With
With 56

15 BONUS

Chapter 56

Over the following week, Calla felt like she was living in hell. Her pregnancy symptoms were severe, and she couldn’t keep anything down. Despite her sallow complexion and poor condition, she continued to go to work every day. She still had a family to support, after all.

During lunch break, her colleagues would go out to eat while Calla rested in the office. She used this time every day to recuperate a little, and Alicia would bring her something to eat. Calla had little appetite

anyway.

One day, she heard the sound of light footsteps. When she raised her head, she saw Mercer in a black sult walking in. He stopped in front of her desk, glanced at her sallow face, and frowned.

“Your pregnancy symptoms are severe. If it gets too much, you should take leave and rest at home.”

It was a kind suggestion, but Calla’s pent–up resentment toward Mercer exploded at that moment. After all, she had barely seen him these past few days

Unable to hold back, Calla raised her voice. “I’m not a wealthy person like you. If I take leave, I won’t get paid. Without a salary, how will my family survive?”

Mercer’s temper flared as well. He slid one hand into his pocket and sneered, “I heard you won a few hundred dollars from a bet. That should be enough to live on for a month or two, right?”

Realizing he was still holding a grudge, Calla retorted defiantly, “I didn’t steal or rob to make that bet. Did I break the law?”

Mercer’s expression darkened. He pulled out a bank card from his pocket and tossed it on Calla’s desk. I’m not here to argue. This card has a limit of ten thousand dollars a month. It should be enough for you and your family.

Looking at the silver card, Calla felt insulted. She stood up immediately and demanded, “Mercer Garland what is this supposed to mean? Do you think having a bit of money makes you superior?”

Mercer was growing impatient with her unreasonable behavior. “Didn’t the agreement say that I will cover your living expenses as well as the child’s?”

His words struck a nerve. Yes, they had an agreement. Everything was supposed to be handled according to the rules. Calla turned her face away and looked out the window. “The child doesn’t require any expenses yet.

“As for myself, I have my own hands and feet. I can work and don’t need your money. Take the card back.”

Mercer stared at her for a few seconds before nodding reluctantly. “Fine, if that’s what you want. But if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. I won’t go back on my word.” With that, he retrieved the bank card and turned to leave.

After Mercer left, Calla looked up at the ceiling, trying Hard not to let her tears fall. Over the years, she had gotten used to enduring hardships without crying. To Calla, tears were a sign of weakness, and she couldn’t let reality defeat her.

She hadn’t felt like crying in a long time. But recently, she frequently found herself on the verge of tears.

It must be another pregnancy symptom. Yes, pregnant women often had unstable emotions–that had to be it. She wouldn’t cry over someone she didn’t love and who didn’t love her.

+15 BONUS

Although the agreement was clear, she couldn’t let Mercer look down on her. She would continue working and only take his money when the child needed it.

A while later, her colleagues returned from lunch, and Alicia brought her a lunchbox. Calla opened it and took a couple of bites when Derek walked in with two magazines in hand.

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