43

That morning, as usual, Laurel helped bathe Alin's baby. It had been one week since she had stayed at Alin's house. Her best friend forbade her to leave first and she accepted the offer, considering her condition was not getting better.

She always felt nauseous and wanted to throw up all the time. Her head sometimes felt dizzy and her condition had not even improved during the week she lived with Alin.

The baby had been bathed and Alin gave him breast milk, while Laurel rearranged the baby's toiletries. As she bent down to put the towel into the laundry basket, a sudden pain shot through her lower abdomen. The excruciating pain made her groan as she clung to the towel rack beside her.

“Laurel?”

“It really hurts!” Laurel held her stomach that felt like it was being squeezed. The pain is excruciating.

Alin placed her full and sleeping baby in the cradle, and then stepped closer to Laurel. “Come on, Laurel, maybe you're too tense and tired. Lie down first—oh God!” Alin squealed. “Laurel, you're bleeding!”

Laurel lowered her head and looked down at her feet. She wore a knee-length skirt and from her knees, a red liquid oozed from her femininity, running down her calves, down to her feet.

“I'll call Aaron!” Alin grabbed her phone.

Laurel groaned, trying to stop her. “No, no, Alin!”

Her friend glared at her. “I have to, Laurel. He's your husband, the father of the baby in your belly. His house is close from here; he can be here in a few minutes, faster than if we call a taxi.”

Alin glanced worriedly at Laurel who was now sitting on the chair and holding her lower stomach in pain, then called Aaron.

Aaron came so fast. The man seemed to be speeding here. When Alin opened the door, his boss was standing with wide eyes, extremely anxious.

“Where's Laurel?”

“He's inside. Mr White, forgive me for lying to you that time.”

“It's okay, thanks for calling me!”

Aaron moved in half running, and then found Laurel sitting on a chair. Fresh blood was running down her legs and she didn't dare to stand up at all, afraid she would bleed even more badly. Her face grew even paler when she saw Aaron enter and stand anxiously next to her.

“Honey,” the man whispered softly mixed with anxiety. “Hold on, my love, I'm taking you to the hospital.”

Aaron quickly bent down in front of Laurel, ran his hands over the woman's back and knees, then lifted her up as if she was so light. Laurel wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her head on his chest. Her stomach hurt, but being in his arms made her feel comfortable. The man paused for a moment near the door.

“Thank you, Alin.”

“You're welcome. I hope Laurel will be okay.” Alin accompanied them with a worried look.

Aaron walked quickly to his car, where the driver was waiting and opened the door. Still carrying Laurel, the man came in and took her on his lap. The car was speeding towards the hospital.

Laurel groaned as the pain hit her again, causing Aaron to look down at her worriedly. “Does it hurt, honey? Hold on. We'll be there soon.”

Laurel moved uncomfortably on Aaron's lap. She was only wearing a skirt and she was bleeding. Her blood would stain his pants. “I'm bleeding… I will—”

“Don't worry about it!” Aaron interrupted sharply, and then hugged her tightly. “Oh my God, my Laurel, I hope you are all right. I could die if something bad happened to you.”

Laurel still heard that last sentence and her heart felt warm, but after that, she didn't hear anything else. The excruciating pain had snatched away her consciousness, making her faint.

Laurel woke up a long time later. The smell of medicine and hospital enveloped her, making her frown. Her hand was immediately grasped by someone warmly, making her turn her head and look directly at Aaron. The man sat on the edge of the bed, looking at her worriedly.

Aaron hasn't shaved yet. That's what Laurel first thought when she saw the dark shadow, the beard that almost grew on the man's chin. The man's eyes were both frightened and relieved.

The man kissed Laurel's fingers passionately. “Thank goodness you're awake,” his voice was hoarse, full of gratitude. “I'm really worried about you.”

Laurel reflexively held her stomach, looking at Aaron in fear. “My baby…?”

“He's strong and defensive.” Aaron looked at her stomach gently.

Laurel breathed a sigh of relief knowing the baby's condition was fine. But then, her face turned red seeing Aaron's gaze on her stomach. She looked away, not wanting to look at him.

“Laurel,” Aaron's voice softened, “I know it's not the right time to talk about all this, but I have to tell you.”

Silence. He waited for her answer, but when she remained silent, he took a deep breath.

“I love you, Laurel. That's not a lie. I may rule your life, but it's all I do to take care of you. Because I love you, not just for penance,” Aaron's voice was hoarse. “I married you because I love you. Everything I did, all those lies, because I love you.”

Laurel kept her eyes closed, feeling tears welling up in the corners of her eyes.

“I know you can't forgive me. My sin is unforgivable and I have accepted it. Maybe I'm the one who hopes too high that you can still love me and continue this marriage.” Aaron smiled bitterly. “I'm sorry for forcing something you don't want. From now on, I will not force my will on you anymore. As soon as our child is born, I will divorce you with a good settlement.”