Chapter 6

"I'm going to get a full check-up at the hospital," Thomas said. "I want to find out if there was any mistake in the diagnosis back then."

Linda snorted from the side, "What are you looking for? There's nothing left to check. Did you forget what Dr. Evans said back then? He was the best specialist around. If he said there was no hope, then that's it."

"That's what one guy said," Thomas replied, his tone unwavering. "I don't buy it. I'm going to see a few more hospitals, find the best experts out there, and get checked again."

His stubbornness left Linda fuming. "Thomas, you just won't give up, will you? You have to run into a brick wall before you stop! Richard, did you hear that? Can you believe what he's saying?" Linda snapped.

Richard waved his hand, cutting Linda off. He looked at Thomas, pausing for a moment. "Alright," he said.

That was all he said. Everyone was stunned.

Linda stared at him in disbelief. "Richard, you..."

Richard ignored her and turned to Thomas. "If you're set on checking, then do it thoroughly. Make sure there's no room for doubt. Before we have a clear answer, I don't want to hear another word of gossip about this."

His eyes lingered on Linda, leaving no doubt who he meant.

Then he turned to me, his tone softening. "Rebecca, you're pregnant now. Try not to get too emotional. Whatever the truth is, the baby hasn't done anything wrong. Why don't you go upstairs and rest for a while?"

I never expected Richard to be so reasonable about it. He didn't take sides, nor did he rush to judge. He gave both Thomas and me a chance to get to the bottom of things.

A warm feeling rose in my chest, and I gave him a grateful glance. "Thank you, Richard."

Thomas gently supported me and said softly, "Let me walk you upstairs."

I nodded and followed him up the stairs.

Linda called out behind us, clearly unwilling to let it go. "Richard! How can you indulge them like this? If people hear about it, how will that make the Sterling family look?"

"Enough," Richard said, sounding impatient. "I know what I'm doing."

Once we were upstairs in our bedroom, it felt like we'd left everything downstairs behind. I felt completely drained and softly flopped onto the bed.

Thomas poured a glass of water and brought it to me. "Here, have some water."

I shook my head, and my tears spilled over again. "Thomas, I'm sorry. I'm the reason you're dealing with all this. If you feel like it's too much, maybe we could..." But I couldn't say the word "divorce" out.

Thomas set the glass down on the nightstand, sat beside me, and gently wiped the tears from my face with his thumb.

"Don't be silly." His voice was gentle. "You're my wife. Whatever happens to you, it's my business too. There's no such thing as you being a burden to me."

"But your mom..." I hesitated.

"Just leave her to me. I'll take care of it," Thomas reassured me.

He looked at me, his eyes deep and unreadable. "Rebecca, I'm only asking you this once. Look me in the eye and tell me. Be honest with me. Did you ever betray me?"

I met his gaze. In his eyes, I saw doubt, conflict, and a vulnerability I didn't dare to explore. I nodded firmly, enunciating each word, "I didn't betray you.

"From the day I fell for you, Thomas, there's never been room in my heart for anyone else. If I'm lying, may lightning strike me down and let me die a horrible death."

"Don't say things like that!" Thomas reached out in a rush and pressed his hand over my mouth.

For a split second, I saw real panic and fear flicker in his eyes. He stared at me for a long time, as if he wanted to see right through me.

Finally, he let out a long sigh and wrapped me in his arms, holding me close. "Alright, I believe you."

Those words broke me, and I couldn't hold back my tears anymore. Every bit of pain, worry, and fear I'd been holding onto disappeared in that moment. I buried my face in his chest and let it all out, sobbing uncontrollably.

He didn't say a word, just let me cry it out, gently rubbing my back. After a long time, my sobs finally faded away.

He let go of me, looking at my puffy, tear-stained eyes with real worry. "Hey, it's okay. Don't cry anymore. Remember, the doctor said getting too worked up isn't good for the babies," he reminded me.

He brought up the baby, and it caught me off guard. My heart tightened all over again.

"Thomas, about the babies—" I began, my voice shaking.

"No matter how it happened," Thomas cut me off, his voice firm and resolute. "As long as you're carrying them, they're my children. I'll protect you all."

I looked at him, my heart aching with both gratitude and sorrow. I knew he was saying all this to comfort me, but also to convince himself.

This whole mess was like a splinter stuck deep in both our hearts. If we didn't pull it out, it would keep hurting forever.