<b>Chapter </b><b>194 </b>


    “You’ve gone to so much trouble again,” Rosalind said, getting up to test the kitchen appliances.


    “Not at all–it was really simple,” Seth replied, following her. “I swapped out the old outlet for you too. Thest one was a pain to use, but this new one has a built–in switch. Just flick it off when you’re done–no more standing on tiptoe to plug or unplug anything.”


    “Thank you, Seth. Really.”


    “No need to thank me, Rosalind, it’s the least I can do. The chicken broth’s ready, by the way. You two should have some while it’s hot.”


    Rosalind was practically beaming, her smile brighter than usual.


    It made Noreen swallow whatever she’d been about to say.


    Breakfast was a feast: alongside the ginseng chicken soup, there was a hearty chicken and vegetable porridge.


    Under Rosalind’s watchful eye, Noreen managed two bowls of soup and a bowl of porridge, leaving her stuffed.


    Afterward, Rosalind told Noreen to do the dishes, but Seth offered to handle it.


    Rosalind blocked him, shaking her head. “You cooked, so she should clean. Go sit down and take a


    break.”


    While Noreen was washing up, a familiar ache spread through her lower abdomen.


    Her period again–early, of course.


    She hadn’t been prepared at all. Pain broke out in cold sweat across her forehead; her grip slipped, and a te crashed to the floor.


    Seth was the first to rush in. “Did you hurt yourself?”


    He quickly moved Noreen away from the shards, clearly worried she’d cut herself.


    The pain was <i>so </i>bad that Noreen couldn’t even think about keeping her distance; Seth half–carried her over to the sofa.


    “What happened?” Rosalind hurried over, her face written with concern.


    “My stomach… cramps…” Noreen was drenched in sweat.


    Somehow, the pain was even worse this time.


    “We should go to the hospital,” Seth said immediately.


    Noreen stopped his hand as he reached to lift her. “It’s just cramps. The hospital can’t do anything.”


    “I’ll get you some painkillers,” Rosalind offered, hurrying to fetch them.


    Seth brought her a ss of hot water, frowning the whole time as Noreen took her medicine.


    A few minutester, the pills kicked in, and Noreen’s breathing eased.


    <b>1/2 </b>


    <b>19:36 </b><b>1 </b>


    Seth still looked concerned. “You should get checked out, though. You can’t keep relying on painkillers


    forever.”


    Even Rosalind agreed. “He’s right, Noreen. Let’s have a doctor look at you.”


    “I’ve seen one already. It’s just my body’s constitution–I need to take care of myself over time,” Noreen exined.


    “How do you take care of it?” Seth asked.


    “Medication, nutrition… there’s no quick fix for this.”


    “Which doctor did you see?” Seth pressed, sounding more involved than Noreen thought necessary.


    She couldn’t tell what his angle was, but she felt like he was putting on a show.


    “Dr. Wilder. He’s a top specialist.”


    Seth thought for a moment, then said, “Let’s get a second opinion. I know a great physician–let me make an appointment.”


    He was as good as his word, pulling out his phone and calling the specialist right away.


    The doctor said he’d be on duty tomorrow; they could go straight in.


    Seth agreed, then turned to Noreen. “I’ll take you to the hospital tomorrow.”


    Rosalind was all for it. “It’s a good idea. I’ll feel better knowing Seth’s going too.”


    Noreen opened her mouth to protest, but the words died on her lips.


    Seth stayed until after lunch before leaving.


    Noreen had nned to stay for dinner with Rosalind, but a work emergency meant she had to head back to the office.


    So they left together.


    The moment they stepped outside, out of Rosalind’s line of sight, Noreen’s demeanor changed in a


    heartbeat.


    She shot him a look, her toneced with sarcasm. “Since when did Mr. Harcourt be a master of


    time management?”