The woman’s pregnancy 49

Chapter 49
After tidying up Spud’s bed, Thie eagerly took him sip to the roofto
Earlier that afternoon at the flower market, Aline had mentioned waiting to spruce up the rooftop with ame plants and flowers.
The thought it was a great idea, at least it would make the place look nicer.
They had ordered a few pots of hydrangeas, roses, and Jasmine, which had already been delivered downstairs.
found some old
Aline also bought some brightly colored sunflower seeds and scattered them along the edge of the rooftop. She even fou wooden planks and used them to build a simple swing set.
As the sun set, the rooftop was bathed in a golden glow. A gentle breeze carried the scent of flowers, adding a touch of warmth to the atmosphere.
“How’s it look? Not bad, right? Aline plopped down on the swing, swinging her legs and raising an eyebrow at Elsie.
Elsie nodded. “It’s beautiful. She then signed, “Thank you for letting me stay here, Aline.”
Aline, looking a bit embarrassed, turned her head awkwardly. “No need to thank me, I live here too.”
With the rooftop set up, Elsie tied on an apron and got ready to make dinner. “I’m going to cook. What do you want to eat? Can have dinner together tonight?” Elsie signed,
“Anything’s fine. Let’s eat together,” Aline said, stretching. “Just as long as it’s not some weird experimental dish.”
Elsie laughed and headed into the kitchen.
Aline lounged on the couch, scrolling through her phone out of boredom.
Spud, who adored Elsie, followed her closely, occasionally rubbing against her ankles and making soft noises.
The sounds of cooking filled the apartment, with the clatter of pots and pans and the hum of the exhaust fan, mixed with Spud’s affectionate meows, creating a cozy, lived in feel
Aline suddenly thought this life, bathed in warmth and companionship, was far superior to the cold, solitary days she once endured.
Just then, Aline’s phone rang, shattering the rare tranquility with its harsh ringtone. She glanced at the caller ID, and her face instantly darkened.
“Hello?” she answered, her voice tense.
“Aline, where have you been hiding?” a gruff male voice demanded, red with obvious threat. It’s the end of the month. How much longer must I hound you? Are you planning to default on your debt gain?”
Aline gripped her phone tightly, taking a deep breath. “I have something going on today. Can you give me a few more days?”
You always say that! I don’t have t
time for your excuses! Meet me at the usual place in half an hour. If I don’t see you, you know what I happen! The caller hung up abruptly.
Aline’s face e turned pale, and her phone felt like a hot potato in her hand.
She raked her fingers through her hair in frustration, glancing at the kitchen w
where Elsie was busy.
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Chapter 49.
She felt a pang of guilt. She ain’t want anyone to know about her bubles or disrupt this rare peace.
“Elslo, I have to go out for a hit,” Aline sald, trying to sound caini as he strud at the kitchen door.
Elsie looked up, puzzled by Aline’s flustered expression, and signed, What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, just a small matter. Ill be back soon,” Aline replied, avoiding Elsie’s eyes before quickly leaving the apartment.
In the dim alley, the air was damp. Aline nervously rubbed her fingers together. The streetlights cast fragmented shadows on her face, making her look even paler.
Deep in the alley, a few hurly men eyed her menacingly. “Where’s the money? the leader, a cigarette dangling from his lips, asked harshly. The swirling smoke obscured his ferocious visage, further menting the sense of oppression.
Aline bit her lip. Til pay in a few days, I promise,
“Do you think I’m running a charity?” The man grabbed Aline’s chin roughly, his grip so tight it felt like he might crush her bones. “No money? Then you’ll pay with a beating! We need someone to take out our frustrations on.”
“Let go of me!” Aline struggled, but it was futile. “I said I’ll pay, just give me more time!”
“No way.” The man sneered and slapped her hard. Aline’s head snapped to the side, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth.
“Take her away!” At his command, two of his men grabbed Aline and dragged her deeper into the alley.
“Let go of me! Help! Somebody help!” Aline’s desperate cries echoed in the narrow alley, but no one responded.
After what felt like an eternity, the men finally stopped, cursing as they left. Aline lay on the ground, her body aching, feeling like her bones were about to fall apart. She struggled to her feet and staggered back.
By the time she reached the apartment building, her left cheek was swollen, and the cut on her lip still throbbed. She clung to the wall, inching forward step by step, reminiscent of an elderly person their twilight years.
Taking a deep breath, Aline pushed open the door and dragged herself into the elevator. The metal doors closed slowly, like a giant mouth ready to swallow her whole.
“Ms. Taylor?” A familiar voice called out just as the elevator was about to close.
Aline looked up sharply to s
in surprise.
see Bruce standing outside, holding some groceries. His eyes fell on her swollen face, his brows furrowing
What happened to Aline’s face?
Aline cursed her bad luck, pretending not to notice as she quickly pressed the close button. But Bruce was faster, blocking the doors with his hand.
“Ms. Taylor, what happened to your face?” Bruce asked, his tone concerned.
Aline turned away, not wanting him to see her in such a state. “None of your business.”
ruce frowned. He had come to check on Elsie, but seeing
ng Aline stumble into the building, he had followed out of concern.
Seeing Aline in such a state, Bruce instinctively knew that she had most likely been assaulted.
He had always opposed Elshe renting a place from Aline.
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Chapter 49
From the first time he met Alme, he sensed that she harbored secrets
Seeing her in this condition now only further confirmed his suspleles.
Bruce stepped into the elevator, standing opposite Aline, his gaze shrp. ‘Aline, I don’t care who you are or what you do, but you can’t endanger Elsie’s safety.”
Aline swayed slightly, almost falling. Bruce quickly steadied her, but he pushed him away, stumbling back against the elevator wall.
“Dr. Valois, you’re overstepping. Elsie and I are just landlord and tenant. What could possibly happen?” Aline’s voice was hoarse. She just wanted to get back to her room and sleep,
Bruce looked at her defiant eyes, feeling a strange emotion. He pull out a business card and handed it to her. “Here’s my contact information. If you run into trouble, you can reach out to me.”
Aline scoffed, slapping the card away. “I don’t need it! Dr. Valois, you should focus on your patients. We’re not close, and I can handle my own problems. Don’t worry; I won’t drag Elsie into this.”
The elevator arrived, and Aline walked out without looking back, leaving Bruce standing there, watching her retreating figure.