?<strong>Chapter 143:</strong>


    Joelle had relished several serene days consecutively. Post-work, her meals were ready, and Adrian was nowhere in sight. It seemed as if he had vanished from her world. While Leah asionally brought him up, Joelle quickly silenced her, and Leahplied without further word.


    A weekter, her colleagues started noticing changes. “Joelle, have you put on some weight? You seem fuller.” Aware that her pregnancy was altering her figure, Joelle feigned astonishment. “Oh, really?”


    At that moment, a colleague opened a takeout box, releasing a wave of aromas. Overwhelmed, Joelle clutched her mouth and darted to the restroom, her sudden departure turning heads.


    Upon her return, her colleagues approached with worried looks. “Joelle, could you be pregnant? You’ve been frequenting the bathroom.”


    “My stomach’s been off,” Joelle dismissed with a wave.


    “Oh, understood.”


    That afternoon, her boss summoned her. “Joelle, to be straightforward, if you’re nning a family, let me know. I’ll need to adjust the schedule ordingly.” The intertwining of marriage and impending motherhood posed professional hurdles.


    Joelle pondered the situation on her way home from work. She realized she couldn’t keep her pregnancy a secret much longer; it was time to resign. The thought filled her with regret. Her cherished career in violin performance would need to be paused, stirring a profound sadness within her. That evening, her frustration manifested in an increased appetite.


    Leah observed this andmented, “Ms. Watson, you’ve been eating quite well recently.”


    Joelle suddenly recognized the physical changes pregnancy had wrought. Concerned that Leah’s keen eye might discern her secret, she decided to spend a few days at Katherine’s. During her stay, Katherine broached the topic of her job. “If you intend to keep the pregnancy under wraps, resigning might be wise.”


    Joelle supported her chin with her hand. “But I’m truly passionate about this job.”


    Katherine pondered, then asked, “Didn’t you mention that Rafael got you this job in secret? Isn’t the Romero family a major shareholder of the institution?”


    Joelle confirmed with a nod. “Yes, Adrian let that slip during a heated discussion.”


    Katherine deliberated aloud, “Firstly, your affection for the job ties to your field and your colleagues. But have you considered Rafael’s unseen influence? His detailed nature suggests he might have spoken to management before your hiring. It’s usible, isn’t it? Secondly, evaluate your career trajectory. Teaching is respectable, but is that your aspiration forever? Imagine being a music teacher unable to y—have you fully considered that? In this profession, proving your ability through actual skill is essential. Former glories, however notable, remain in the past. Thirdly, if you’ve reconciled these points, then be forthright about your pregnancy with your boss. Take your maternity leave, and prepare for a renewed start afterward.”


    The idea jolted Joelle. “Is the situation really that grave?”


    Katherine shrugged. “That’s the harsh truth. I provide perks for my employees with kids, but the pace doesn’t slow. If theyg behind on their return, they’re outpaced.”


    Joelle exhaled deeply. “So, what are you suggesting? Should I focus on the baby or my career?”


    Katherine clinked her ss against Joelle’s. “Listen, I just want you to choose without regrets. Each path has its trade-offs. It’s about which sacrifices you can live with.”


    Joelle mulled over her options in silence. Noticing Joelle’s uncertainty, Katherine arched an eyebrow. “Just a tip—don’t overlook your tie to Rafael. If he secured your position, he might well keep your situation under wraps.”


    Joelle looked startled by the idea. “Isn’t that a bit unscrupulous? I’d hate to exploit Rafael that way.”


    “Oh, you naive thing!” Katherineughed, sliding her phone across the table to show Joelle a thread of flirty texts with Frankie. The exchanges were surprisingly intimate.


    “Do you see? He’s about to be an invaluable ally!”


    Joelle’s interest deepened. “You haven’t met him face-to-face?”


    “Not yet. He’s wrapped up in his world, as am I. We relish our virtual dalliance.”


    Joelle chuckled, then a thought struck her. “What about Bobby? Did you two date before?”


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