Chapter 3

Thomas's eyes swept across the hallway and instantly zeroed in on me. The moment our eyes met, I saw a subtle flicker of tension in his gaze.

He walked quickly over, crouched down in front of me, and took my cold hand in his own. His palm was as warm and dry as always, carrying a strength that made me feel safe.

"What's wrong?" He looked at my pale face, his brows knit tightly. "What did the doctor say? Is it really bad?" His voice was low, with a slight tremor he himself didn't realize.

Seeing the worry in his eyes, I felt a lump in my throat and almost burst into tears. I opened my mouth, but my throat closed up. I couldn't get a word out.

All I could do was hand him the crumpled ultrasound report I'd been clutching.

Thomas's eyes fell on the paper. When he read the words, his whole body stiffened instantly.

What he felt was way more than shock. It was disbelief, absurdity, and a tidal wave of incredulity crashing over him. He held the thin sheet of paper, his fingertips going white.

The air in the hallway seemed to freeze. I could hear my own heart pounding like a drum. I locked my gaze on his face, desperate not to miss the slightest shift in his expression.

I dreaded seeing disgust, anger, or contempt flicker in his eyes. But there was nothing.

His expression was an abyss, so silent and deep I couldn't read a thing. That silence was more terrifying than any angry outburst could ever be.

He stared at that ultrasound report for what felt like a whole minute. Then, he slowly raised his head, locking eyes with me again.

His gaze was so complex, so deep, like a bottomless sea. I had no idea what was going on in his mind.

"Rebecca." His voice was hoarse. "This... What's going on?"

At that moment, my tears finally broke free. "I don't know." I was sobbing so hard I could barely breathe, clutching his arm and shaking my head desperately.

"Thomas, I really don't know... I swear I never did anything to hurt you, I swear I didn't." I was rambling, desperate to tear my heart out and show him the truth.

My sobs drew stares from people passing by. Thomas's brows furrowed deeper.

He took off his suit jacket and draped it over my shoulders, cocooning me in its warmth. His movements were gentle, yet carried an unquestionably protective air.

"Don't cry here." His voice was still flat, but softer than before. "Come home with me first."

He helped me up from the bench, clutching the ultrasound report tightly. He didn't toss it aside, nor did he confront me or demand answers. He took my hand and walked me out of the hospital, calm and steady.

Back in the car, he didn't say a word, except to tell the driver to drive. The air in the car was so stifling, I felt like I could barely breathe.

I curled up in my seat, sneaking glances at him.

He leaned back against the seat, eyes closed, his long, thick lashes casting a soft shadow beneath his eyes. His profile was tense with a chill that made him feel completely untouchable.

The ultrasound report lay on the seat beside him. It felt like a silent slap in the face.

My heart sank little by little.

He didn't believe me. Yeah, any man faced with something this absurd wouldn't believe it either.

A man who'd been told by doctors he could never have kids, yet his wife got pregnant right under his nose with triplets. This was the craziest thing I could imagine this century.

The car sped all the way back to our villa, nestled halfway up the mountain.

Thomas got out first, walked around, and opened the car door for me. He reached out his hand, the same familiar, gentlemanly gesture as always.

But I paused, uncertainty holding me back. I couldn't bring myself to take his hand. I was terrified he'd see me as tainted.

Seeing me hesitate, Thomas's gaze darkened. He didn't rush me, just waited patiently as ever.

In the end, I still placed my hand in his. But his hand didn't seem as warm as it used to be.

As we walked into the living room, Linda was sitting on the sofa, sipping her afternoon tea with effortless grace.

When she saw us, she immediately stood up with a smile. "Thomas, Rebecca, you're back. How did the check-up go? What did the doctor say? Rebecca, are you feeling alright?" Her questions came one after another, all laced with concern.

My heart was in my throat as I instinctively glanced at Thomas beside me.

He let go of my hand, his face as calm as ever, and walked over to Linda. "Mom." He handed her the crumpled ultrasound report.

Linda took it, looking puzzled. "What's this? The check-up..." But her words cut off the moment she saw what was written on it.

Her face mirrored Thomas's reaction earlier. First, she looked lost, then shocked, and finally in disbelief and absurdity.

Her gaze was as sharp as a blade, slicing right through me. The warmth and gentleness that had been there had completely vanished. All that remained was icy scrutiny and suspicion.