Chapter 629
Upon hearing that she was going to eat, Sofia intervened. “Yes, you should eat. Mom and Sebastian both insist you have a little something before the party.”
While Stephanie was eating, Sofia called a maid to help Stephanie change into a pretty light blue gown. Sofia remarked, “People will notice your belly.” After all, Stephanie was pregnant, and it was noticeable. Stephanie looked down, noticing the slight bump. Sofia said, “It looks nice.” Worried Stephanie might feel self-conscious, Sofia offered comfort.
But for Stephanie, others’ opinions didn’t matter. She said, “Whether it looks good or not is not for them to judge.” Stephanie motioned to the maid and said, “Please bring me that white coat; I want to wear it.” Even for an important party, there was no need to freeze.
Sofia sighed, acknowledging that Stephanie didn’t seem particularly concerned about showing her figure. Since childhood, Sebastian prioritized Stephanie’s health over her looks. If she gained a few extra pounds, he might actually be pleased.
Once Stephanie was dressed, she enjoyed her meal heartily. The pregnancy supplement prepared by Lottie stimulated her appetite. Stephanie no longer felt nauseous. Sofia ate with her. Watching Stephanie devour her food with such enthusiasm sparked Sofia’s appetite too.
Sofia asked, “Aren’t you worried you might throw up? Maybe you should eat less; you could end up feeling sick.” Sofia genuinely worried that Stephanie might overeat. But there were no signs of discomfort from Stephanie. Stephanie said, “I won’t feel sick; that feeling has been gone since noon.”
Sofia asked, “Are you sure your stomach can handle this? Just because you’re not feeling nauseous doesn’t mean you can eat too much.”
Don’t blame Sofia for being too cautious; Stephanie had left Sofia with psychological scars due to her frequent hospital visits over discomfort. Doctors clarified that even though her appetite was great, her stomach wasn’t in good shape, advising her to hold back.
Sofia said, “Stop; you’ve already had plenty.”
When Sebastian came in, he saw Sofia taking away Stephanie’s unfinished food. Stephanie gave Sofia a pleading look. Sofia said, “Sebastian said you should just eat a little; he didn’t mean for you to stuff yourself. There will be more food at the party later.”
The treats were delicious and perfectly sweetened, prompting Stephanie to say, “Then I’ll just have one last piece.” Sofia turned with the plate in hand. “That’s not happening.”
Seeing Sebastian enter, Sofia exclaimed, “Didn’t you say you wouldn’t be back?” Just earlier, Sebastian had told her to take Stephanie to the party. Sebastian looked at her with a raised eyebrow. Sofia felt her heart race under his gaze and clarified, “Just so you know, I’m not bullying Stefi.”
When Sebastian was around, he would limit Stephanie’s intake as well. Sofia couldn’t quite understand how Stephanie maintained such an excellent appetite despite her stomach issues. That kind of appetite was enviable. Anyone sharing a meal with Stephanie would find themselves gaining a better appetite.
Stephanie, casting a somewhat pitiful look at Sebastian, murmured, “Sebastian, I—”
“Don’t call me Sebastian.”
Stephanie was confused. Puzzled, she looked at Sebastian. He reached out and gently touched Stephanie’s hair. “Try… sys—”
Stephanie met Sebastian’s gaze. “Honey?”
Sofia’s jaw dropped. She thought, ‘Did they really have to reveal such intimacy in front of me?’
And it didn’t stop there. Having received the answer he wanted from Stephanie, Sebastian turned back to Sofia and said, “From now on, don’t think of Stephanie as your sister. She is your sister-in-law.”