Dangerous Obsession

By the end of the meal, I couldn't stop smiling. Any lingering tension I'd felt earlier was gone, replaced by a warmth I hadn't expected.

After dinner, Mrs. Weston led us to the sitting room for tea. The conversation continued, touching on lighter topics, my mother's work, the estate's history, and Mrs. Weston's excitement about becoming a great-grandmother.

"Make sure you're taking care of yourself, Ella," she said at one point, her tone gentle but firm. "That baby is already very loved."

I nodded, touched by her words. "I will. Thank you."

Eventually, it was time to leave. As we stood by the door, Mrs. Weston surprised me yet again. She hugged my mother warmly, thanking her for coming, and then turned to me.

"Take care of yourself, dear," she said, wrapping me in a soft embrace. When she pulled back, she placed a light kiss on my cheek. "And take care of my great-grandchild."

I nodded, my throat tight with emotion. "I will."