Chapter 40

Kayla waited for the nausea to settle before cleaning herself up and stepping cautiously out of the bathroom.

The living room was quieter now-Jeremy sat alone at the table. Edwin had disappeared

Feeling awkward, she approached slowly and took her seat. "I'mn sorry. I haven't been feeling well today."

Jeremy's expression remained unreadable, his handsome features impassive. "If you're not feeling well, eat a little and get some rest."

"Alright." Kayla didn't dare touch the sandwich again, worried he might connect her nausea to something more than just an upset stomach. Instead, she sipped water and nibbled on a few pieces of fruit to settle her stomach.

As she stood to leave, she hesitated. "Thank you for speaking up for me tonight."

Jeremy's cold gaze lifted. "No need to thank me. You're part of the Graham family, and protecting you protects our reputation."

"Liam's never been that considerate," Kayla muttered under her breath.

"What was that?" Jeremy's brows drew together.

She quickly smiled and shook her head. "Nothing. I'll head to bed now."

Just then, Edwin burst back into the room, a pharmacy bag in hand and a proud grin on his face. "Mr.Graham,I found some medicine at the front desk. Picked up a few things for Kayla-thought it might help."

Kayla's eyes landed on the bag, her heart skipping a beat.

This wasn't just a cold. She was pregnant. How could she take random medicine?

"Here you go," Edwin said as he strode over and handed her the bag. "Thank you, Edwin," she said quickly, taking the bag and retreating to her room before either man could say more.

"You're welcome!" Edwin replied cheerfully. But as he turned around, he froze under the weight of Jeremy's icy stare. The air between them turned cold.

Edwin gave a sheepish chuckle. "What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Jeremy's tone was razor-sharp. "Since when did you become so thoughtful?"

Edwin raised his hands in mock surrender. "Just being helpful. She's your nephew's wife, after all."

"Get out," Jeremy ordered.

Edwin didn't argue, "Got it. Rest well, sir." He slipped out the door, letting it click shut behind him.

Jeremy remained still, his gaze shifting toward Kayla's closed door, his expression unreadable.

Kayla tossed and turned all night, unable to fall asleep. Though exhausted, sleep eluded her.

The thought of Jeremy-just on the other side of the wall-kept her mind racing. Never had she imagined being this close to him again.

Finally, unable to take the restlessness, she flipped on the lamp and stepped out onto the balcony for some air.

The silence outside was soothing, the cool breeze brushing her skin and calming her nerves.

Then she heard it-a faint sound from the neighboring balcony.

Startled, she grabbed a flowerpot for protection, eyes straining in the dim light."Who's there?"

A shadow moved. Slowly, a figure emerged from the darkness.

As it drew closer, she realized it was Jeremy.

Her eyes widened."What are you doing out here?"

He didn't answer right away. His face was shadowed, but the irritation in his voice was clear. "You're awake too."

Before she could respond, he stepped onto the railing and vaulted onto her balcony with effortless ease.

Kayla stumbled back in shock, clutching the flowerpot tighter. "Are you out of your mind? What are you doing?"

He took a few steps forward, then stopped, keeping his distance. His expression softened slightly."I needed somewhere to hide."

"Hide? From what?" she asked, retreating toward the door.

In her panic, she caught her foot on the frame and lost her balance.

Jeremy moved in a blur, catching her around the waist. The momentum carried them into the glass door with a soft thud.

Suddenly,she was pressed against his chest, his arms firm around her. Her breath caught.

As she looked up, her lips brushed against his chin. The moment froze-tense, breathless, and silent. All she could hear was the rapid beat of their hearts.

A flush crept up her neck.

Before she could pull away, a woman's voice echoed from the neighboring room. "Where's Mr. Graham?Why isn't he here?"

Jeremy moved instantly, switching off the balcony light, plunging them into darkness.

Leaning close to her ear, his breath warm against her skin, he whispered, "Don't make a sound."

Kayla stiffened. She didn't understand what was happening, but his serious tone left no room for argument.She stayed perfectly still, heart pounding, her entire body on edge.

The woman's voice grew louder. "We agreed I'd be spending the night with Mr. Graham. Where could he have gone?"