Chapter 13 Pregnant

• Rachel's POV:
• I rubbed my temples and glanced at my phone.
• It was already 4:30 PM.
• Great. That was it for me.
• I was about to text Dean and explain everything when the curtain beside me was pulled back. A nurse, beaming with a bright smile, said, "You're awake! The doctor has already examined you. You were a bit low on blood sugar and hadn't eaten this morning, but it's nothing serious. Just rest for a while, and you should be able to leave soon."
• I nodded. "Thank you."
• "Oh, and I should let you know, you're pregnant. Given your health condition, especially in the first three months, you need to be very careful. It's important to get extra care. When you have a chance, it's best to have your husband come along for a prenatal check-up."
• Once the nurse left, I sat there in shock, lying on the hospital bed.
• The news hit me like a lightning bolt, just as startling and disorienting as when I first learned about Barclay's million-dollar debt.
• It felt like I was so close to reaching the end of a dark tunnel, just one step away from escape.
• But now, it was as if someone had suddenly built a towering wall right at the exit.
• I couldn't get out.
• I tossed off the covers, disregarding any need to explain things to Dean, and went straight to book an appointment with the obstetrics department.
• After the doctor finished his examination, he said, "Yes, you're pregnant, about forty days along. The fetus is developing normally. However, considering your previous miscarriage, the significant blood loss, and inadequate follow-up care, your body has some lingering issues. It wasn't easy to conceive this time. Try not to worry too much; just focus on taking good care of yourself."
• In a daze, I asked, "If ... I don't want this child, is an abortion possible?"
• The doctor seemed taken aback by my question and paused before replying, "Yes, abortion is an option, but you need to consider it carefully. Given your health issues, carrying a pregnancy is already challenging. An abortion could have a major impact on your health and might make future pregnancies more difficult."
• "Will I never be able to get pregnant again?"
• "It's not entirely clear, but it would be quite difficult. It depends on your overall health condition."
• I lowered my head in silence.
• The doctor added, "Take some time to think about your options. Your body is too weak for surgery right now. If you decide to go through with it, you should wait at least two weeks."
• "Understood, thank you."
• I don't recall how I left the hospital; I was in a haze.
• The thought of telling Dean crossed my mind, but was quickly dismissed.
• Dean's reaction to pregnancy was already a touchy subject. He suspected my desire for a divorce might be a ploy to manipulate him. Revealing that I was pregnant now would only confirm his suspicions.
• Additionally, I knew Dean wouldn't be happy about this child and might react even more negatively.
• On my way back, I looked up information and learned that condoms weren't 100% foolproof.
• Who on earth can I talk to about this?
• That night, I huddled under a blanket on the couch, the room dimmed and my eyes squeezed shut, remaining completely still. The door creaked open, and Jane entered.
• She sat down next to me and waved her hand in front of my face. "What, are you praying?"
• I gradually opened my eyes and spoke with a tone of resigned calm. "I'm pregnant."
• Jane's expression shifted to surprise as she muttered, "Pregnancy is a good thing …"
• Then her eyes widened in shock. "Is it Dean's?"
• "Yes."
• "Damn! What are you going to do? Are you going to tell him?"
• I shook my head. "No, I'm not. We're divorcing anyway."
• Jane paused before asking, "So, are you ... planning to keep the baby?"
• I fell silent, uncertain of how to respond.
• When the doctor first told me about the pregnancy, my immediate thought was to have an abortion.
• But once I was home and had time to think, I realized it wasn't the baby's fault that Dean and I were having issues.
• I shut my eyes and could almost feel the memory of the child I lost three years ago fading away.
• I didn't want to go through that again.
• But if I decided to keep this baby ...
• I let my face fall. "I don't know. I'll decide later."
• Seeing my distress, Jane quickly changed the topic. "By the way, I have some good news. The ‘First Love' series necklaces and rings have received rave reviews from our magazine. Many people have already started placing pre-orders. They're going to be a hit when they're released. We just need to finish the bracelets … with less than a week until the launch, will it be ready in time?"
• "It will be ready. It will take at most three days."
• Jane sighed with relief and added, "Hey, with your pregnancy, can you still manage the production? The process involves some chemicals. We might need to outsource."
• "It's fine. I'll just use a mask and gloves."
• "Make sure you look after yourself. If it becomes too overwhelming, just let me know."
• I gave a small smile. "Don't worry. It'll be fine."
• After emerging from the bathroom, I picked up my phone. After a long pause, I dialed Dean's number.
• It rang several times before being answered. Cynthia's condescending voice came through. "Mr. Murray is with me right now. Don't embarrass yourself."
• "Okay."
• Without hesitation, I ended the call.