Chapter 170 The Price of Growth
After I turned off the live stream, I felt like I had just come back from a crazy battle. With a deep exhale, I collapsed into my chair, the adrenaline still coursing through me gradually giving way to a profound weariness. Seeing me calm down, Melissa let out a sigh of relief too.
"Melissa, I'm so wiped out," I said, barely above a whisper.
Melissa rushed over, gently wiping the sweat off my forehead. "I made some soup, Mrs. Howard. Drink it and then get some rest. Should I bring it up here, or do you want to come downstairs?"
My stomach felt like it was stuffed with cotton; I had zero appetite. But seeing the worry in Melissa's eyes, I couldn't bear to let her down. "Please bring it up. I'm too tired to go downstairs."
"Alright, I'll be right back," Melissa said, hurrying downstairs. She came back quickly with a steaming bowl of soup. It looked good, but the smell made my stomach turn.
I forced myself to take a couple of sips, but as soon as the soup hit my stomach, it rebelled, and I ended up vomiting it all out. Clutching my chest, feeling nauseous and miserable, I said to Melissa, "I'm sorry, Melissa. The soup is great, but I just can't eat right now." I felt so guilty; she had put so much effort into it, but I just couldn't handle it.
Melissa gently wiped my mouth, her eyes full of sympathy. "It's not your fault. Pregnancy is tough, and you just had a big scare. It's normal not to be able to eat. If you really can't eat, just rest for a while. Or if there's something else you want, I can make it for you," she said.
I shook my head, feeling exhausted and helpless. "Melissa, there's no need. I don't want anything right now, I just want to lie down."
Melissa carefully helped me lie down on the bed, tucking me in to make sure I was warm and comfortable before she started cleaning up.
I watched her busy figure, and memories from the past floated through my mind. When I was a kid, Mia, my mother, would flutter around me whenever I was ill. When I couldn't eat anymore, she'd quietly clear the dishes, her eyes full of heartache and helplessness. That warm, peaceful image was etched deeply in my memory.
Melissa was about to leave with the tray when I found the courage to softly call out, "Melissa, could you stay with me for a while?" My voice was light, tinged with hesitation, a bit of hope, and a bit of fear of being turned down.
Melissa looked surprised by my request. Her gentle eyes widened for a moment. She probably never expected someone like me, who always seemed so strong and independent, to have such a vulnerable moment and need company.
But the surprise quickly faded, and a kind smile appeared on her face. She gently placed the tray back on the table, wiped her hands on her apron, and said warmly, "Of course, Mrs. Howard. I'll stay with you as long as you need."
Melissa walked over and sat by the bed. I bit my lip, struggling to move my heavy body, and slowly rested my head on her lap. Melissa gently patted my back, her soft movements like a lullaby, gradually easing my anxiety and fatigue, letting my tightly wound nerves relax.
At that moment, I couldn't help but long for the carefree days of childhood. Growing up meant facing the pain of my parents aging and passing away, my freedom constrained by life's pressures and responsibilities, and losing that purest form of love in the complex web of human relationships. The cost of growing up was indeed too high. Under Melissa's loving care, I slowly drifted into sleep.
When I woke up, it was late at night. I was still lying on Melissa's lap, and she had fallen asleep leaning against the headboard, her hand still gently patting me out of habit. I gently held Melissa's rough hand, feeling the lines time had etched on her skin. My movement woke Melissa, and she rubbed her sleepy eyes, her voice as gentle as ever. "Mrs. Howard, did I wake you?"
I shook my head and softly said, "No, thank you, Melissa. I slept very well with you here."
Melissa smiled a bit shyly and said, "Mrs. Howard, as long as you're healthy and happy, I'm satisfied."
Hearing Melissa say this, I felt deeply moved. Seeing her leaning against the headboard, I couldn't bear it and urged her to go back to her room to rest. "Melissa, you should go back to sleep. I'll be fine on my own."
But she quickly shook her head and said, "No, I have to stay with you tonight."
I dragged out my words, like a child, pleading with Melissa, "Melissa, I just want to be alone for a while."
Melissa seemed a bit helpless with my childishness. After hesitating for a moment, she stood up from the bed and said, "Call me if you need anything."
I nodded to her, and only then did she leave my bedroom. After Melissa left, my sleepiness faded significantly. The pain in my body was still strong, making it hard to get up, so I lay quietly in bed, my thoughts beginning to wander.
The matter Edward told me about today raised many suspicious points, like a tangled mess in my mind. I knew I had to unravel these doubts one by one; otherwise, I wouldn't be able to find peace. The quiet of the night made my mind particularly clear. I took advantage of this rare moment of clarity to carefully sort through all the unresolved questions in my mind.
I had already decided to confront Aria at the hospital first thing in the morning. Even though Edward had warned me not to disturb Aria, what did it matter? I could barely take care of myself now, let alone worry about her feelings. The many doubts in my mind gradually became clear, forming an outline, and only then did I fall asleep contentedly. By then, the sky was already starting to brighten. I didn't sleep for long.
When the sky was fully bright, I got out of bed. I paced in front of the wardrobe for a long time before finally choosing a brightly colored dress and carefully applying delicate makeup. Standing in front of the mirror, I looked at my face. Despite the makeup, I couldn't hide the deep exhaustion. But even so, I had to do my best to dress up because I didn't want to show any sign of weakness in front of Aria. I couldn't afford to lose.
When I went downstairs, Melissa was busy making breakfast in the kitchen. Hearing my movements, she quickly came out of the kitchen. Seeing my outfit, she asked in surprise, "Mrs. Howard, are you going out?"
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