Chapter 3

I didn't dare say another word.

He was even more determined than I had imagined.

We spent the rest of dinner in silence.

When we got home, Adrian went to his study to work while I sat alone in the living room in a daze.

I still had a photo of the medical report saved on my phone.

It clearly read: [Six weeks pregnant.]

I thought of the tiny clothes I'd seen at the baby store and everything Sophie had said.

This was my baby. I had the right to decide whether to keep it.

But it was Adrian's baby too.

If I chose to keep the baby, our relationship would be over.

If I ended the pregnancy, I would regret it for the rest of my life.

Either choice felt wrong.

I got up and walked onto the balcony, gazing out at the city at night.

Neon lights twinkled like countless stars.

I remembered my mother telling me as a child that every baby was a star in the sky, choosing their parents before coming into this world.

So why had the little star inside me chosen Adrian and me?

Was it because this baby knew that even if its father didn't want it, its mother would protect it?

I rested a hand on my stomach and whispered, "Baby, Mommy doesn't know what to do."

Footsteps sounded behind me as Adrian approached.

"What are you thinking about?" Adrian asked.

"Nothing." I quickly pulled my hand away.

He wrapped his arms around me from behind. "I'm sorry about earlier. I shouldn't have acted like that."

"It's okay."

"Evelyn, I know you love children, but this really isn't the right time," he said softly. "Can we wait until after we're married?"

Married?

I froze and turned to look at him. "What did you say?"

"I said, after we're married..."

"You want to marry me?"

Adrian smiled. "Why are you so surprised? Did you think I was only playing around?"

My heart raced. "How long have you been thinking about it?"

"Since the first time I saw you." He kissed my cheek. "But it still isn't the right time."

"Why not?"

"I still have a lot to deal with, at work and with my family." He paused. "Once everything settles down, we can talk about marriage and children. Okay?"

I nodded, but I was more conflicted than ever.

He said he wanted to marry me and have children someday.

But I was already pregnant.

Should I tell him?

Or should I wait a little longer?

The next day was Sunday, and I woke up early.

Adrian was still asleep, so I quietly slipped out of the bedroom.

While I was making him breakfast, a sudden wave of nausea hit me.

I covered my mouth, ran to the bathroom, and threw up violently.

"Evelyn?" Adrian called from outside the door. "What's wrong?"

"I'm fine. Something I ate last night must have upset my stomach." I quickly rinsed my mouth.

When I opened the door, his face was full of concern.

"We're going to the hospital today."

"There's no need. It's a stomach bug."

"No. You need to get checked out." His tone left no room for argument.

My heart nearly pounded out of my chest.

If I went to the hospital, Adrian would definitely find out I was pregnant.

"I really don't need to go. I'll pick up some medicine."

"Evelyn." He looked at me sternly. "Nothing matters more than your health."

I couldn't refuse, so I reluctantly agreed.

On the way to the hospital, I kept trying to think of an excuse to escape.

But Adrian stayed by my side the entire time, leaving me no chance.

We checked in, waited, and finally saw a doctor.

The doctor was a young woman. After hearing my symptoms, she asked, "Have your periods been regular lately?"

I froze.

"What's wrong?" Adrian asked, noticing my strange reaction.

"N-nothing." I stammered before answering the doctor, "Yes, they've been normal."

The doctor glanced at my chart. "Let's start with some bloodwork to rule out anything else."

Would a blood test reveal the pregnancy?

I wasn't sure, but I couldn't risk it.

"Doctor, I think I ate something bad. Can't you prescribe some medicine for me?" I asked.

The doctor shook her head. "It's better to run the test, to be safe."

Adrian agreed. "Listen to the doctor. Get the test."

With no way out, I had to let them draw my blood.

I couldn't sit still while we waited for the results.

Adrian assumed I had been afraid it would hurt and kept reassuring me. "It's okay. It's a routine test."

Would he still be this gentle once he knew the truth?

Half an hour later, the results came back.

The doctor studied the report, then looked at me. "And this gentleman is your...?"

"Boyfriend," Adrian answered.

"Then congratulations. You're pregnant," the doctor said.

For a moment, time seemed to stop.

Adrian's expression darkened instantly.

"What did you say?" he asked.

"She's pregnant, about six weeks along," the doctor said with a smile. "First-time dad? There are a few things you should know..."

"Doctor," Adrian cut her off. "Please run the test again."

The doctor looked puzzled. "The bloodwork is conclusive. Her HCG level is already quite high."

Adrian turned to me, his stare frighteningly cold.

"We'll talk outside," he said.