“Escape?” Susan looked at Tia. Manuel wasn’t losing his temper; he was escaping the situation.

“Ms. Phillips, Mr. Johnson is very kind to you. He was worried you’d be hungry when you woke, so he asked me to prepare your porridge and told me about your preferences. He even remembered you ate two bowls that morning.”

Susan pursed her lips. Looking at the porridge, she was speechless.

“I’m from the countryside. Men back home are never so considerate towards women. They’re all bossy. I’ve never seen a woman command men the way you do, Ms. Phillips. In the countryside, a disobedient woman might be locked in a pigpen and thrown in the river.”

Susan’s face fell; she glared at Tia.

Tia, though frightened, continued, “People in the city emphasize gender equality. In the families I’ve served, hosts often show affection to their wives in public. Privately, however, it’s a different story. I’ve never seen a man like Mr. Johnson, who indulges you so much. He even agreed to sleep in separate rooms after marriage, only sharing one night with you. I even saw him washing his own trousers one morning.”

Susan, well-versed in matters of sex, understood immediately.

“Mr. Johnson would rather endure than force you. Such a kind, considerate man is rare. If I had a husband like him, I’d wake up laughing,” Tia said, her cheeks flushed.

“Get out!” Susan snarled. She didn’t want to hear anything positive about Manuel, yet Tia continued listing his virtues. It annoyed her.

Manuel was good to everyone. As children, he treated Susan and Hannah the same. Even Tia, a servant, received his patient instruction in foreign languages.

Despite his goodness, Susan felt nothing for him. She simply disliked him, regardless of his actions.

Focusing on her porridge, she tried to avoid thinking about Manuel. Yet, she couldn’t accept her pregnancy. She couldn’t bear to end a life, only wanting to use the argument to force Manuel into helping her decide.

A knock echoed through the quiet hall. It was late.

Tia hurried to the door. Susan watched.

It was Edward.

Susan’s face clouded at the sight of her father. Ignoring him, she resumed eating. Edward carried numerous packages, filling the hallway. He directed Tia to unpack them and then sat opposite Susan, gazing at her lovingly.

Susan felt uncomfortable under his gaze. “Could you stop staring while I eat!”

“I heard… you’re pregnant?” Edward’s voice was gentle, cautious not to frighten her.

Susan rolled her eyes, suspecting Manuel had spread the news.

“I’m so happy,” Edward said, attempting to ease the awkwardness when Susan didn’t respond. “You don’t need to work; just care for your baby.”

Susan stared at him incredulously.

“I’ll give you an allowance and your salary. And your father will also give you extra money each month—don’t starve the child,” Edward added.

“Are you sure I don’t have to work?” Susan asked. Without the money, she wouldn’t have gone to that dreary job.

“Daddy never lies. All you need to do is have the baby. Don’t worry about anything else.” Edward spoiled his daughter, making no secret of his affection for the unborn child.

Susan rolled her eyes, but secretly welcomed the relief from work. Seeing her father’s happiness, however, did nothing to improve her own mood; she still hated him.

“By the way, I bought a lot of baby supplies—formula, clothes, toys, and more. I can buy more if needed,” Edward enthused.

“The baby isn’t even born yet. Why buy these things?” Susan was speechless. She'd questioned her own personality since childhood, now blaming her unreliable father for her own instability.

“Planning ahead. They’re not expensive.”

It was unusual for Susan to speak to her father. “It’s late; you should go home.”

“I wanted to spend more time with you.” Edward was reluctant to leave.

“Please go. Your presence makes me sick, and a better mood is good for the baby.” Susan wanted him gone.

“Dad wouldn’t…”

“If you don’t leave, I’ll get sick!” Susan threatened.

Edward’s face paled. He quickly stood, “Okay, okay, I’ll go. Take care of yourself.”

“Hurry up,” Susan urged.

As he was leaving, Edward remembered something. “Or… move back to our villa. There are more servants, and it’s bigger. If you want to go for a walk…”

“Guess what’s the best thing about marrying Manuel?” Susan interrupted.

“Having a baby,” Edward blurted.

“Leaving you. I don’t have to live with you anymore.”

Edward was clearly hurt.

Susan felt no guilt. As he reached the door, however, she couldn’t help saying, “It’s late. Tell the driver to drive carefully.”

Edward looked back, stunned.

“I’m just afraid I can’t support myself if you die.”

“Go, go, go!”

Edward smiled as he left.

“Don’t worry,” he said, “Dad will support you for another thirty years.”