Cherish Turner was determined not to be swayed by William Griffith's kindness towards her, no matter how small. She had to seal off her heart, not allowing him to control her thoughts.
William's gentleness to her was like poison; once she was tainted by it, she knew she would be done for.
At any moment, he could take back his feelings, and Cherish refused to let herself be so pathetic.
So, she quietly ate her porridge. Eventually, it became more comfortable and she was able to keep it down without feeling nauseous, as she stopped resisting.
Mother Goodman, seeing Cherish enjoying her meal, served more side dishes. Cherish was grateful for the maid's care and raised her eyes to meet hers, uttering a "thank you."
William recalled how he had just gone to a convenience store for sanitary pads for her and now she completely ignored him, which made him feel upset.
Was she treating him like air? He angrily cut into his toast, biting into it with disgust.
