Something Sweet

Chapter 13

Author's note:  Hello, everyone. Thanks for your patience as I took longer than anticipated to finally put this chapter out. I had a total of three different do-overs trying to get this in the correct sequence. I also had a bad burnout moment, where I didn't bother writing anything at all. So, I focused on school and work for the most part. 

Sorry for the delay. 

Glad to finally be posting once again, so welcome back everyone, and welcome to the new readers.

Thanks for the follows, stars, and comments. 

I won't keep you.
Enjoy

___________________________________________

-The next morning-

"If I didn't know any better, I'd have to say you are practically glowing...." Lisa commented, serenely sipping on her small cup of tea, "I must say, it seems the newlywed ambiance does appear to give quite the radiant glow."

With Lisa personally visiting the Dawn Winery early the next morning, Jean was caught slightly underprepared over her friend's sudden visit. "W—what newlywed glow? You know there is no such thing." The thought made her feel uneasy as she was fast to brush off the witty remark, "It must be my recovery. The last time we spoke, I wasn't at my best...."

"If you say so..." The hint of a smile remained on her scholar friend, "I appreciate the acceptance of my unannounced visit, as I found myself curious about your time off, grandmaster Jean. I'm relieved you're looking much better. I see..." Lisa's words stalled as she noticed Jean's growing condition, "Your pregnancy has indeed progressed. I'm amazed, actually."

Immediately growing self-conscious about her scholar friend repeatedly glancing at her stomach area, Jean adjusted her sitting position on the couch, "The... doctor said it's expected to show at five months...."

"Five months...?" A small chuckle escaped the mage as she couldn't help hint her disbelief, "Are you sure you aren't further along?"

Jean nervously crossed her legs, purposely shifting the lower half of her dress to hide her figure. "What are you insinuating? But, of course, it's only been five months. I'd have to be—" Sharp to clear her throat and interrupt herself. Jean paused to force a calm sip from her cup of tea, "It's clearly been five months since it all started, and the doctor has mentioned a chronic food reaction to my condition. If anything, I'm likely bloated. That's all that is."

"Is that right..."

"Excuse me?" Jean nervously sat forward, "My condition has immensely improved with the provisions and guidance. I'm ah—actually expecting a second doctor to arrive from Liyue within a few days to further monitor the rest of my pregnancy."

Lisa casually nodded her head and attempted to change the subject, "I meant no disrespect or to challenge the words of a doctor. Simply speaking, I'm, above all, curious... is all. On another note, I take it your decision to marry has proven to be a positive experience?"

A nervous yet awkward laugh escaped Jean as she didn't expect to remember last night's intimacy with her 'said' husband, "I—I clearly assure you it is not as it seems." With the feeling of her hands tightening to the cup of tea residing in her hands. The acting grandmaster resisted alerting any further suspicion, "It's been weeks since we've signed the marriage contract, yet I spend my time in this mansion making idle chitchat with the maids. I eat, bathe, sleep on my own. And then repeat the sequence day after day after day. I'm sure you can confirm such speculation as Sir Diluc spends most of his time in the presence of the knights rather than with his pregnant wife." Unaware that her temper had long begun to carry her words, her argument further fueled her rant. "I am alone. I am pregnant. I wish to eat food I am prohibited from consuming. And I am doing absolutely NOTHING as everyone expects me to. Is this not how a marriage under contract should be--"