Chapter 1440:


    It was all she could safely say. The rest wasn’t meant for a phone call.


    Thankfully, Lance caught on immediately. “Got it. I’ll find a way to talk to him.”


    They chatted a bit longer. When sleep finally started to pull at her, Ste ended the call.


    But somewhere deep into the night, she jolted awake. Something felt wrong. Her sheets were damp—too damp. She turned on the bedsidemp and froze at the sight of crimson stains spreading across the white fabric.


    She stared, dazed for a beat, before letting out a low sigh of frustration. It was 3:20 a.m.


    Dragging herself out of bed, she stripped the sheets and stuffed them into theundry hamper. Then she took a shower, changed into clean clothes, and finally crawled back under the covers again. By the time her head hit the pillow, it was 4:30.


    Her limbs ached. Her whole body felt like it had been run over. Sleep came quickly, heavy and dreamless.


    By the time the clock neared eleven, Tasha started getting uneasy. Ste was usually up by now. She went upstairs and gently knocked on the door.


    “Ms. Russell? Are you awake? Would you like some breakfast?”


    No response. Tasha paused a moment, listening. Still nothing. Her brows drew together in worry as she slowly pushed open the door.


    Ste was curled up on the bed, pale and sweating. It was clear something was wrong.


    rmed, Tasha rushed over. “Ms. Russell, what’s going on? Are you okay?”


    Ste was trembling, clutching her lower abdomen. Even so, she tried to speak calmly.


    “I’m alright… it’s just my period. The cramps hit hard today.”


    Tasha immediately understood. She’d been through this herself. “I’ll get you some hot water and a heating pad. Just hold on.”


    Ste gave a weak nod, too drained to say more.


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    Tasha moved quickly—setting up a warm water bag, brewing herbal tea, and even cooking a pot of millet congee. She gently helped Ste sit up and fed her a few bites.


    But Ste’s face remained pale, her body rigid from the pain. After barely a few spoonfuls, she shook her head.


    “It’s okay,” Tasha said softly, noticing how cold her hands and feet were. She adjusted the thermostat, making the room warmer.


    Ste leaned back, still confused by her own condition. She’d never had cramps before. Not like this. It hade out of nowhere, and it felt unbearable.


    Seeing Tasha bustling around so attentively made her feel guilty. “Tasha… you don’t have to hover. I’ll just try to sleep it off.”


    Tasha agreed, saying she would prepare something else for Ste to eatter.


    Once she stepped out, Ste closed her eyes again and drifted into a restless sleep. But even in her dreams, the pain gnawed at her.


    That afternoon, the phone rang at the vi. Tasha picked it up. It was William.


    “How is she?” he asked, straight to the point.


    Tasha answered honestly. “She’s been home these past few days, hasn’t gone out or seen anyone. Miss Bailey came by yesterday, but Ms. Russell didn’t receive her.” She hesitated, then added, “Today, her period started. The cramps hit her hard—she was sweating andpletely pale this morning.”


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    Message from Noa: Have a very lovely week, dear readers. God loves you, and Noa wishes you all the best. ?(?? ? ? )??


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