Chapter 2 Enduring for Archie

On the weekend, Archie brought Evie home, giving our grandma, Marlene Payne, a chance to meet her. "Jillian," Archie called from upstairs. "Evie wants to try your homemade bread. Can you bake some for her?" "Sure." I put down my work, rolled up my sleeves, and headed to the kitchen. Archie beamed. "You're the best." "I'm glad you know it." I smiled wryly. Our parents had passed away early, so Archie and I had always been the closest to each other. I had spoiled him since we were kids. As I took some eggs from the fridge, Archie lingered instead of leaving immediately. After a moment, he asked, "Jillian, would you give me anything I ask for?" The kitchen fell silent. A few seconds later, he chuckled. "I hear a car outside. Grandma must be here. I'll go get her." After he left, I let out a quiet sigh. Once the bread was baked, the meal was ready as well. Evie came downstairs and sweetly linked arms with Grandma. "Marlene, I have some great news for you." Grandma had been skeptical of Evie, but after hearing her whisper, she burst into laughter. "Oh, that's wonderful! Come, sit down. Don't tire yourself out." Evie smiled demurely. "I'm alright." I placed the warm bread in front of Evie. "It's still a bit hot. Let it cool before eating." Evie didn't seem to hear and just kept talking to Grandma. "Marlene, can I come visit you often when I'm free?" "Of course. Nothing would make me happier." Feeling awkward, I pulled my hand back and sat down. Evie kept Grandma entertained, making her laugh endlessly. Then, she glanced at the bread in front of her and scrunched her nose. "Ugh, this tastes way too rich. Who put this here? Don't they know pregnant women shouldn't eat such sweet things?" The mention of Grandma's precious great-grandchild was enough to send her into a rage. She slammed the table. "Looks like someone's asking to be fired! Who put that bread there?" Archie walked in at that moment, only catching Grandma's question. "Jillian made it for Evie. What's wrong, Grandma?" Grandma turned to me with a cold expression. "Jillian, Evie is pregnant now. She can't eat sweet or greasy foods. From now on, don't put things like this in front of her." Archie tried to intervene. "Grandma, I—" Evie cut him off, saying, "Archie, I feel like going for a walk. Will you come with me?" "Of course. Grandma, Jillian, we'll be back soon." Archie shot me an apologetic look. I gave him a reassuring smile, then turned to find Evie smirking triumphantly. I frowned. It was obvious that Evie had done this on purpose. But for Archie's sake, I held back. Grandma was so happy and excited about the baby that she couldn't stop smiling. "Jillian, dear, don't do anything like this again. The first trimester is crucial. As their sister, you need to take good care of them. One day, when you're older, you'll rely on them too." I didn't want to hear it, but out of respect for her, I said nothing. "Come on, Grandma. I'll take you home." … I had been busy with work, so the next time I saw Archie was at the office. "Look who it is," I teased with a smile. Archie rubbed the back of his head. "Evie and I were just passing by, so I thought I'd stop in. I didn't expect the new office building to be this fancy. Jillian, do we own the whole building?"