He hadn’t slept through the night, but he felt oddly alert.

Leaning forward, he whispered softly, “I’ll be staying home today. I’ll work from the study, but when you and Locke wake up, I’ll come join you for a meal.”

Elissa did not respond.

“I’ll head out now and let you rest.”

Ernest rose to his feet and, on his way out, grabbed the remote to close the curtains. Footsteps faded, and then the door closed behind him.

Elissa clung to the blanket, determined to keep her eyes shut and force herself to rest.

When she opened her eyes, rain tapped steadily against the window and the sky looked dull.

She slipped out of bed and stepped into the hallway. From the open study door at the far end, voices drifted toward her.

Locke stood at the desk, small and focused, repeating his lessons one word at a time. Ernest watched over him, book in hand.

“I’m done, Dad,” Locke announced.

Ernest nodded in approval. “You stumbled a bit, but you got through it.”

He shut the book and offered some advice. “You’ve been spending time on vacation with your mother. Now that we’re back, it’s time to get your mind back on schoolwork.”

“I get it, Dad.” Locke nodded, listening carefully.

“Elissa?” Ernest noticed her standing in the hallway and was quick to rise from his seat.

Locke saw her too, darting ahead with excitement. “Mom! You’re finally up!”

“Yes.” Elissa knelt down and wrapped her arms around him. “I slept in today. Have you eaten, Locke?”

“I already ate.” Locke nodded. “Dad and I ate breakfast together.”

? : g?ν?

“We wanted you to rest, so we didn’t wake you.” Ernest appeared behind Locke. “Now that you’re up, I’ll eat with you too.”

He gave Locke a gentle pat on the head. “Go on and get started on your math homework.”

“Alright,” Locke replied, trotting off obediently.

The nanny arrived to take Locke back to his room.

“Come on.” Ernest turned toward Elissa. “After sleeping that long, you must be starving.”

Without a word, Elissa walked past him.

In the dining room, the staff waited for their arrival before bringing out the food. Just as Ernest had requested, the kitchen had prepared a fresh meal for her, mindful of her pregnancy.

Before long, Elissa started to walk away.

Ernest reached out, stopping her in her tracks. “Where are you off to?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Elissa shot him a glare. “I’m going to the bathroom. Or do you think I need permission for that now?”

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