Chapter 131

As Lavonne said, it was truly amazing. After her persuasion, my heart gradually calmed, transforming from initial resistance into acceptance. I decided to give birth to the babies. I never planned on marrying again; I'll focus on raising my two precious children.

“Reynaldo…” Kimberly’s voice cut through the air. I trembled, quickly turning to look. I saw Reynaldo walking from a nearby aisle. Startled, I instinctively hid behind a pillar. However, I accidentally dropped the ultrasound report; it landed at Reynaldo’s feet. I froze, my face pale. What should I do? My name was on the report. If he saw it, would he try to take the babies away?

Last time at the Humphrey family home, he'd wanted me pregnant because his grandmother longed for a great-grandchild. So, if I told him I was pregnant, would he confine me, treating me as a baby-making machine? The thought terrified me. I wanted to retrieve the report, but Reynaldo had already seen it and bent down to pick it up. I covered my mouth in fear, a thousand thoughts racing through my head.

But then, Kimberly ran over, grabbing his arm. “Reynaldo, you’re going the wrong way. My appointment isn’t here; this is obstetrics and gynecology.”

“Is it so?” Reynaldo said lightly, glancing toward me. I quickly hid.

Kimberly asked, “Reynaldo, what were you looking at?”

“Nothing. I just glimpsed a familiar figure,” he paused, muttering, “But it couldn’t possibly be her.”

“Let’s go. This is obstetrics and gynecology; it’s impossible you know anyone here.”

As their footsteps faded, I cautiously emerged. Reynaldo and Kimberly had vanished. The ultrasound report remained on the ground, untouched. For the first time, I was grateful for Kimberly’s presence.

“Ralda, Ralda…”

I had just picked up the report when Lavonne arrived, panting heavily. I asked urgently, “How is it? What did the doctor say?”

Lavonne’s brow furrowed; her face was serious. My heart sank. “What did the doctor say? Please, don’t scare me.”

Lavonne laughed. “Look how nervous you are! A moment ago, you said not to worry.”

“What did the doctor say?” I asked nervously.

Lavonne smiled. “Don’t worry, it’s early; the babies aren’t fully formed yet, so there’s not a big impact. But be careful; no alcohol, no raw or spicy food.”

I would show the doctor the blood test results later. Relief washed over me. The recent tension made me realize how much I cared for these babies. I became even more determined to give birth to them.

By nightfall, the blood test results were ready. We showed them to the doctor on duty. The doctor was pleased; the data had doubled, and my babies were developing well. She noticed my gaunt appearance and said I didn’t need to avoid everything, allowing me to choose what I could eat.

After leaving the hospital, Lavonne took me to a street bustling with food stalls. My appetite, improved by my good mood, was far better than at noon. I ordered hot and sour noodle soup and orange juice. Lavonne bought grilled skewers and beer.

“Ralda, I’ll find a nearby hotel for you. Our studio is close, so I can easily look after you after work,” she said.

I smiled and shook my head. “No need. I’m just pregnant, it’s not a big deal. No need to look after me, and hotels are expensive. I have somewhere to stay.”