If Olivia continued her charades, she would lose her salary. Without income, she would fall into debt, struggling with expenses like rent and utilities. Money was everything; without it, life would be miserable.
Olivia returned to work. If Nathaniel still insisted on deducting her salary, she could sue him. Moreover, she wanted to see how they resolved the issue.
She understood the staff dynamics. Nathaniel wouldn't keep her if she lacked the necessary skills. The perfumery industry was niche, with few possessing outstanding skills; this is why MN Inc. relied so heavily on Lily.
Could Melanie also be highly skilled?
At 6 p.m. at the hotel, after Melanie and Nathaniel finished their phone call, Melanie cried for a while, then fell asleep from exhaustion. She awoke late, quickly showered, and dressed for the evening's events.
Melanie knew her appearance was advantageous; she was gentle, pleasant, and adept at showcasing her assets. Her alluring eyes held a unique charm, securing Nathaniel's affection.
Tears quickly caused swollen eyes. Sighing, Melanie removed her eyeshadow, applying a darker shade and contour powder. The swelling was masked, leaving her looking radiant.
She set down her contour and applied lipstick. After two applications, she felt a stomach cramp, barely able to control it. She quickly covered her lips, rushed to the bathroom, and vomited; however, she expelled little, mostly clear fluid, but her stomach churned, leaving her deeply uncomfortable.
Composing herself, she stroked her lower abdomen, growing increasingly certain she was pregnant. She found her feelings indescribable—a mixture of happiness and unhappiness.
However, there was little reason for unhappiness; Nathaniel would undoubtedly marry her if she were pregnant, making her Mrs. Hall. Yet, it might not be as joyful as she anticipated. She had fantasized about this countless times, but the reality felt unsatisfying.
Melanie believed Lily cared little for Nathaniel, prioritizing awards over their relationship. Reflecting on the past, Melanie felt her future was uncertain. Nathaniel's ascent to the upper class seemed distant, even impossible.
"Will I ever live a life of wealth and peace?" Melanie wondered. "How long will this lifestyle and stability last? Nate and I might not withstand further challenges." She tightened her grip on her lower abdomen, her heart heavy.