[Jay's POV]
If Day 1 of my period was about "Survival," Day 2 was officially about "The Great Cravings Crisis." My hormones had decided to bypass all logic and go straight for a high-sodium, high-sugar, and highly specific nutritional demand.
I was currently stationed on the oversized velvet sofa in the main lounge, feeling a bit like a queen bee in the center of a very busy hive.
The Cravings Calculation
"I think..." I started, my voice small as I looked up at the circle of Watsons surrounding me. "I think I need spicy ramen. But... with the extra-creamy cheese. And maybe those tiny salt-and-vinegar chips. And... a chocolate milkshake. Not a thin one. A thick one."
The response was instantaneous.
"On it!" Keigan shouted, already pulling out his phone. "I know a place that imports the authentic spicy base. I'll have a courier here in twenty minutes. Keiran, go get the chips from the secret 'emergency' pantry!"
Keiran saluted and bolted toward the kitchen like a heat-seeking missile.
Mamma Serina came over with a soft smile, tucking a fresh, warm lavender-scented pillow behind my back. "And I'll have the chef whip up that milkshake, darling. With extra whipped cream. You need the calcium and the happiness."
Keifer, who hadn't moved from his spot right next to me, was currently occupied with massaging my palms—apparently, he'd read a paper that acupressure points in the hand could alleviate bloating. He didn't even look up from his task. "Add a side of those strawberries we got from the greenhouse. The vitamin C will help with the iron absorption."
The Bridget Glitch
I saw her then. Bridget was standing at the entrance of the lounge, holding a stack of textbooks for her "studies." She looked like she had just swallowed a lemon. Her face was pale with a mix of disbelief and pure, unadulterated annoyance.
"Are you serious?" Bridget's voice shrilled, cutting through the cozy atmosphere. "The youngest CEO in the world is currently a hand-massager? And the rest of you are running around like unpaid delivery drivers because she wants ramen?"
The room went cold. Keigan paused his ordering. Mamma Serina straightened her back.
"Bridget," Mamma said, her voice perfectly calm but carrying a lethal edge. "Hospitality in this house extends to those who understand the value of family. Jay is having a difficult day. We are making it easier. If the sight of us caring for her bothers you, the library has thick soundproof doors."
"It's ridiculous!" Bridget stepped into the room, her heels clicking aggressively. "I have my period every month, and I still attend my lectures, I still do my work, I don't demand a three-course feast and a foot rub! You're spoiling her, and for what? She's just taking advantage of your 'Watson Generosity'!"
Keifer finally looked at her. His eyes weren't just cold; they were bored. "The difference, Bridget, is that when you're in pain, people want to be away from you. When Jay is in pain, we want to be with her. It's not about 'spoiling.' It's about the fact that she is the center of this system. You are just a... peripheral device. Temporarily plugged in."
The "Salt in the Wound" Moment
Just then, the Chef entered with a tray. On it was a perfectly crafted, thick chocolate milkshake with a single gold-dusted strawberry on top.
"For the Empress," the Chef said with a bow.
"Thank you, Chef," I whispered, taking a sip. The sugar hit my system, and I felt a wave of bliss. I looked at Bridget, who looked like she was about to explode.
"Keifer!" Bridget cried out, one last desperate attempt at attention. "I have a headache from all the studying. Can you tell the staff to bring me some tea in the library? And maybe you can come help me with the financial models? I'm struggling with the—"
"Ask a tutor," Keifer interrupted, turning back to me and taking a small bite of my strawberry. "I'm busy. Jay's ramen is arriving soon, and I need to make sure the spice level doesn't upset her stomach."
Bridget let out a huff of pure, jagged frustration. She turned on her heel and marched away, but not before I saw the tears of envy stinging her eyes. She couldn't understand that the "Watson-Jay Constant" wasn't just about romance; it was a total family integration that she couldn't break with a headache or a textbook.
I leaned my head on Keifer's shoulder, the spicy-salty-sweet cravings finally being met.