The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

Daniel pulled out a chair and sat down, his gentle gaze resting on Veda. He held a small receipt in his hand and waved it slightly. "Mind if I join you?"

Veda gave a faint smile. "Not at all."

Daniel placed the receipt on the table and ordered a glass of water. They exchanged smiles, and the atmosphere gradually became more comfortable.

But Veda stayed mostly quiet, only nodding occasionally in response to Daniel's questions.

Daniel noticed her unease. He could sense a significant change in her demeanor.

In the past, Veda was like a little sister, always around him, calling him "Daniel" affectionately.

Now, she seemed different, with a hint of distance and maturity in her eyes. Daniel knew it had to do with her job at Smith Corporation, but he still found it hard to adjust to the new Veda.

Daniel sighed softly, trying to break the silence. "Work keeping you busy lately?"

Veda nodded slightly, her tone calm. "It's manageable. Smith Corporation is always like this."noveldrama

Daniel nodded. He wasn't in the finance and investment industry, but he had some understanding of Veda's workload. Especially since Emily had just given birth and Michael was spending all his time at the hospital, most of the work at Smith Corporation fell on Veda's shoulders.

Moreover, Veda had no prior experience handling company affairs. Suddenly dealing with so many tasks was no easy feat for someone who used to be carefree and playful.

As Daniel's mind wandered, Veda suddenly looked up at him.

She realized her coldness contrasted sharply with Daniel's warmth.

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Veda tentatively asked, "Is the hospital busy lately?"

Hearing this, Daniel knew Veda either didn't know about Emily's childbirth or was deliberately avoiding the topic.

Understanding Veda's sensitive nature, Daniel gave a vague response. "Same as usual."

Veda didn't pursue the conversation further and focused on her vegetable salad.

It was her favorite dish. Scarlett used to make it for her.

But at some point, that motherly love had faded into a void, almost invisible.

At home, Veda could only eat what the family chef prepared. Outside, it was a series of random meals.

Veda had tried salads made by others, but they never had that familiar taste.

She had gradually come to terms with it, knowing Scarlett wouldn't always be around. She should try to forget that taste, that feeling.

But what Veda couldn't change was her habit of ordering a vegetable salad whenever she saw it on a menu.

It had become a habit she carried with her for life.

Seeing this, Daniel didn't need to say much to know Veda was lost in thought. Concerned, he asked, "Veda, is something wrong?"

Veda snapped out of her thoughts, forcing a small smile. "Nothing."

Daniel suddenly felt Veda had grown up. She had become cautious.

Just as Daniel was about to say something else, Veda stood up.

"I'm full. Take your time. I'm off now."

Daniel was slightly taken aback but nodded, watching Veda leave.

Daniel watched Veda leave, her half-eaten salad left behind. He felt a mix of emotions -part heartache, part helplessness.

For the next few days, Emily was on edge.

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Scarlett's arrival and Michael's absence weighed heavily on her, making her feel like something was about to happen.

She tried to keep herself busy, even asking Penelope for recent JM project records to see if she could help.

But Emily had overestimated herself.

Every night, she couldn't help but think of Scarlett's screams and her cold, sharp eyes.

Those eyes were like daggers, piercing deep into her heart, leaving her restless.

Emily even had nightmares for several consecutive nights.

The feeling was unbearable, like being trapped in darkness with no escape.

But Michael's frequent calls provided some comfort. Although Emily tried to sound calm, Michael could sense something was off.

"What's wrong? You seem unsettled," Michael's voice was gentle and concerned.

Emily took a deep breath, trying to keep her voice steady. "Nothing. Just tired."

Besides, Emily couldn't quite define her relationship with Michael now.

Whenever Michael called, Emily thought he was checking on the baby, but he seemed more interested in her well-being.

Since the call was connected, Emily felt obliged to chat with Michael for a bit.

"If you're tired, get some rest. Don't overthink it. I'll work and support the family."

But the more Michael called, the more Emily felt a strange sensation.

It was a mix of anticipation and fear, something Emily couldn't quite explain. Was it about Michael?

"Michael, you should avoid saying things that might be misunderstood. We're divorced, after all."

Emily's heart rippled with emotions she tried to suppress but found herself sinking deeper.

On the other end, there was a moment of silence. Emily's heartbeat didn't slow down;

instead, she grew more anxious, as if awaiting a verdict.

"Yes, I know. But we have a child together, don't we?"

Michael always used this line to brush her off.

And Emily couldn't argue with him. They did have a child, an undeniable and unchanging fact.

She wanted to refuse but found it hard to let go of her feelings.

The internal conflict grew stronger, and she felt as if she were caught in an invisible web, unable to break free.

After hanging up, Emily sighed softly, looking out at the darkening sky, her mind filled with thoughts.

Lost in thought, she fell into a deep sleep, unaware that Jenny had been waiting outside the room for a long time.

When her phone rang, Jenny carefully slipped into the stairwell, speaking in a hushed tone.

"Hello?"

Hearing a response, Jenny relaxed and quietly reported, "Don't worry. I've been keeping an eye on things. She hasn't come by, but she did send Lexine over with some chicken soup a few times.

"Got it. I'm keeping watch. Mr. Smith, rest assured. Since you paid me, I'll get the job done. But after observing for a few days, I've noticed something. I need to tell you honestly..."