Chapter 1992

Nathaniel's gaze remained fixed on Mavis, his stern blue eyes seemed to be warning her not to say anything inappropriate in front of Sheena. He wanted her to maintain discretion regarding their private matters. Mavis understood exactly what he was thinking. Smiling at Sheena, she said, "I'm doing well recently. Since I don't move around much, I've gained quite a bit of weight. Nathaniel has been very considerate. He hasn't mistreated me and even hired a nutritionist to prepare various meals for me every day." Sheena picked up on the key point and was surprised. "You're not moving around much? That's not good. As you approach your due date, it's important to get some exercise as it'll make labor easier. If you stay in bed all the time, you'll have a harder time in the delivery room." Drawing from her own experience, Sheena knew the best practices for a healthy pregnancy. She suggested, "Since I'm here and the weather is nice, why don't I accompany you for a walk?" Mavis glanced uncertainly at Nathaniel, who was standing at the foot of the bed. "Sheena, I'm not sure if that's a good idea." "There's nothing wrong with it," Sheena replied, noticing Mavis' look toward Nathaniel. She sensed there might be some issues between them and continued, "Nathaniel, you should be more proactive about pregnancy care. Mae is naturally slim and needs to increase her activity level to improve her appetite and sleep quality for the baby's growth." Nathaniel nodded in agreement. "You're right. I haven't done enough research in this regard. I'll definitely study up on it." Sheena raised an eyebrow and added, "Elliot has done well in this area. After the baby is born, you'll need to step up as a dad and help with the baby. You can learn a lot from Elliot's experience." Elliot stood proudly, hands in his pockets and chin slightly raised. He took the opportunity to offer some fatherly advice. "Nathaniel, power and money mean nothing compared to being a good husband. The best men are those who truly care for their wives." Nathaniel smiled. "Indeed. I have a lot to learn from you." After chatting for a few moments, Sheena helped Mavis out of bed and shifted the topic. "Let's go for a walk in the garden downstairs." Their husbands joined them. The sunshine was warm but not too hot. Mavis, guided by Sheena, looked around with high spirits as if she had not seen the outside world in a long time. Sheena noticed Mavis' unusual excitement but said nothing. The two women walked side by side, with Elliot and Nathaniel silently trailing behind, not speaking. After ten minutes of walking, Nathaniel called out to Mavis. "You haven't exercised in a while. Don't overdo it. Let's head back to the room before you get too tired." Mavis did not agree. In a soft tone, she said, "Nate, I think I'm a bit hungry. I'd really like some freshly baked corncakes from outside the hospital. Can you get some for me?" Nathaniel frowned and refused immediately. "Those are unhealthy and not suitable for you during pregnancy. Let's go back and have some nutritional soup instead." Mavis fell silent, her lowered eyes showing disappointment. Sheena noticed and chimed in, "Street food might not be ideal, but if you ask the vendors to make it suitable for pregnant women, it should be fine. Plus, it's not something you'd eat every day, so the impact is minimal." She continued with a smile, "I'm hungry too, not just Mae. How about you two get some for us?" Nathaniel did not respond. However, Elliot agreed quickly. "Freshly prepared corncakes are delicious. We'll be back soon. Sheena, make sure you and Mae stay put." Sheena nodded. "We'll wait here on the bench while you're gone." With no other option, Nathaniel went along with Elliot as they left the hospital grounds, leaving Sheena and Mavis alone. Mavis knew the Nicholls family's bodyguards were watching from a distance and remained cautious. She guided Sheena to a bench, sitting close and leaning on her shoulder as if they were close friends. Sheena was already aware of Mavis' intent and cut straight to the point. "You deliberately sent Nathaniel away so you could talk to me alone, didn't you?"