I was about to shake my head, still stunned by Mrs. Eriksen's words, when she suddenly gave me a small wink like she knew exactly what she was doing. Then she added calmly, "Cramps can be really bad. During the first three months, you must not push yourself too hard. Otherwise, it could risk a miscarriage."
My face went stiff instantly. I wanted to correct her, but the timing was already gone.
Ashton had just stood up, preparing to head upstairs with his files when she called out again.
"Mr. Ashton," she said brightly, "if she's in pain, you should help her. I bought some essential oil earlier. It's in your room."
I almost choked on my breath. She was enjoying this way too much.
Ashton placed his files down slowly. His eyes shifted to me, calm and unreadable. "Does it hurt?"
It took me a second to realize he was talking about the so-called cramps.
Mrs. Eriksen kept nodding at me like a signal. I had no way out, so I nodded too and forced a small smile. "Yes."
