The moment she spoke those words, Charlotte's expression turned truly worried.
Her brows slowly pulled together, and her eyes searched Elena's face, quietly asking for reassurance.
Her fingers tightened slightly around the fabric of her dress, as if she was holding onto something fragile.
However, Elena just stared at her.
Her gaze stayed fixed on Charlotte, completely dumbfounded.
'What in the gods' grace was she even talking about?'
'Vivian leaving her… just because she had gained a little fat on her belly?'
'And that too wasn't even natural weight, it was because of her pregnancy.' Elena's thoughts grew more and more confused as she looked at Charlotte.
Her expression slowly shifted, her lips pressing together as if she was trying to hold something in.
But then….
"Hahahah!"
She suddenly burst into laughter, bending slightly as she clutched her stomach.
Her shoulders shook, and her laughter echoed softly through the quiet garden path.
"Mother…?"
Charlotte's voice trembled, her face slowly turning into that of a hurt child.
Her lips parted slightly, and her eyes grew a little glossy, like someone who had just been wronged.
"I'm worried sick and you are…"
"I'm sorry… haha… I can't…"
Elena tried to speak between her laughter, lifting a hand as if to calm herself, but Charlotte's expression only made it worse.
Seeing that small, offended face only made her laugh harder.
"Hmph!"
Charlotte let out a soft snort and quickly turned her head away.
Her cheeks puffed slightly, and without another word, she began walking ahead, her steps a bit faster than before.
"I thought at least you would understand my worries but…" she muttered under her breath, her tone clearly upset.
"You are the same as others… I'm not talking to you."
She kept walking, her arms crossing tightly as she refused to look back.
Elena finally managed to calm herself, though a faint smile still lingered on her lips.
Seeing Charlotte actually walk away like that made her realize she might have gone a bit too far.
"Charlotte…" she called out, quickly stepping forward.
But Charlotte didn't turn.
Elena let out a small sigh and hurried after her.
Within a few steps, she reached her and gently wrapped her arms around Charlotte from behind, pulling her into a warm hug.
"Listen," Elena said softly, her voice now calm and full of affection.
"My dearest daughter… do you really think you would become less beautiful just because you gained a little weight?"
Charlotte's steps slowly came to a stop.
Her body stiffened for a moment, but she didn't pull away.
Elena gently moved one hand forward and lifted Charlotte's chin, turning her face slightly toward her.
Her touch was soft, careful, as if she was handling something delicate.
"Do you really think such a beautiful face could ever be ignored?" she asked, her eyes warm as she looked at her.
Charlotte's lips parted slightly, her expression wavering.
"And most importantly…" Elena continued, her tone growing more certain, "we are talking about Vivian. My son. You know him, right?"
A faint smile appeared on her face.
"He only has eyes for you," she said firmly.
"And even if that wasn't the case… you are still the most beautiful woman he could ever have."
She paused for a moment before adding gently, "So relax."
Charlotte's expression softened a little.
The tightness in her face eased, and her shoulders relaxed just slightly.
But even then… she still didn't look fully convinced.
Elena noticed it immediately.
'She really thinks like that, huh…' she thought quietly, her gaze softening further.
After a brief pause, Elena leaned closer, her expression suddenly turning a bit secretive.
"Listen…" she whispered, lowering her voice.
"This is a big secret…"
She quickly looked around, her eyes scanning the garden to make sure no one was nearby.
The soft rustling of leaves and distant chirping of birds filled the silence, but no one else was there.
Even so, she leaned in closer.
What she was about to say wasn't exactly something a mother should casually talk about… but seeing Charlotte this down made her sigh inwardly.
So she decided to go for it.
"The thing is…" Elena began softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
"If you get a little fat around your belly…" she paused again, glancing around one more time just to be sure.
"…it can actually make you even more… ahem…"
She didn't finish the sentence.
Instead, she slowly leaned back, clearing her throat lightly.
But her meaning was already clear.
Charlotte blinked once.
Then her eyes suddenly lit up, bright and full of hope.
"Really?" she asked quickly, her voice rising with excitement. "Would it really work?"
Elena nodded lightly, though she coughed a bit to hide her slight embarrassment.
"Yeah… when he returns…" she said, trying to sound casual. "Just make sure to wear something tight… ahem…"
She looked away for a second before adding, "You understand, right?"
Charlotte nodded immediately, almost too eagerly.
If what Elena said was true, then…
Her thoughts began to wander, her cheeks turning just a little warm.
She quickly shook her head, stopping herself before going too far.
But one thing was certain.
'If it really worked… then maybe…'
She might need to get pregnant more than once.
"Thank you," Charlotte said, bowing her head slightly. Her voice was sincere, and her face now carried a soft smile.
She truly felt grateful.
After hearing that… it almost felt like she had been given a new kind of confidence.
At this rate, she might even end up having a whole team of children of her own.
Elena waved her hand lightly in the air, brushing it off with a small smile.
"Come on," she said casually.
By now, they had already reached the door leading into the garden.
The sunlight spilled across the path, and a gentle breeze passed by, making the flowers sway softly.
"Now that your worries are gone," Elena added, glancing at her, "let's go. And make sure to eat only nutritious things, okay?"
"Okay!" Charlotte nodded cheerfully.
Her earlier worry had completely faded, replaced by excitement.
Just thinking about it made her feel eager, and she could hardly wait for the day Vivian would return.
There were… things she wanted to try.
With that, Elena reached forward and opened the door.
The wooden door moved slowly with a soft sound, and the moment it opened, the full view of the garden appeared before them, bright and peaceful under the morning light.
The garden stretched wide before them, as beautiful as ever.
Wherever the eyes wandered, there was only one thing to see, rows upon rows of blooming flowers, soft petals swaying gently, and long vines curling around stone pillars and railings.
The air felt fresh and calm, carrying a light fragrance that made everything seem peaceful.
Charlotte and Elena stepped inside, their pace unhurried as they walked along the stone path.
The soft sound of their footsteps mixed with the quiet rustling of leaves around them.
At the center of the garden stood a large table.
It was much bigger than before, wide enough to hold many people at once.
The change had come over time, but the reason was simple, their family had grown, and so had the need for space.
Most days, the women of the family spent their time here, talking, eating, or simply enjoying the calm atmosphere.
Near the table, Salena was busy setting things up.
She moved quickly, arranging dishes and adjusting the placement of cups, her focus entirely on her task.
But the moment she noticed Charlotte and Elena walking toward her, she immediately dropped what she was doing.
Her eyes lit up with excitement.
"Sis…"
She rushed forward and stopped right in front of Charlotte, her gaze instantly dropping to her belly.
Her expression turned bright and curious, almost sparkling with anticipation.
"Did the baby kick?" she asked eagerly.
Charlotte blinked once, then gave a small, calm shake of her head.
"No, it usually happens after seven months," she said simply as she continued walking. "There's still a long way to go."
Salena's excitement dimmed just a little, but she stayed close, still looking at her with interest.
Charlotte suddenly stopped and turned slightly toward her.
She placed her hands on Salena's shoulders and gave her a playful grin.
"If you're this excited, why don't you try…"
Before she could even finish her sentence, Salena quickly pushed her hands away.
Her face turned red almost instantly.
"W-what are you talking about…?" she stammered, her voice low and flustered.
Her eyes shifted to the side, stealing a quick glance at Elena.
Just the thought of discussing something like that in front of others made her feel even more embarrassed.
"Don't be shy," Charlotte said, placing her hands back on her shoulders, her tone teasing but light.
"You're eagerly waiting for the baby, right?"
"Please…"
Salena quickly reached up and covered Charlotte's mouth with both hands, her face burning with embarrassment.
"Please, no more…" she muttered, almost pleading.
From the side, Elena watched the two of them with a soft smile.
A quiet chuckle escaped her lips.
"Well, I think it would be a bit early for her," she said gently. "After all, she's just nineteen… no?"
Charlotte pulled Salena's hands away from her mouth and shrugged lightly.
"Uh-huh," she said, shaking her head. "If Vivian was ready, I would have gotten pregnant even earlier…"
She crossed her arms loosely and added with a small, confident nod,
"So this is actually the perfect time."
