Lucas and Alex were standing in the corner with Ethan and his business partner. Lucas noticed Alice running to the bathroom, covering her mouth with one hand, and holding her belly with the other.Panicking, Lucas immediately excused himself and ran after her.In the bathroom, Alice threw up everything she had eaten just now. She had been taking medicine for pregnancy sickness, so she hadn't felt this weak for a few days. Unfortunately, today she had forgotten to take her medicine. After vomiting, she sat on the cold floor with her weak body."Alice," Lucas barked into the bathroom before she could catch her breath.Alice was stunned to see him. She quickly wiped her mouth with the back of her hand."What are you doing here? It's the ladies' bathroom," she said, attempting to stand up, but she lost her balance.Thinking she was about to hit the ground, Lucas caught her in his arms."What's wrong? Are you sick?" he asked with worry and concern."I'm fine," she pushed him away and walke

Alice tried to avert her gaze from his intense eyes, but she found herself trapped in his penetrating stare. His anger was palpable, a side of him she had never witnessed before – hurt and disappointment etched on his face.Their eyes remained locked until the elevator doors mercifully closed, separating them. However, instead of relief, Alice felt a sense of panic.It was as if she wanted to rush to him and explain that what he saw wasn't true. She had never betrayed him before, and she never would. Yet, she couldn't bring herself to do it. She lowered her head, burying her face in James' chest.Sensing something amiss, James lowered his head. "Are you okay? Do you feel uncomfortable?" His voice carried genuine concern."No, I'm good," Alice replied, shaking her head, but she didn't raise her head. Both James and Siya exchanged worried glances, sensing a change in her voice.When they entered the room, James carried Alice directly to the bed and helped her settle in."Thank you," Alic

Alice took a steadying breath, determined not to let Milla get under her skin."I don't need your advice on affordability, thank you. I know what I can and cannot afford."The tension escalated, creating an invisible battlefield in the chic boutique. Alice and Milla locked eyes, each refusing to yield."So let's see if you can afford it or not," Milla said to Alice and looked at the shop manager. "Tell her the price" The shop manager immediately nodded.Milla watched with a smug expression as the shop manager relayed the cost.The shop manager hesitated for a moment but then proceeded to announce the dress's price, a figure that left Alice visibly stunned."It's $10000"The realization struck her like a heavy blow – she couldn't afford even a fraction of the amount.Milla chuckled triumphantly."Well, it seems this dress is meant for those who can appreciate its true value."Alice's mind raced, grappling with the humiliation of being unable to afford something she desired.Milla, enjoy

"Alright, shh," he whispered, wiping away her tears. Alice stared at his face, trying to decipher his thoughts, but all she could see was genuine concern for her. Lucas looked at the table, and his eyebrows raised when he saw it full of desserts and drinks.What she was thinking when she ordered this much food?"Pack all this," he instructed, standing up, and Alex nodded in acceptance of the order."Let's go," he said to Alice, his hands still on her cheeks. She grabbed her bag and stood up from her seat.Lucas reached to take her hand in his, and they walked with their hands intertwined. As they strolled, Alice couldn't help but glance at their joined hands and the person holding hers. It overwhelmed her heart—this was the first time she was walking with him so closely, hand in hand.Exiting the cafe, people around them stared, but Lucas seemed unfazed. Alice, however, felt uneasy under their intense scrutiny and attempted to pull her hand away. In response, Lucas shot her an angry lo

It was dark outside, and Alice sat at the window with her messy thoughts. She didn't know why she was still there; she couldn't understand herself. As she was deep in thought, her mobile's ring startled her.When she looked at the screen, she felt nervous. It was James. Alice glared at the door, making sure Lucas hadn't come."Hello," she answered the call."Alice? Are you not in your room?" James asked."No, I'm out. I probably won't come back tonight," she said."Oh! Are you with Siya?" he asked again."No, I'm not. I'm with—" She was about to say she was with her other friend, but before she could finish, Lucas walked in, and Alice immediately hung up before he could notice her speaking on the phone. And she didn't know why she did it."What's wrong? Are you okay?" Lucas observed her pale face and inquired as he sat beside her on the sofa with a food tray."Yeah," Alice replied, avoiding eye contact, but Lucas didn't miss the panic in her face, even though she tried to mask it. Howe