Chapter: 92

The vehicle hadn't even stopped when the window rolled down. A middle aged woman with curly hair smiled warmly and called out, “Joshua.”

Joshua immediately stepped forward and opened the car door.

“Mother, what brings you here?" he asked.

The woman, Shelia Yates-the mother of Joshua-wore an elegant short- sleeved traditional dress. A faint smile lit up her well-maintained face, giving her a radiant appearance.

She held up a container of food. “I prepared some nourishing soup for Lilliana myself."

Joshua maintained a neutral expression. "There's no need for you to go out of your way. Lilliana and I aren't officially married yet. Besides, the Green family has everything she needs."

She didn't seem bothered by it.

"If I'm kind to Lilliana, she'll be kind to you. It's no loss for me."

She looked at him with concern. "You look exhausted, Joshua. Haven't you been resting well lately?"

Joshua brushed off her concern. “It's just how things are. Nothing unusual."

"This doesn't compare to what you faced two years ago," Sheila remarked. "Back then, your father underestimated you. You built everything from scratch, working tirelessly day and night. Yet I never saw you this worn out."

Her words left Joshua momentarily lost in thought.

Two years ago, he had nothing and had worked even harder than he did But every night he came home, Alicia was there to ease his worries and fatigue.

Despite the increased value Lilliana brought into his life, Joshua didn't feel any happier.

He questioned why the joy he had been longing for was missing.

Weary thoughts and tangled memories filled his mind, leaving him even more drained.

Joshua couldn't remember the last time a genuine smile crossed his face. "Go inside, Mom. I have some things to handle," he said softly.

A pang of concern touched Shelia. "Come back early. I cooked a lot of nourishing soup. You should have some too!"

Lilliana remained courteous to Shelia, who was soon to be her mother -in-law.

However, when she noticed the soup, a wave of pregnancy-induced nausea made her wrinkle her nose in disgust.

Shelia observed her strong reaction. “Is something wrong, Lilliana? Don't you like it?" she asked.

Forcing a smile, Lilliana replied, "No, I just ate and don't have an appetite. Leave it here. I'll drink it later."

Shelia remained persistent, refusing to let the matter go.

She poured soup into a bowl and handed it to Lilliana. “Lilliana, I simmered this for hours. Please try some. It's your first pregnancy, and you might not know everything. Don't be picky. Nourish your body so the baby can grow healthy."

Irritation surged within Lilliana.

Shelia ignored her earlier words and openly mentioned the baby, treating her like a mere vessel for childbirth.

With a heavier tone, Lilliana pushed the bowl away. "I said I'll drink it later."

Shelia stopped in her tracks.

She was an experienced woman, so she could tell that Lilliana was angry.

Lilliana held a high status. Shelia had to endure, even if she felt wronged. She gently placed the bowl down. “Alright, remember to ask the maid to warm it up later."