Chapter 418: Take better care

Nadia sat on a chair with her head in her hands, her thoughts scattered and her mind too clouded to focus on anything.

Dart had just left to meet Gary and take care of the security arrangements. He had mentioned a few other things that needed to be done that day, but she had been so disoriented that morning that she had barely registered his words.

She felt guilty, not only because she had barely spoken to him before he left, but also because she hadn’t even managed to prepare food for him. Dart was working so hard for their household and the family that would soon grow to three, yet she felt as though she wasn’t doing her part.

I need to collect my thoughts.

With that in mind, she rose from her chair and decided to take a bath when a sudden knock interrupted her.

Knock!

Nadia blinked in surprise, assuming Dart must have forgotten something. Without giving it much thought, she walked toward the door and opened it.

Click.

She froze.

Her heart nearly leapt out of her chest at the sight of the man standing on the other side.

For several seconds, she remained motionless until his voice finally brought her back to her senses.

"Would you let me in, or...?"

"Ah, yes! Please, come in!" she stammered, stumbling over her own feet in her fluster. She was about to fall when a hand caught her arm, steadying her before she could hit the ground.

When she opened her eyes and looked up, she found a pair of cold eyes staring down at her.

"Could you be a little more careful with yourself? You won’t be the only one getting hurt now."

Nadia grew even more embarrassed. It had been days since he had last visited her, and this was how she behaved the moment he arrived, nearly hurting herself in front of him. Yet, beneath her embarrassment, she couldn’t help feeling happy at the concern in his voice.

Barely suppressing a smile, she said, "I understand. Please, come inside."

Luke released her arm and stepped inside without another word before taking a seat at the table.

"I’ll bring you something to drink," Nadia offered.

Before she could take a step, however, Luke called out to her.

"No, it’s fine. I’ve come here to talk."

Nadia blinked in surprise before asking, "Did Dart tell you something?"

"Yeah." Luke made no attempt to hide it. "He looked worried about something, and when I asked him, he told me a few things."

Luke pulled a chair over and placed it opposite his own.

Nadia swallowed nervously, realizing from his expression that he was upset. Like an obedient child, she took the seat across from him, keeping her knees pressed together and her hands folded in her lap.

Luke sighed and leaned forward. "Feeling sick in the morning is normal, but skipping meals isn’t. If you don’t feel like talking to Dart or anyone else in the morning, at least tell him how you’re feeling. And if there’s something specific you want to eat, just ask him. He’ll bring it for you. Just don’t neglect your diet."

Nadia felt guilty hearing that. "Won’t it cause him too much trouble? I’ve been feeling too weak to prepare food lately. If this continues, Dart will keep leaving home without eating..."

Luke shook his head. "Then he can eat at my place, or you can prepare something the night before. It won’t hurt to make the food in advance. Dart can simply heat it up before eating."

Leaning back, Luke continued, "This is a new phase of your life, Nadia. Don’t try to fight it or cling to your old ways. Learn to adjust to what your body needs. Dart is there to support you, so talk to him instead of worrying about being a burden."

With her head lowered, Nadia nodded in understanding.

He was right. Things would only become more difficult from here on. From what she had heard, the first month of pregnancy was nothing compared to the final three months.

She needed to adapt and learn to manage these changes before the difficulties ahead left her feeling helpless.

"I understand. I’ll take better care of myself and talk to Dart about it."

Luke sighed before asking, "Have you eaten anything yet?"

Nadia shook her head. "No... and Dart left without eating anything either."

Luke stared at her for a moment before slowly rising from his seat and heading inside.

Nadia hurried after him, curious about what he intended to do. When she found him making his way toward the kitchen, she couldn’t help asking, "What are you going to do?"

"Fight a monster with kitchen tools," Luke replied sarcastically as he crouched beside the hearth and began arranging the firewood.

Nadia blinked in surprise, taking a moment to process his answer before realizing what he was actually doing.

"Are you going to prepare a meal? But why? I can do it myself!"

Luke straightened and turned to face her, giving her a look that made it clear he wasn’t interested in hearing any objections.

"Despite your eccentric behavior these days, you’re a dear friend of mine. And the child growing inside you matters to me as well. So don’t question me when I’m trying to take care of both of you."

Nadia fell silent, her lips parting slightly as she looked at him. She had expected a lecture, perhaps even a few more harsh words about her eating habits, but she hadn’t expected him to go this far.

A faint warmth spread through her chest. It was difficult to put into words how she felt seeing him standing in her kitchen, preparing to cook for her without giving her the chance to refuse.

For a moment, she simply watched him, unsure whether she should feel embarrassed or happy.

In the end, she lowered her gaze, unable to keep the small smile from forming on her lips.

’In the end, he couldn’t abandon me.’

~~~

A/N: Thanks for reading.