Chapter 149: Who Allowed You to Act on Your Own!

"Mr. Harrison, you're back," James said as he saw Edward.

Edward didn't even acknowledge him, heading straight upstairs.

James was left in shock as Edward took the stairs three at a time.

Murray, being older, couldn't keep up and had to jog behind.

Ondine saw Edward and started to speak, but he cut her off, his voice tense, "What happened?"

"This morning, when I went to wake Miss Peterson, she was drenched in sweat. I touched her forehead and realized she had a fever, so I called Dr. Gutierrez and Dr. Cook right away. The fever's down now, and she's resting," Ondine explained quickly.

"Is she asleep?"

"Yeah, she just fell asleep."

Edward paused at the door, his brow furrowed and lips pressed tightly together.

Murray, Ondine, and James stood behind him, their eyes fixed on Edward. Suddenly, he turned around.

"How was she last night?"

"Miss Peterson had morning sickness again. I wanted to find you, but she wouldn't let me."

"And this morning, she didn't want you to either?" Edward's voice was rough, like sandpaper.

Ondine hesitated, then nodded. "Miss Peterson said not to disturb your work."

"Did she say anything else?"

Ondine thought carefully, then shook her head.

Edward started to head downstairs. Ondine was stunned. "Mr. Harrison, aren't you going in?"

Edward paused briefly but continued to leave.

The sound of a car engine starting came from outside, leaving the three of them in shock.

"Mr. Harrison didn't even go in to see Miss Peterson?" Even as a servant, Ondine felt a pang of disappointment.

Miss Peterson had been with Mr. Harrison for so many years and was carrying his child. How could he be so cold?

"You don't understand," Murray sighed. "I've been through it all. Mr. Harrison just doesn't care about Miss Peterson."

If he had even a bit of compassion, he wouldn't have left without seeing her.

She used to think Mr. Harrison treated Miss Peterson well and even helped persuade Miss Peterson on his behalf. No wonder Miss Peterson always argued with him. What woman could tolerate this? It would break anyone's heart.

"I'll go make some oatmeal," Ondine said hurriedly as she went downstairs.

When Abigail woke up, Ondine, Murray, and James were all by her bedside.

"You're finally awake! I made some tea with honey and lemon to help your throat. Here, have some," Ondine said gently, looking at Abigail as if she were her own daughter.

Abigail nodded, and Ondine helped her sit up.

With something in her stomach, Abigail felt a bit better. After a moment, she said, "I'm sorry for the trouble."

"Miss Peterson, don't say that. It's our duty," Murray and James said in unison.

Abigail got up and bowed to them.

"Please, don't do that. It makes us feel unworthy," Ondine quickly helped Abigail up, her eyes full of concern.

Ondine knew Abigail's character well. She was a good person, but unfortunately, she hadn't met the right man.

Ondine only dared to grumble in her heart. She helped Abigail lie back down and shooed Murray and James out, not wanting them to disturb her rest.

As evening approached, Murray called Edward to ask if he would be home for dinner. Edward said he had a business dinner.

Abigail was nearby when Murray made the call.

"Miss Peterson, Mr. Harrison said he..." Murray hesitated.

"Have Ondine bring out the food."

"Alright, I'll go get it," Murray said, retreating quickly.

After dinner, Abigail went upstairs. Ondine, worried, followed her.

Seeing Abigail pick up a book, Ondine advised, "You're still weak. You should rest more." She reached to take the book away.

Abigail held onto it, smiling. "No way, I've slept so much."

Ondine couldn't argue with her. They agreed on a reading time, and Ondine sat nearby, keeping an eye on her.

"Ondine, why are you so good to me? Like a mother," Abigail said with a smile.

"If you were my child, I'd be worried sick. Such a beautiful girl, and yet..." Ondine stopped herself, not wanting to bring up painful memories.

Abigail's smile faded, and Ondine regretted her words.

"Miss Peterson, you have to look forward," Ondine said, trying to comfort her. Surprisingly, Abigail was soothed. "You're right. I should look forward."

Whatever Abigail was thinking, her eyes showed newfound determination.

"Ondine, I'm done reading. You should go rest. It's late"

Ondine had been waiting for this. Once Abigail lay down, she turned off the light and left.

As she was about to go downstairs, Edward suddenly appeared. Ondine clutched her chest. "Mr. Harrison, when did you get back?"

How did he make no sound at all?

"How is she?"

"What do you mean... Miss Peterson? She had dinner and is now resting."

"Is she asleep?"

Ondine pursed her lips. "Probably... not yet."

"Go check on her."

"Check on her? Won't that disturb her rest?" Ondine was slow to react, but Murray quickly pushed her into the room. "Keep an eye on her. When she's asleep, let Mr. Harrison know," Murray whispered in her ear.

Ondine blinked.

Didn't Mr. Harrison not care about Miss Peterson?

Why then...

Mr. Harrison's thoughts were truly hard to understand, so convoluted.

When Abigail was finally asleep, Ondine tiptoed to Edward's study.

Before she could speak, Edward was already up, heading to the bedroom.

He pushed the door open.

The room was dim, with only a sliver of light from the hallway.

Edward walked to the bed, watching Abigail's sleeping face.

"If only you..." he murmured, "were always this obedient and quiet."

After a while, he left.

Abigail turned over, lying on her back, her eyes slowly opening.

"If you don't care, why come in?"

This back-and-forth, this torment, did he see her as a toy, or something even worse?

A sleepless night.

When Edward came downstairs, Murray was taken aback.

Those dark circles were intense.

Not long after, Abigail came down too. Murray glanced at her, puzzled.

Did neither of them sleep well last night? Those dark circles were deep.

At the table, Abigail ate slowly, taking small bites. Edward glanced over, noticing the dark circles under her eyes, and paused.

Edward ate quickly and had a cup of coffee. Abigail thought he was about to leave, but he didn't move.

She couldn't help but look up.

His eyes... Did he stay up working again last night?

"Going to work?" Edward asked suddenly, putting down his utensils.

Abigail nodded. She had been taking a lot of time off, and work was piling up. Yesterday, Mabel had asked when she would return.

The months before giving birth were precious. She didn't want to delay her work any longer.

"Let's go together," Edward said, getting up.

Abigail was taken aback.

What did he just say?