After changing her clothes and heading downstairs, Emma Johnson noticed Xiaobai's sluggish demeanor. She couldn't help but feel concerned.
"Maybe we should let him eat less fish?"
Emma suggested to Liam Williams in a tentative tone.
"You might not see the problem now. But when he develops fatty liver disease, you'll regret it. Haven't you noticed how his belly is practically dragging on the floor?"
Liam's words held truth. The kitchen had always provided excellent food, and Emma had never restricted Xiaobai's appetite. So in the short time since arriving at Sunrise Manor, he had clearly gained more than just a little weight. Well, this time she didn't argue. That evening, she only allowed him to eat some vegetables.
Watching Emma, Liam couldn't help but smile. Yet he couldn't stop thinking that when they had children someday, she would be a gentle mother.
A woman's attitude toward pets revealed her future maternal qualities. Liam began to look forward to it. He mentally calculated the remaining medicine in Emma's bottle.
Well, it seemed that in a few days, he would need to visit Dr. Moore again to get more and exchange them. To make his wife pregnant, he would do whatever it took.
"Going to Maple Ridge Hot Springs?"
At Brookhaven General Hospital, Elijah Clark came to the door of the room where Mia Lewis was having the gauze removed from her legs to see her. He heard Mia speak.
"Yes. It just so happens that my leg has healed. So I want to go to the hot springs with Emma and Olivia. And Emma's friend Emilia from the hospital. That hot spring resort is run by a friend of my cousin's. He can give us a discount. Elijah, are you coming? We can play billiards together."
Although Mia knew the chances were slim—after all, more and more people had been coming to see him since Elijah completed Mayor Reed's surgery.
She had heard that Elijah had been sick for a few days and stayed home to recover. As a result, people had practically lined up outside his door during those days.
Sure enough, Elijah shook his head.
"I have an important surgery that day."
"Oh. What a shame." Mia forced a smile, disappointment flickering in her eyes. But then Elijah continued.
"But maybe I'll come after the surgery. Send me the exact address, and I'll drive there."
Elijah couldn't afford to miss any opportunity to spend time with Emma. So even if the surgery lasted until evening, he would drive there. Even if it meant just one day with her.
"Alright, I'll send you the address."
Mia didn't think much of it. She just felt very happy. After all, everyone was usually busy, so it was rare to have time to get together. It wasn't easy for her to see Elijah.
The day before they were set to leave for the hot spring resort, Emma hummed a cheerful tune while packing her luggage with great enthusiasm. Since it was only a two-hour drive and just one overnight stay, she brought only a small suitcase. It was nothing like the last trip to Silverdale, where she had packed several large suitcases.
"You seem happy."
Liam, sitting on the bed, lowered the financial magazine in his hand and frowned at Emma. When she was with him, he hadn't seen her singing so happily.
"Of course. The three of us haven't gone out together in a long time. I used to have opportunities to travel abroad, but that's not very realistic now. But going to a hot spring is still nice."
Emma answered Liam while folding her clothes. Xiaobai wagged his tail and crouched at her feet, his blue-black cat eyes curiously watching her suitcase, looking very interested.
"If we had time a year ago, we could go again."
For some reason, Liam suddenly spoke.
"Really? But at the end of the year, the company will be very busy."
After hearing this, Emma's eyes lit up again, pleasing Liam. But then her eyes dimmed slightly, and she shook her head.
"It doesn't matter. There's always time to squeeze in. I'll take you to Hungary. It's a country of hot springs. You'll love it."
Liam's deep eyes were filled with profound, gentle warmth. His voice was low and charming, like mellow liquor. Just hearing it from his mouth made Emma feel enchanted.
"Okay."
Her smile was bright, revealing a row of white teeth. At that moment, she looked pure and beautiful, as if she had stepped out of a painting. Liam's eyes darkened, and he got off the bed. He bent down beside Emma, his thin, cold lips about to kiss her soft lips. A soft meow instantly froze Liam's movement. From the corner of his eye, he glanced at the white furry creature beside him, and his eyes suddenly turned cold.
Liam once again regretted bringing that little thing home.
Emma knew Xiaobai was sleepy. She picked him up and carried him to the door, handing him to the maid, Charlotte. Although she wanted to take Xiaobai to bed, Liam wouldn't allow it. Besides, even if a cat was in the room at night, it always made Emma feel strange. So, despite Xiaobai's resentful eyes, Emma's heart softened only for a moment before she let Charlotte take him away.
The next day, Liam personally drove Emma to the entrance of The Waterfront and asked her to meet up with Mia. Emilia Clark also took a taxi.
"I think your husband is becoming more and more of a devoted spouse. Despite being so busy, he personally drove you here. That's very rare."
Olivia touched her chin, a meaningful smile on her face.
Emma couldn't refute her teasing, but calling him a perfectly devoted husband was a bit of an exaggeration.
After the four women got into the car, Emilia was a little excited and hugged Emma's arm in the back seat.
"Sister Wei, I never thought I'd get to go to a hot spring in my lifetime."
"Anything is possible."
Emma replied with a smile. She knew that in the past, because of Emilia's illness, she usually stayed at home or lived in the hospital for treatment. That's why Emma thought of her this time and brought her along.
The women drove to Maple Ridge Hot Springs, and Mia's cousin's friend came out to greet them. He arranged for them to stay in the best room. After lunch, they rested for another hour, then changed their clothes and went to the hot spring pool.
Emma lay in the hot spring pool. It was a private area, so she didn't have to share it with many people. There were only the four of them. It was very nice.
The women chatted happily. Unconsciously, it began to get dark. They got out of the pool and went to the leisure area to pass the time.