Chapter 71

A middle-aged doctor in a white coat, with a polished demeanor but a bald spot, led a bunch of interns into Emily's room. Sunlight poured through the windows, giving the white walls and sheets a warm glow. The faint smell of disinfectant permeated the room, and a sense of tension lingered in the quiet.

The doctor walked in with steady steps, the interns trailing behind him,their footsteps echoing in the quiet room. His gaze was sharp and serious,like he was trying to soIve a big mystery.

"You're lucky you got here in time," the doctor said. "You could've put both your lives at risk! Why would you go to a crowded mall while pregnant? Even with flat shoes, you should know the first three months are critical. Stay away from crowded places!"

As the chief physician at Pearl Peak City General Hospital, he often saw young pregnant women who didn't take it seriously, only to end up heartbroken when things went wrong. As an obstetrician, he wanted every baby to come into the world safely.

His words hit Emily hard. She looked down, feeling guilty and uneasy.She knew she had been careless and almost caused a disaster. She gently stroked her belly. feeling the baby inside, silently promising to be more careful from now on.

After scolding Emily, the doctor turned to Marlon, who was standing nearby, taking food out of a bag. "And you, as her husband, didn't take care of her properly." The doctor looked at Marlon, clearly thinking he was Emily's husband.

Marlon was caught off guard, a bit embarrassed. He opened his mouth to

explain, but decided it wasn't the right time. He quietly put down the food.feeling a mix of emotions. He looked at Emily with concern. but mostly shock, realizing she was in the hospital because she was pregnant. not just from fainting.

"Some pregnant women may experience weakness and malnutrition.especially if they do not have access to proper prenatal care. You're lucky to have this child. Your progesterone is low. estrogen is low. and you haven't done any pre-pregnancy checks or taken folic acid. progesterone.DHA. ARA. or even cod liver oil." the doctor continued. his tone full of concern.

Emily tensed up. She knew her health wasn't great. but she didn't expect pregnancy to bring so many complications. She bit her lip. unsure if she could provide a healthy environment for her baby.

"What kind of food are you bringing? Pizza? And this Mexican chicken wrap? How can a pregnant woman eat something so spicy? No more takeout for her!" the doctor scolded Marlon, looking at the food in his hand.

Seeing Melissa reaching for snacks, the doctor chimed in, "When you make chicken soup, skim off the oil on top. Don't let the pregnant woman get too fat. Moderation is key, you know? And cut down on the snacks; they can mess with her hormones!" Melissa nodded quickly. not wanting to get scolded for being late.

The room got tense. Melissa shrank back, thinking, 'This doctor is intense;his presence is overwhelming!' She glanced at Emily with pity and helplessness. She knew Emily had been working hard, struggling to make ends meet, and now with the pregnancy, her body was even weaker.Melissa silently vowed to take good care of Emily and the baby.

Despite his bald spot, the doctor was sharp. He rattled off all the things a pregnant woman needed to know. then left the room with his interns.

Once they were gone. the room returned to its quier state. Sunlight still streamed in, warm and peaceful. Emily lay on the bed. staring out the window, her mind racing with thoughts. She had no idea what the future held or how this baby would change her life.

Marlon was left speechless by the doctor's scolding. He watched the doctor leave. then turned to Emily. lying silently on the bed. "You're pregnant? Is the child...?"

Marlon was shocked and confused. He couldn't believe Emily was pregnant. He looked at her. his eyes filled with mixed emotions. He had a hunch about who the father was but hoped for a different answer. He didn't know what Emily's plans were. especially since he was trying to win her over.

Emily lowered her eyes, not wanting to admit the child was Patrick's. She felt like saying it out loud would cause trouble for Marlon. Seeing her silence, Marlon pulled up a chair and sat by her bedside.

Emily was torn. She didn't know how to answer Marlon's questions. She didn't want him to know the child's father was Patrick, not wanting to burden him. She felt she had already caused him enough trouble.

"Emily, is it Patrick's child? Do you want to keep this baby?" Marlon's voice was soft and gentle, filled with concern. He knew Emily and Patrick's relationship was complicated and that she had sacrificed a lot for him.

Marlon couldn't understand why Emily ended up pregnant with Patrick's child, and he didn't know what she planned to do. To him. Emily and Patrick's relationship was like a deep, tortured love story.

Emily pursed her lips. then nodded. "I want to keep the baby."

She was determined. She knew this child was a bond berween her and Patrick. and she didn't want to give up on it. She feit the baby was a gift from God and wanted to protect it.

"Does Patrick know?" Marlon asked. frowning. Seeing Emily's silence, he continued. "Emily. are you saying Patrick doesn't know this child is his?"The thought of his speculation left Marlon stunned.