Chapter 2 The Delayed Menstrual Cycle

The Morris family abided by an ironclad set of rules, and navigating mealtime etiquette was akin to walking on eggshells. As dinner commenced, the lively banter dwindled into an uneasy silence.

Chelsey's voice stood out amidst the quiet.

A few disapproving glances were already darting her way.

Chelsey instinctively covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes as she nodded apologetically to those around her.

But then came a surge of nausea, an overwhelming urge to empty her stomach.

With a sense of urgency, she rose from her seat and dashed towards the restroom.

The contents of her stomach spilled out, leaving her dry heaving in its wake. Her throat constricted in waves, tears streaming down her face.

The restroom door creaked open as someone else entered.

Chelsey, hunched over the sink, felt her heart racing as she turned to see Gabriella hastily shutting the door behind her.

Before she could utter a word, another wave of nausea gripped her.

Only after the queasiness subsided did she turn on the faucet, stealing a glance at Gabriella's hesitant expression reflected in the mirror.

"Are you seeing someone secretly?"

Gabriella's words felt like they were buzzing in Chelsey's ears. "What?"

Gabriella repeated herself, her gaze piercing, like she was interrogating a criminal.

Pausing in her task, Chelsey arched her eyebrows. "What exactly are you insinuating?"

Gabriella closed the distance between them, seizing Chelsey's arm and scrutinizing her with intensity.

Weak from vomiting, Chelsey met Gabriella's skeptical gaze, her eyes red and her complexion pallid.

"Could you be expecting?" Gabriella asked.

"Mom, what nonsense is this?" Chelsey's irritation flared, her voice louder than intended.

Gabriella eyed her suspiciously.

Realizing her tone was too harsh, Chelsey softened her tone. "I'm not involved with anyone; it's just a stomach upset."

To be honest, she had no idea what was happening.

Before then, everything was okay; she was simply unable to tolerate the slight salmon aroma. Gabriella's question made her instinctively thought back to her monthly cycle.

She couldn't shake the nagging thought of her delayed menstrual cycle.

Could she really be pregnant?

When she had sex with Trevor last month, she received an unexpected call about having to leave for an official trip. She couldn't remember if she had taken birth control pills or not.

Gabriella, unaware of her daughter's internal turmoil, seemed reassured. "Well, that's a relief."

She assumed Chelsey had gotten pregnant before getting married and had been in a relationship without telling her when she first noticed Chelsey's condition.

It comforted her that such was not the case.

She reached for a tissue to dab at the corners of Chelsey's mouth, her words laden with meaning. "Remember, you're my anchor, Chelsey. You can't stray from the path. My happiness hinges on your choices."

"The Morris family may not be perfect, but they've provided for us." Chelsey took the tissue, wiping her mouth.

The two of them were disliked by the Morris family. But Cary had asked Kaden to look after them before he passed away.

Despite Kaden's aversion, he stayed true to his word, ensuring Gabriella received a generous seven-figure annual allowance.

This sum could sustain an average family for generations, yet Gabriella's spending knew no bounds.

Chelsey had imposed a strict monthly spending cap of 300, 000, stashing the surplus for contingencies. With a sprawling family like the Morris family's, financial demands were aplenty.

"How on earth is this meager amount supposed to suffice? Every month, I've got clothes, bags, beauty treatments, and those obligatory social shindigs with the elite. Money's calling from every corner!" Gabriella lamented, calculating expenses with Chelsey.

Chelsey rubbed her temples. "You've got enough clothes and bags as it is. And do you need to hobnob with those judgmental women? They've never held us in high regard, so why bother?"

"You just don't get it!" Gabriella retorted impatiently. "When you've been polished by society, you'll realize that maintaining status is crucial. It's all about connections in those circles. Besides, someone's introduced a promising young chap to me. I was meaning to tell you about it."

Anticipating the pitch, Chelsey cut her off. "I'm swamped with work lately; I barely have time."

Ignoring her excuses, Gabriella went on, "His family might not wield Morris-level power, but they're reputable in Kerton. He's their only son. If you hitch with him..."

"Mom!" Chelsey interjected, exasperated. "I'm not ready to tie the knot yet!"

Gabriella scoffed. "Then what's your plan? Every woman's destiny is to wed. If you marry into a respectable family, I can hold my head high among the Morrises and the rest of society. Early matrimony brings early bliss, you know?"

Chelsey couldn't fathom her logic. "I've got a job, barely two years after graduation. There's ample room for advancement, and my paycheck won't be peanuts. I can support us."

Infuriated, Gabriella snapped, "With that salary, you can't even afford a decent handbag. How will you support us? It barely covers your own needs! This matter's settled. When that fellow sets a date, you'll meet him!"

Gabriella didn't leave room for dissent, dragging Chelsey out of the restroom.

Lost in thoughts about her delayed cycle, Chelsey failed to notice two figures approaching.

Kaden, his appetite dwindling with age, went for some air, accompanied only by Trevor.

"What's up, Chelsey?" Kaden asked.

Chelsey stopped, meeting his gaze.

At eighty-one, Kaden cut a striking figure in his red garb, exuding a sharp, spirited demeanor.

His graying locks, meticulously arranged, hinted at the handsome youth he once was, charming many.

The men of the Morris family were renowned for their looks, especially Trevor. He and Ismael Powell were the town's most eligible bachelors, with a reputation that preceded them.

There was a saying in Kerton that none could evade the grasp of the men from the Morris family.

When Chelsey looked up, she inevitably caught Trevor's eye.

Trevor merely glanced, his gaze chilly and aloof, a hint of frost in his demeanor.

It was his telltale sign of a foul mood.

Chelsey's heart skipped a beat.

She quickly averted her gaze to Kaden. From childhood, she had harbored a fear of him. Despite his affection for his grandchildren, Kaden remained stern, seldom extending a smile her way.

His seemingly concerned remark wasn't genuine; rather, it stemmed from his respect for Cary's final wishes.

"I'm sorry, Grandpa. I had a stomach ache earlier today. Didn't mean to trouble you," Chelsey replied.

Kaden's expression soured, his tone reproachful. "If you weren't feeling well, why keep mum? You needn't have attended the family gathering!"

His words felt like a dismissal of her status within the Morris family.

Chelsey clenched her fingers and instinctively gritted her teeth. Such a comment left her feeling ashamed, especially with Trevor around.

Looking bad in front of him was her last desire.

She opened her mouth to say something, but Gabriella, looking uneasy, tugged at her sleeve, signaling her to stop.

Trevor giggled a little at this. "Grandpa, why do you waste time on this unimportant person? Come on, let's go. It's still a long walk ahead."

"Alright." Kaden swallowed his annoyance and walked on.

There was only the slightest of pauses when Trevor brushed his sleeves across Chelsey. It went undetected and quiet.