Chapter 14 God’s Gift

Tiffany and Angus had a lengthy discussion about the investment. It was dark out when she finally returned to the villa. As she walked in, she was still thinking of how to convince the investors to invest in NC company. She was so lost in thought that she completely failed to notice Mortimer on the sofa and walked straight ahead. Mortimer was displeased with the way he was ignored, and his voice carried a hint of sarcasm. “Back so late? Could it be that you’ve gone to drink with other men like the last time?” Tiffany turned her head. “Are you really going to hold on to that misunderstanding? I was just working late at the office!” She couldn’t be bothered to argue with Mortimer. She wanted to take a hot shower and have dinner, but Mortimer blocked her. He pointed at the plastic bag in her hands, which had a logo on it. “Are you sick?” Tiffany’s heart skipped a beat. She secretly wondered how she could be so careless. Without waiting for her to think of an explanation, Mortimer took the bag and rummaged through the health supplements inside. Tiffany felt like her breaths were about to stop. Mortimer scrutinized the words on the bottle and realized that it was meant to regulate the bodies of the physically weak. He teased, “I didn’t think that you took so much care of your body. But I think you don’t need this at all. After all…” his gaze circled around the area below Tiffany’s neck, and his voice began sounding seductive, “you look very healthy.” Tiffany averted his gaze in mild embarrassment and stammered, “If not for me taking these supplements, I would one day be angered to death by a demon like you!” Done speaking, she snatched the bag and darted into her room, closing the door. Until the moment the door was shut, her heart was still thumping. Thankfully, Mortimer hadn’t been suspicious of her. But even if she’d escaped this time, what were the chances that she could be as lucky if it were to happen again? Mortimer’s warning to her echoed in her ears. She couldn’t help laying a hand over her belly. She didn’t doubt Mortimer’s heartlessness for one second. She had to think of a way to leave this place before he realized she was pregnant. But she was like a golden goose for the Campbell family. It wouldn’t be easy for her to leave right under Mortimer’s nose. Thoughts clouded Tiffany’s mind. She had no appetite at all. At the table, she aimlessly poked at the macaroni in her bowl with a fork. Monroe thought that it was because the food didn’t suit her taste. He asked concernedly, “Madam, should I make the kitchen prepare a new dish for you?” “There’s no need.” Tiffany waved her hand quickly. In this house, Monroe was the person who cared about her the most. She didn’t want to cause him trouble because of her worries. She glanced at the empty seat before her and asked, “By the way, why hasn’t Mortimer come down to dinner yet?” “The master has a few matters to attend to. I will arrange for someone to send his dinner to him.” Knowing that she wouldn’t meet Mortimer for this meal, Tiffany relaxed considerably. Her appetite grew, too. She tasted the macaroni and praised, “Is there basil and parsley in the sauce? It’s absolutely delectable.” “Thank you for your praise, madam. This is a secret recipe I’ve developed for my wife.” Monroe was proud. “When she was pregnant, she couldn’t eat anything except for this. She would eat two plates in one go!” Tiffany always thought that Monroe was a bachelor. She was surprised to know that he had a child. Monroe smiled as he said, “My wife was also a maid who served the master. On top of that, we married because she was pregnant. While pregnant, she wore loose clothing to conceal her belly in fear of the master finding out. Thankfully, the master was understanding. He didn’t fault us after knowing about the incident, and even helped us arrange a new home.” Tiffany was thoughtful as she listened. She looked at the plate, which had half of the macaroni left. She put down her fork and wiped at her lips. “I’m full. In the future, please only prepare half of one serving for me. I want to watch my figure.” Back in her room, Tiffany took out the medical report and counted the amount of time that she had been pregnant. It was exactly one month. She lifted her clothes and observed her belly in the mirror closely. Because she hadn’t been eating much lately, her belly hadn’t grown much. It even looked slimmer than before. If she concealed it just a little, no one would be able to tell that she was pregnant. Tiffany’s anxiety began to lessen. She sighed in relief. The next day, she sat in the hospital clinic with a calm that she had never felt before. She had already made her decision. She said to the doctor, “I’ve thought about it. I’ve decided to keep the child.” The doctor smiled. “Children are God’s gift to us. I’m happy that you are able to think like this. I’ll do everything in my power to help you keep the child.” She made Tiffany go through a lot of check-ups, doing them in turn. The hospital was full of people, perhaps due to it being a public holiday. Queuing alone took up an entire afternoon. Tiffany couldn’t be bothered to go home, thinking that the report would be out in the late afternoon. She closed her eyes in the hospital corridor and rested. Suddenly, she heard someone call out her name. She opened her eyes and saw a beautiful face done in makeup. Lucia looked just like the last time they met. Her nails were painted red, and her wavy hair rested on her pale shoulders. She wore a pearl Chanel outfit, and her heels, which had red soles, were made of lambskin. Compared to her, Tiffany appeared frumpy. Lucia curled the ends of her hair with her fingers, talking proudly. “I didn’t think that I would meet you here. Are you here to check on a sickness? I’m good friends with the Dean of the hospital. Out of courtesy for Mortimer, I can make the Dean smooth out your way here.” “I’m just here for a check-up. No need to get too excited.” Tiffany hadn’t forgotten the slap she’d given Lucia. She didn’t want to talk to Lucia much, so she tried to cut the conversation short and leave. But Lucia barricaded her. “Since we’ve bumped into each other, let’s talk for a bit.” “Sorry. I don’t have the time.” “What, you’re not even going to have a cup of coffee with me?” Lucia cast a devious glance at Tiffany as she spoke. Tiffany knew that she couldn’t escape anymore, and agreed. In the restaurant, Lucia tossed the menu toward Tiffany. “Since I invited you here, this will be my treat. Order whatever you want.” She’d already boasted and bothered Tiffany enough that she didn’t care to hold back. She ordered the most expensive signature macarons and a glass of fresh juice. Before the sweets and the juice were served, Lucia put her arms on the table, sending a piercing glare at Tiffany. “What would it take for you to divorce Mortimer?”