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Granny Blackwood’s concern deepened as she examined Eva’s face. Despite the calm explanation, Eva’s pallor had not fully faded, and her hands were still cold to the touch. Her smile seemed a little forced, and the lingering hint of unease in her eyes didn’t go unnoticed by the older woman.
“You’re sure you’re not feeling unwell?” Granny Blackwood asked gently, her voice filled with motherly care. She reached for Eva’s hand again, squeezing it lightly.
Eva smiled again, more sincerely this time, though her discomfort lingered beneath the surface. “I’m sure, Granny. It’s just the fish soup. I haven’t felt well since I smelled it. It was too strong for me.”
Vivian, standing a few steps away, watched the exchange closely, her expression carefully neutral. She had said enough to cover for Eva, but she couldn’t help feeling the growing tension in the room. Eva is still hiding something, she thought, glancing at Adrian, who stood silently by the door, arms crossed, his eyes fixed on Eva. What is she not telling us?
Adrian remained quiet, his eyes darting between Eva and Granny Blackwood. The more he observed, the more questions lingered in his mind. The way she reacted to the soup earlier… He knew Eva didn’t like fish, but the nausea had seemed far more intense than usual. He also hadn’t missed the way her hand trembled when Vivian had been concerned for her.
“Eva…” Adrian began, his voice low but firm, “Are you sure that’s all? Just the smell of the fish?”
Eva turned her gaze toward him, her expression guarded but soft. “Yes, Adrian. I’m fine.”
Adrian’s brow furrowed as he watched her, the doubt in his eyes growing. Why does she keep lying? But he didn’t push her further—at least not in front of Granny. Instead, he softened his tone. “Alright, if you say so.”
Granny Blackwood’s eyes narrowed slightly, but she didn’t press the issue, sensing the tension in the room. Instead, she smiled warmly at Eva. “Well, I’m just glad you’re back. But don’t overexert yourself today. You should rest more.”
Eva nodded, grateful for her grandmother-in-law’s understanding. “I will. Thank you, Granny.”
Vivian, seeing that the immediate crisis seemed to pass, took the opportunity to speak up. “Eva, you should rest for a while. Let me help you to your room.”
Eva looked at her, a small, knowing smile tugging at the corner of her lips. Vivian is trying so hard, she thought, her mind whirling with the undercurrent of tension. But for now, she played along. “Alright, thank you.”
Adrian stepped aside, allowing Vivian to assist Eva up the stairs. He didn’t follow immediately. Instead, he lingered behind, his gaze lingering on Eva’s retreating figure as she walked away with Vivian. Something’s not right, he thought, feeling that familiar, gnawing unease in his gut.
In the quiet of Eva’s room, Vivian carefully helped her into bed. “You need to rest, Eva. I’ll stay here with you for a bit.”
Eva settled under the covers, her body still feeling weak but much more at ease now that she was away from the chaotic scene downstairs. “You’ve been very helpful, Vivian. Thank you.”
Vivian smiled, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Of course. I just want you to feel better.”
Eva looked at her carefully. There was something off in Vivian’s demeanor—something too perfect, too calculated. She couldn’t quite place it, but it tugged at her mind. Vivian’s being too nice. Too concerned.
She was about to say something when there was a knock at the door. It was Adrian, his face still tense, though his eyes softened as they met hers.
“I just wanted to check on you,” he said quietly, stepping into the room. “How are you feeling now?”
Eva nodded, giving him a small smile. “Much better, Adrian. Really.”
He didn’t look convinced, but for the moment, he said nothing, only standing near the doorway, his eyes scanning her with a lingering unease.
Vivian, sensing the shift in the air, stood. “I’ll leave you two alone for a while,” she said smoothly. “Let me know if you need anything, Eva.”
As Vivian left the room, Eva settled back into the pillows, watching as Adrian approached her bedside. He sat down on the edge, his brow furrowed in concern.
“You’re sure everything’s alright?” he asked again, his voice softer now. “You’re not hiding anything from me, are you?”
Eva met his gaze, the weight of the question heavy in the air. She hesitated for a moment before speaking. “I’m fine, Adrian. I promise.”
He stared at her, searching her face for any sign of deception, but there was none. Still, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong.
“Okay,” he said finally, his voice more distant. “But if anything changes… If you feel sick again, don’t hesitate to tell me.”
Eva nodded. “I won’t. Thank you.”
Adrian lingered for a moment longer before standing. “I’ll let you rest, then. But if you need me…”
“I know,” Eva interrupted gently, giving him a reassuring smile. “I’ll call for you.”
As Adrian stepped out of the room, the door clicked shut behind him, and Eva let out a quiet sigh. Her mind was a whirl of conflicting emotions. Adrian’s getting too close to the truth. She couldn’t keep pretending forever.
As for Vivian, she couldn’t help but feel a cold sense of anticipation rise within her. I’ll have to be careful. Vivian knew that the situation was far from over, and the game between her and Eva had only just begun.
