Page 37 of Stay With Me

“Yeah, I thought I wasn’t feeling well because I was nervous, but I wonder if I’m fighting a bug.” Rubbing my stomach, I frown.

Young Jae excuses us and we head home. As he lets Kimchi out, I race to the bathroom, barely making it as I start retching.

If I’m thinking about it, my stomach has been more sensitive all week, which is really unusual. I rarely feel nauseous. I don’t even remember the last time I had a stomach flu.

Sitting back, I grab some tissues to wipe my face. Even on my period I rarely have PMS. My heart almost stops as I roughly calculate. Am I supposed to be on my period?

Panic fills me and I rush to the guest ensuite, digging into the back of the cupboard. I dig out the pregnancy test I had left over from a while back when I had a scare and quickly brush up on the instructions.

“Everything okay?” Young Jae knocks, concern filling his voice.

I finish peeing as I respond I’m fine.

Flipping it face down, I wash up as I wait for the timer to go off.

When it does, I cross my fingers it’s negative. Turning it over, I slump in relief. The single line is clear as day. Usually my periods are fairly light, but on occasion, I don’t really have one because of my IUD. This must just be one of those times.

“Thank goodness,” I mutter, burying the test in the trash. The last thing I need is to deal with an unwanted pregnancy.

Chapter Sixteen

Young Jae

Eliseshiversdespitetheheavy blanket over her. A damp sheen covers her body. Tucking the blanket around her, I quietly shut the door to let Kimchi out and make some tea.

I quickly let my boss know I’m taking a sick day and set about making some soup and other foods to help Elise feel better.

As I cook, I call Mary.

“Hello?” Her voice answers, surprisingly alert for the early hour.

“Hi, Mary. It’s Young Jae. Elise is really sick and won’t be able to make it today. I’m not sure if you’re able to—”

I hear her start moving. “I will take care of Perk Up. Tell her to rest and not to worry.”

“Thanks, Mary.” Hanging up, I finish prepping the bone broth and add it to the rice that’s done in the cooker.

Kimchi waits patiently to be fed as I strain the broth.

Grabbing her bowl, I smile as she dances while I scoop her food, sitting patiently as I set it down. Scratching her head, I cue her to start eating.

Washing up, I grab some meds, pour the broth over rice and head back upstairs.

Elise is sitting up, her face pale.

“I called Mary, she’s looking after the shop. And I took the day off so I can get you anything you need whenever you need it.” Sitting next to her, I hand her the meds and the tea I made.

She leans back into the pillows with a sigh. “Thank you.”

Taking the tea, I set it down and start feeding her the rice and soup. “This is bone broth. It’s nice and mild. I always got this when I was sick as a child.”

Elise hums as she eats. “It’s perfect. Thank you.”

After she finishes eating, I fluff her pillows, and she lies down, falling asleep almost right away. Brushing the hair from her face, I lean down to kiss her cheek.

Clearing the dishes, I get the kitchen cleaned up before grabbing my laptop and heading back to bed. Kimchi is curled up next to her. I settle in, working on the renovation plans for the bedroom, ready for when she needs me again.

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