Chapter 4 She Had Morning Sickness

He didn't wait for Clara to speak; he directly picked her up and placed her on his lap. Clara felt a momentary weightlessness, and by the time she realized it, she was already in his lap, her head pressed against his chest.

Her ears picked up the strong beating of his heart, and for a fleeting moment, Clara felt the illusion that she was someone he carefully protected.

She knew they were going to divorce, yet she couldn't help but cling to the feeling of being held tightly by him. It was different from when they embraced for marital duties; the little deer in her heart was about to burst through her chest.

"Let's indulge one last time," Clara warned herself.

Secretary Johnson held the steering wheel, trying to drive smoothly, but Clara still occasionally gagged, her stomach feeling hot and uncomfortable, unable to distinguish if it was hunger or nausea.

When they arrived at Jade Dragon Bay, Edward Harper got out of the car and walked briskly towards the building, leaving Clara and Liam Johnson in the car, sick and weary.

The fresh air from the open car window made Clara feel a bit better, mainly because the source of her distress was not around.

"Do you have a girlfriend, Secretary Johnson?"

Liam, thinking Madam wanted to set him up, hurriedly confessed his relationship status.

"I recently met someone through a matchmaker, we've already met each other's parents and plan to get a marriage certificate."

Clara pressed her lips together and replied with a muted "Mmm," "That's good, congratulations. You should give this necklace to your fiancée, it's a beautiful ruby, girls would like it."

Liam glanced at the finely crafted box Clara handed him, breaking out in a cold sweat.

"Madam, this necklace has only two in existence worldwide; one is reserved for a press conference and the other is in your hand. It's Director Harper's token of affection for you!"

Liam didn't dare take it; aside from its financial value, it was a symbol of Mrs. Harper's status. If Director Harper knew, he'd be in big trouble.

Every quarter, the new products that the Harper Clan crafted were first given to Madam. Nobody else had such good fortune.

"Madam, you'd better keep it. If Director Harper comes out and hears you say this, I'll be in for it."

Liam, noticing Edward wasn't outside, let out a sigh of relief.

Seeing that Liam dared not accept, Clara didn't insist further and casually tucked the item into her bag.

"Alright, if you don't want it, I'll give it to someone else later."

This item irritated her now, and she thought about how he'd been up there for a while. She didn't know what they were doing now.

There's a high chance sparks were flying, and here she was, the original wife, personally delivering him and waiting foolishly downstairs.

How laughable.

Upstairs, Edward Harper stepped out of the elevator and unlocked the door with a fingerprint.

As soon as he opened the door, Aria Knight pounced on him, her fragrance and softness filling his arms.

"Aria, if you're feeling unwell, let's go to the hospital."

Aria had applied a soft, seductive look before he arrived, her elegant, alluring curls cascaded down her back. She was radiant, showing no sign of illness. She hugged Edward's slim waist and nuzzled against his chest.

"Edward, just moments ago I felt a sudden panic. Could it be my heart condition acting up? Don't believe me? Feel for yourself?"

When Edward rushed in, his mind was a bit muddled, but seeing her fine appearance now helped him regain his clarity gradually.

"Let go of me first."

He spread his arms, not daring to lower them, adopting a surrender posture as Aria clung tightly to his waist, which made him inexplicably impatient.

"Aria, don't make such jokes again."

Reluctantly, Aria let go when she saw his stern and intimidating face.

"Don't be mad, I just missed you a bit. Please don't leave today, alright? I made your favorite braised short ribs."

"I have things to attend to today, maybe another day."

Seeing she was alright, Edward made a move to leave; he felt uneasy leaving the sick Clara alone downstairs.

When Aria saw him about to leave, she became anxious.

"Edward, could you stay with me for a few more minutes? I want to show you something."

Aria went to the study to fetch the artwork she had worked on for so long.

"Edward, look, this is the ring set I designed, symbolizing fidelity and promise. How about using it for our wedding rings?"

Edward's patience today was limited, perhaps exhausted by Clara's retching, he replied perfunctorily, "You decide, and I'll have the workers make them."

Aria was overjoyed; he had no objections to the wedding rings, which must mean he intended to marry her, right? She was just one step away from marrying him, and all her years of waiting hadn't been in vain.

As for this final step…

She had to work hard and speed up the process.

"Edward, do you want to try a piece of rib? I simmered it all afternoon, learning just for you, and even scalded my hand."

In a coquettish tone, Aria dragged Edward to the kitchen and forced a piece of rib into his hand.

When he returned to the car, Clara smelled the mixed scent of stewed meat and perfume on him, making her stomach churn again.

Edward took a deep breath, shot her a glance,

"I saw you were doing fine before I got in; why do you start throwing up the moment I enter?"

Clara paused for a moment, feeling a bit amused.

For a moment, she thought she must have misheard.

"Do you think I'm pretending? Pretending to be sick to stop you from seeing your lover?"

Edward was angered by her words,

"Watch your words, don't forget your identity."

Clara smiled silently, a pained, broken laugh, then leaned against the car window without saying another word.

What position did she have now to call Aria a lover? Not to mention the divorce agreement had been signed; even if they didn't divorce, she wouldn't have the right.

Her meek demeanor seemed easy to bully and made Edward fume silently.

As he glanced sideways at her, Clara's pale face rested against the window, eyes downcast. The once full lips were devoid of color, with two faint red marks on her neck, left by his grip when getting into the car.

The more he looked, the more he thought she was so easy to bully.

"Come here!"

In a commanding tone, he broke the silence in the car.

Clara looked at him suspiciously.

"Aren't you feeling uncomfortable? Would you prefer to lean on something?"

Clara turned her head, stubbornly ignoring him, and was forcibly pulled into his lap again. The next second, seeing the faint lipstick stain on his chest, tears uncontrollably welled up in her eyes.

What kind of grave sin had she committed that she had to be dragged out here to be force-fed public displays of affection?

When Edward noticed the wet patch on his chest, the car had already stopped in the old manor's courtyard.

With ease, he lifted the woman in his arms, realizing his shirt was ruined, the creases forming an expressive frown.

After getting out, Edward slowed his pace, while Clara jogged a few steps to catch up and linked her arm with his as they entered. This routine of coming home the two practiced so well it had become second nature.

The towering, over ten-meter-high living room was opulently decorated.

Old Master Harper was a devout Buddhist, the light sandalwood scent upon entering made Clara's stomach feel much better.

Butler Uncle Zhong shouted hoarsely into the house, "Master, Young Master, and Young Madam are back!"

He then jokingly teased Clara with a smile, "If Young Madam came home any later, those prawns would've been hard to save. Miss Bella has been nagging all afternoon, but Master still didn't budge, just waiting for you."

Edward pulled his lips slightly, "Her little bird stomach, ten prawns should be enough to keep her full for a day."

Old Master Harper came out of the study, in high spirits. An elderly near his eighties, yet well-preserved and full of vigor, claiming to be seventy was believable.

"What's this lively conversation about? Clara, come here!"

Clara sweetly called back, "Grandpa," and obediently stood by the old man's side.