Seeing Lily's bewildered look, Anastasia laughed. "Lily, I was just joking. Don't take it to heart!"

Lily called the nanny, handing Galen over to play in the yard. As she poured herself a glass of water, she asked, "Aren't you afraid your father will scold you for staying here so long?"

Anastasia smiled. "Nope! I've already explained things to him. He agreed to let me stay with you on a three-month trial."

"Three months?"

"Yeah!" Anastasia nodded. "I told him that since I'm already here, another three months won't hurt. If I don't gain weight and my physical condition improves, he can't stop me. If it doesn't work, there's nothing much to lose."

Lily noticed a change in Anastasia; the usual gloominess was gone, replaced by a calm, positive demeanor.

"Will your father agree?" Lily questioned, considering Cameron's rigid nature.

"Surprisingly, he did," Anastasia replied, "but I don't think he has much hope for me. After all, my condition isn't terminal."

"Tasia..."

Anastasia raised her head. "I'm not sad, so you don't need to comfort me. I'm used to it. Before, I overate. This is just the consequence. To be honest, my father loves me very much. I've never wanted for anything. I'm lucky."

"But..." Lily hesitated, "You trust me that much? I never said I could help you lose weight."

From the start, Lily had only offered to help Anastasia adjust her diet. She hadn't promised weight loss, preferring not to raise expectations she might not meet. Such promises, she felt, could be detrimental to Anastasia's spirit.

"I know! You never said you'd help me lose weight, but how you've taught me about food has made me feel more comfortable. Also, I feel more energetic. I haven't been as sleepy as I used to be these past two days."

Anastasia beamed. Lily observed her; her complexion had noticeably improved, the sickly pallor replaced by a healthy pink.

"Do you always feel lethargic at home?" Lily asked casually.

Anastasia frowned, thoughtfully considering. "Now that I think about it, I do. But it might be because I don't go out much. I'm comfortable at home, so I sleep more."

"Do you feel uncomfortable here?" Lily asked, half-joking.

"Of course not! I feel comfortable here! More comfortable than at my own house! There's delicious food and fun things to do, not to mention the cute baby! If it weren't for fear of disturbing you, I'd stay forever!"

While partly a joke, Anastasia genuinely meant the first part. This was the first place besides her own home where she felt at ease; even her uncle's house made her uncomfortable.

"Then you don't feel sleepy here?" Lily smiled.

Anastasia paused. "I don't think so! I felt a little sleepy after lunch, but it passed. I don't feel tired at all!"