Chapter 454:

After a long bout of vomiting, Elyse felt slightly better. Emerging from the bathroom, too shaken to face Jayden, she asked Driscoll to send Forrest home before hurrying upstairs to sleep.

Jayden, having finished his work, had hoped to spend time with her, but found her already asleep. He quietly lay down beside her.

In the early morning light, Elyse woke feeling dizzy and slightly feverish. Remembering the five pregnancy tests, she felt a surge of frustration. She realized she was likely in the early stages of pregnancy.

With mixed feelings, she looked at Jayden, who was still asleep, and tenderly touched his face. “If only you didn’t dislike children so much, I wouldn’t be so scared to tell you,” she whispered.

Although sleepy, she had a hospital appointment that morning and a violin practice session later. Pushing herself up, she declined the driver's offer and took a taxi to the hospital.

Half an hour later, she received the results. The obstetrician smiled as she handed Elyse the report. “Congratulations, you’ve been pregnant for two months.”

Elyse froze.

The doctor reviewed the report. “Your baby is very healthy, and so are you. We don’t foresee any major issues, but you should continue with regular check-ups.”

After a brief silence, Elyse took the report, managed a smile, and said, “Thank you. I will.” She then rushed out.

Sitting alone, she stared at the ultrasound. The reality of her situation overwhelmed her. “I’m really pregnant. Two months along,” she murmured. Her fingers traced the outline of the baby on the image; though lacking hands and feet, it was healthy and growing.

Elyse felt the weight of adulthood settle upon her. Should she keep the baby? She was lost in thought.

“Elyse, why are you here?” Corrie approached, arms crossed, a forced smile on her face.

Elyse quickly hid the report and retorted coldly, “Why are you here? Are you pregnant with Brook’s child?”

Corrie rolled her eyes. “Never,” she said. Smoothing her hair, she added with a smile, “I’m here for a routine check-up.”

“I see,” Elyse replied, turning to leave. Corrie stopped her.

With a curious smile, Corrie asked, “Are you here for a routine check-up too? May I see your results?”

Startled, Elyse asked, “Why would I show you? Are we that close?”

Confused by Elyse’s reaction, Corrie pressed, “Why do you seem so different? Are you hiding an illness? Have you been unfaithful to Jayden?”

Pulling away from Corrie’s grasp, Elyse replied, “Is that why you’re here? To make sure you’re healthy? Mind your own business.” She grabbed her purse and hurried away.

Watching her go, Corrie was perplexed. Elyse was either there for a routine exam or possibly pregnant. Was she expecting?

After leaving the hospital, Elyse took a taxi to her studio. Irving and the others were already there.

Sitting on the sofa with coffee, Gavin asked, “Coffee?”

After checking her phone to see if caffeine was safe for pregnant women, Elyse declined. “No, thanks.”

Gavin didn’t press.

Irving, putting down his music, pulled out a cigarette. Before he could light it, Elyse rushed over and covered his mouth.

Surprised, Irving asked, “What’s going on?”

“Please don’t smoke around me. The smell makes me sick,” Elyse explained, her tone apologetic but firm.

Frowning, Irving muttered, “You’re being troublesome.” He left to smoke outside.