, she would go with her master to the Martinez family's ancestral hall to pay respects to their ancestors.
After that would be the formal apprenticeship ceremony.
Deanna had many important tasks today and couldn't afford any mistakes.
Before leaving, she handed Lance a prescription she had written the night before.
"I might not have time to talk to Julia today. Please give her this prescription and explain how to prepare it."
"Alright, I'll give it to her. Take care of yourself," Lance agreed and reminded Deanna.
Deanna smiled sweetly at him before leaving with Jagger, who had come to pick her up.