“Hello, Mr. Jacobson. This is the housekeeper taking care of Ms. Yates. She hasn’t been in good spirits since yesterday. I’m not sure what happened, but she didn’t eat dinner last night or breakfast this morning.

“When I went to check on her just now, her face was pale, and she had dark circles under her eyes like she hadn’t slept all night.”

Stephen fell silent for a moment before saying in a strained voice, “Try to get her to eat something.”

“I made all her favorite dishes. She said she’d come down to eat after taking a shower.” The housekeeper paused before adding, “But she really doesn’t look well. Are you coming over to check on her?”

Stephen’s lips pressed into a thin line. His voice carried a hint of exhaustion. “No… Someone’s coming to take her home today.”

“Oh, alright then.”

After her shower, Tessa went downstairs.

The housekeeper brought the food to the table. “Ms. Yates, these are all your favorite dishes. You must be starving since you didn’t eat last night or this morning. Please eat more.”

“Thank you.” Tessa had little energy, her eyelids heavy from severe sleep deprivation, and her head throbbed with pain.

“Go ahead and eat. I’ll be in the kitchen cleaning up.”

She looked at the steaming, fragrant dishes spread out on the table, yet she had no appetite.

She sipped a few spoonfuls of soup, then picked up her phone to check her WhatsApp. There was still nothing from Stephen.

The housekeeper had mentioned that Stephen had specifically instructed her to take good care of Tessa and to report any issues to him immediately.

By now, he should know how she was doing, right? So why was there still no word from him?

Did he really… not care anymore?

She lowered her eyes, and a bitter ache spread in her chest.

…

At the Yates residence, Seline ran up to Tessa as soon as the latter arrived. “Tessa, you’re finally home! I missed you so much!”

Tessa forced a faint smile and reached out to pat her head. “I’m home now to keep you company.”

“Yay!” Seline beamed with joy.

Marianne stood nearby, worry evident in her eyes. “Tess, are you alright?”

“I’m fine.”

Marianne didn’t press further. “While you were away, we made sure to clean your room every day. Go upstairs and take a look.”

“Mm.”

“Tessa, I’ll go with you!” Seline chirped and grabbed Tessa’s hand.

“Seline, Tessa is very tired and needs to rest. Stay downstairs, and I’ll play with you, alright?” Marianne gently pulled Seline back and said in a soft, patient voice.

Seline pouted, her round, baby-faced cheeks scrunching up in discontent. “But I haven’t seen Tessa in so long! I want to play with her!”

Marianne coaxed her patiently, “Be now, so

good, Seline. Tessa’s home Be

you see her anytime. Let her rest first. She needs to feel better before she can play with you.”

Seline tilted her head, gazing up at Tessa. She paused for a moment before

asking, “Tessa, why do you have dark circles under your eyes?”

Tessa was dazedly drained and replied weakly, “I didn’t sleep well.”

Hearing that, Seline stopped pestering her. Possessing

understanding beyond her years, she said Then, you should sleep, Tessa. You can play with me after you wake

up.” sŵnovel

“Good girl, Seline.”

Tessa’s head pounded, and her eyes were dry and aching. Exhaustion weighed down her entire body.

With unsteady steps, she made her way upstairs.