Chapter 771

"How did he know..."

"I'm not sure myself, but I've got to dash," the executive assistant said, making a beeline for the

door. Just as he reached the threshold, he spun around, a reminder flashing in his eyes. "Don't

breathe a word about my candor, okay? Mr. Lopez won't take kindly to the impression that his staff

had disobeyed him."

Watching him leave, Dorothy picked up the antacid tablets from her desk and popped two into her

mouth.

They were bitter with an indescribable aftertaste—and she wasn't just talking about the pills.

...

Karen had only felt overwhelmingly sleepy, but suddenly, upon waking, she was hit with waves of

morning sickness.

In the early hours, when she should have been in the throes of deep slumber, she found herself

rushing to the bathroom, clinging to the porcelain god for dear life.

"I've called the doctor, Karen! Open the door!"

She had locked herself in, leaving Jeffrey with no choice but to pound helplessly on the bathroom

door.

When it became clear she wasn't going to let him in, he contemplated busting the door down.

Luckily, Karen emerged just in time, a ghastly pale shade, looking utterly drained of life.

"For what? It's just morning sickness, a normal part of pregnancy."

Hadn't he ever heard of such a thing? Morning sickness was common knowledge, right?

Jeffrey's brows were knitted together with concern that he couldn't quite shake off. "You look awful.

Maybe the doc can help. Isn't there something that can be done? I'll have her prescribe you

something!"

Speechless, Karen couldn't be bothered with a biology lesson and exited the room.

The doctor of obstetrics and gynecology was already waiting in the living room. Upon seeing Karen,

she quickly asked, "Is the morning sickness that bad? Did you eat something greasy before bed?"

"No, I was asleep and then suddenly felt sick."

"Ms. Miller, morning sickness is a typical pregnancy symptom. There's no special cure, but

sometimes sour foods can offer relief. It really depends on the individual."

Karen nodded in understanding. "I'll be fine."

She hadn't intended for the doctor to come at all—it was all Jeffrey, making mountains out of

molehills.

After sending the doctor off, Karen went to freshen up and change.

When she came back, Jeffrey was still in the living room, lost in thought.

Karen paused before asking, "Aren't you heading into the office today?"

"Nothing pressing today. I'll go in tomorrow."

Perfect, tomorrow she could find an opportunity to...

Before Karen could finish her thought, Jeffrey unexpectedly asked, "So, this morning sickness... the

doctor thinks it might last a while?"

"Some experience it for just a month, others until the baby comes," Karen replied. While she hadn't

been through pregnancy herself, she had been there for Dorothy through hers. Besides, women

generally knew a thing or two about such matters.

"There's really no remedy? I could look for a top specialist..."

"There's nothing to be done! It's a natural bodily response. Not even the best doctor can change

that." Karen's complexion had yet to recover, but the worst of the nausea had passed after this

morning's ordeal.

Breakfast was served in the dining room by a nutritionist.

Karen had started to head over, but after just a few steps, she felt the tumultuous upheaval in her

stomach again!

She clamped a hand over her mouth and dashed for the bathroom.

This time, Jeffrey was quick on his feet, following her into the bathroom and avoiding being shut out.

After her first round of retching, Karen looked up at him, frowning. "Can you please leave?"

"No, I can't leave you alone like this."

"I really don't want you to see me like this."