The designer finished speaking and walked away.

Evelyn felt a warmth in her heart at the kind gesture, a soft smile touching her lips.

A short while later, the designer returned, carrying a small box. She placed it gently on Evelyn's desk.

Evelyn smiled gratefully. "Thank you. I owe you lunch."

"Don't mention it! I have loads. Go on, Evelyn, try one. Tell me what you think!" the designer urged with an encouraging smile.

This designer was a recent addition to the Aethelgard Industries Fashion Design Department.

Evelyn had been the department head since the beginning, leading her team with quiet competence.

To the designer, Evelyn was the epitome of grace—beautiful, kind, and immensely talented. Her admiration was genuine.

"Alright." Evelyn carefully unwrapped a piece of chocolate, her movements deliberate.

An intensely sweet aroma instantly permeated the air around them.

Evelyn's nose twitched. A sudden, sharp wave of nausea clenched her stomach.

She took a tentative bite.

The sweetness was overwhelming, thick and cloying on her tongue.

The nausea intensified, a violent surge she couldn't suppress.

Evelyn's face contorted as she fought to swallow.

It was useless. She clapped a hand over her mouth, her complexion turning ashen.

"Evelyn! What's wrong?" The designer's voice was sharp with alarm. She rushed over, patting Evelyn's back. "Spit it out! Now!"

Evelyn could no longer resist. She spat the chocolate into the wastebasket, immediate relief flooding through her.

"Evelyn, have some water!" The designer was frantic, bewildered that a simple piece of chocolate could cause such a reaction.

Evelyn remained hunched over, her body rigid with the effort to regain control. Discomfort radiated from her.

Pressing a hand against her chest, she felt as if she might vomit bile.

Suddenly, she was completely alert, all traces of her earlier fatigue gone. She let out a weak sigh, accepting the water from the designer and taking a small sip. "I'm sorry for wasting your chocolate," Evelyn said, her voice raspy.

"The chocolate is irrelevant." The designer's worried gaze remained fixed on Evelyn.

After a moment's hesitation, a realization seemed to dawn on her. Her expression shifted. "Evelyn, I know you're married... Is it possible... could you be pregnant?"

Evelyn went completely still, the words hitting her with the force of an ice bath.

Pregnant?

Her heart began to hammer against her ribs, the possibility crashing over her.

Ever since his grandmother had started asking about grandchildren, Evelyn had felt a growing desire for a child.

But just as a spark of hope ignited in her eyes, she quickly extinguished it.

She forced a light laugh, masking her inner turmoil. "It's probably just my stomach acting up again. An old problem."

There had been a similar incident before, with nausea and dry heaving, all due to stress and stomach issues.

Lately, her workload had been immense—especially the suit she was designing for Alexander, which had consumed her.

It was likely just exhaustion. That would explain why she had felt so tired this morning.

The designer, still concerned, pressed gently, "Evelyn, you really should see a doctor. Soon."

Evelyn nodded, offering a faint smile. "Alright. I'll go to the hospital. Thank you."

The designer didn't linger, quickly returning to her own desk to work.

Evelyn glanced at her schedule. Tonight was the Sterling family banquet.

If she still felt unwell this afternoon, she would ask Alexander to take her to the hospital after the event.