SWNOVELS Chapter 270: Contraceptives
Azure was stunned by Meredith's words. Indeed, she loved dancing and had been passionate about it even before she met Terrence Sterling. She reveled in the feeling of being on stage; dancing allowed her to cast aside all her troubles. Yet, in front of Meredith, she couldn't bring herself to admit this openly. With a stern face, she said, "Meredith, it's easy for you to talk without feeling the pain. If one day Terrence Sterling leaves you, try coping with that. I doubt you'd face it so calmly."
"To be honest, I'd be very sad if that happened," Meredith replied calmly. "Even a long-term pet grows on you, right? But that's about it. You can't let it consume your life forever. Just so you know, I'm always prepared. No one can guarantee who will love whom forever. Even if he could, I might not be able to. What if something changes?"
Azure was speechless.
Meredith's face bore a serene smile, marking the first time Azure truly began to see who Meredith was. Meredith was different from other women, though Azure couldn't quite pinpoint how.
"Do you really not get angry knowing about me? What do you feel?" Azure asked.
After a moment of thought, Meredith said, "Regret, pity, admiration, beauty, excellence. You deserve all the wonderful words in the world."
Azure felt embarrassed by the praise. People are like that; even though they know it's flattery, it's still pleasant to hear.
Azure stood up and said, "I'm going to prepare some stew in the kitchen. Terrence Sterling loves the stew I make."
"I like it too," Meredith smiled. "Thank you."
Azure retorted. "I didn't say it was for you."
Meredith just smiled and said nothing.
"Aren't you afraid I might put poison in it?" Azure challenged.
"You wouldn't," Meredith replied. "Terrence Sterling is a man of discernment. Not just anyone can live here. By allowing you here, he has vouched for your character. You're just unsatisfied, and he wants you to leave without regrets. You won't do anything to hurt me."
Azure was taken aback. She and Meredith were clearly on opposite sides, yet Meredith had given her complete trust. She sure wouldn't hurt Meredith; her target was Terrence Sterling. At that moment, the resentment in Azure's heart suddenly felt less intense than before. She had once looked down on Meredith, but now she began to understand why Terrence had chosen her.
Azure said nothing more and went to the kitchen to get the stew ready.
Shortly after that, Stella called, inquiring about any developments between her son and Meredith. "Has there been any rekindling of old flames between you two? Why hasn't there been any news after so long?"
Stella had been waiting at Ravenwood for news. Azure had been living there for quite some time, yet there had been no word of any arguments between Meredith and Terrence. Meredith is really that calm? No conflicts?
Thinking of Meredith's words, Azure deliberately stung Stella, "There has been progress. He will divorce Meredith eventually. You should start preparing for my wedding with Terrence Sterling. Then, perhaps you can have your grandson." Stella, shocked by the news, urgently asked, "Did you sleep with my son?"
Stella only intended for Azure to disrupt Meredith and Terrence's marriage, not to replace one problem with another.
If Azure were to become pregnant, that would be a real issue. Meredith's child would be legitimate, born within the marriage, but what about Azure's? It would be illegitimate.
The Sterling family could not allow a scandal like that.
Azure neither confirmed nor denied but retorted, "Isn't this why you sent me?"
"That's not what I meant," Stella realized her mistake and quickly added, "I mean, you should still hold back a little, even if you're young. Men don't cherish what comes too easily. I'm only looking out for you. Keep him longing; Men only want what they can't get."
Azure understood Stella's implication. Indeed, as Meredith had said, she had lost the chance to marry Terrence Sterling in Stella's eyes.
Azure didn't want to argue further. "I've prepared some stew for Terrence Sterling. I'll hang up now."
With that, Azure ended the call, leaving Stella in a panic.
At Ravenwood Hall.
Stella, with furrowed brows, couldn't let Azure also have Terrence Sterling's child. She rushed out to buy emergency contraception, planning to make Azure take it.
Stella hurriedly left the house, also calling Terrence to chide, "Terry, you can't just sleep with any woman. Even if Meredith is pregnant and it's inconvenient, you should find someone clean, not just any woman." On the phone, Terrence Sterling was silent.