Chapter 1308

This was unlike anything before. This time, Anastasia wasn't repulsed by Lily's questions. There was no mockery in Lily's eyes; she seemed genuinely concerned. Anastasia sensed Lily wanted to help her solve her problem after patiently inquiring about her illness.

"Mrs. Russell, do you know how to cure an illness?" Anastasia asked unexpectedly.

Lily, surprised, shook her head after a moment's silence. "No, I don't! I'm a perfumer, not a doctor."

"Oh," Anastasia said, disappointed. "I thought you were a doctor; you might have been able to help."

Lily laughed. "How could I be...? It's best to consult professionals."

"I've seen many and tried everything. Maybe I'm lazy, but I vomit every time I exercise. I had to give up working out. I'm... just useless," Anastasia sighed, her gaze falling on the desserts. It lingered there a moment. "However, the method you taught me last time worked."

"Hm?" Lily was puzzled.

"The blueberry mousse," Anastasia reminded her, seeing Lily's blank expression. "Do you know how long it's been since I've tasted delicious food? That mousse was probably the best thing I've had in years."

Lily had no idea how much her casual suggestion would help. She picked up a piece of cake. "Do you want this?"

Anastasia hesitated, shaking her head then nodding. Confusion clouded her eyes. "I'm not sure. I want to eat it, but thinking about the calories..."

"Still, you can't resist temptation forever. Your body will fight back."

Anastasia nodded. "You're right. My body has been fighting me, and lately, I've been getting weaker."

"Would you... eat it secretly?" Lily whispered, glancing around.

They were like sisters sharing a secret. The question flustered Anastasia. Embarrassed and self-critical, she couldn't control her desire. She nodded slightly, a tear escaping.

"I'm useless, aren't I? I hate myself! Why can't I control myself? Why eat secretly? I deserve to be fat!"

Anastasia looked vulnerable, a stark contrast to her demanding self from the other day. She felt helpless and out of control.

Lily gently patted Anastasia's arm. "Don't think that way. You need energy to live, so how could you not eat? It's your body's need. It's nothing to be ashamed of. Everyone needs to eat; we'd die otherwise."

"Really?" Anastasia's eyes widened, filled with newfound confidence in Lily.

With anyone else, she'd think it was just empty comfort. A slim person wouldn't understand the pain of being overweight. But Lily's words had helped her enjoy food again, so she listened.