Lisa swung open the fridge door, not sure what she was looking for, and just stood there, tears silently streaming down her face.
Aurelia quickly shut the fridge, "You shouldn't be catching a draft right now, Lisa. You're still in your recovery phase." Lisa sniffled, "Back home, we don't have this custom of lying in after childbirth." "Oh," Aurelia raised an eyebrow, no wonder Lisa had brought Nova to Elysium so soon after giving birth.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Lisa, you need to be patient with Arnold. Winning someone's heart doesn't happen overnight." "I know." Lisa looked down, looking sorrowful.
"It seems like Arnold isn't fond of Nova, and she doesn't cheer him up. It's hard enough for him to hold her, and then she cries." Aurelia felt a bead of sweat form on her forehead. She sensed that Lisa might be showing signs of postpartum depression.
"Nova's still a newborn. How would she recognize Arnold's embrace? Besides, she's been ill and uncomfortable today; it's natural for her to fuss." She patted Lisa on the shoulder, "Actually, a lot of how a child bonds with their father is influenced by the mother. Back when | was with Leopold, our relationship was strained, much like you and Arnold now. We had agreed to divorce as soon as Kane was born. My emotions constantly affected Kane in the womb, and every time Leopold tried to hold him, he'd just cry." Lisa jolted, "Is that so?" Could it be that Nova's reluctance to bond with Arnold stemmed from the resentment she felt towards him while pregnant? "Yes," Aurelia nodded, "Babies have a sort of telepathy with their mothers in the womb, and they can sense their mother's emotions. If you want Nova to be closer to Arnold, you'll need to talk about him positively in front of her, share stories about him, and let her know she has an amazing dad. It's all about subtly shaping her feelings." A lightbulb seemed to go off for Lisa, "I understand now." Aurelia smiled warmly, "Don't worry about preparing any snacks. Go take care of Nova; she'll be waking up hungry soon." In the living room, Beverley was cooing over the crib, completely smitten with Nova inside.
"Arnold, Nova is just adorable. She makes me want to get married and have a baby." Arnold arched an eyebrow, "Got someone in mind?" "Nope." Beverley pulled a face, then lowered her voice as if recalling a secret, "Good thing we got here when we did. Lisa might have overheated Nova. Her little face was so red. Scared me to death. Lisa's new at this, and she's always been pampered and never did such things. She's not as capable as Aurelia. You should keep a closer eye on her." Arnold's brow furrowed, his gaze deepening like an ancient well, impenetrable.
"I'll make arrangements for a family doctor to check on Nova daily to ensure her health." When Aurelia and Lisa returned to the living room, Nova woke up crying for milk.
Lisa picked her up and retreated to the bedroom to nurse.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmAfterward, following Aurelia's advice, she gently patted Nova's back until she burped, and Nova settled back to sleep without spitting up.
"It looks like Nova is doing better, but she might still run a fever tonight. Be prepared. If she does, apply a fever patch, then use a lemon to wipe her neck, underarms, arms, and legs. Place a couple of slices on the soles of her feet to help bring her temperature down." Lisa made sure the nanny took note.
Seeing that it was getting late, Aurelia prepared to leave with Beverley.
She wanted Arnold to stay with Lisa, but he planned to spend Children's Day with William.
"I'll come by tomorrow to check on Nova." Hearing this, Lisa felt a flicker of comfort.
After their departure, the villa returned to its eerie silence.
Lisa hated this kind of quiet, the solitude of being left behind.