Chapter 69 She’s Even More Formidable
Accompanied by a cluster of eager interns, Ava's doctor arrived for her check-up.
As the lead physician performed a thorough examination, Ava could feel the intensity of the collective gaze upon her. It was unnerving, but she understood the necessity of the situation.
Each doctor had to learn, and if no patient allowed them to observe, the world would soon be devoid of medical professionals. So, she swallowed her discomfort and waited patiently for the examination to conclude.
"Exercise caution," the doctor advised, his tone stern. "Avoid any strenuous activities for the next few days. Just rest in bed and rest. If you start bleeding again, we may not be able to save the baby."
Ava nodded in understanding, murmuring her gratitude. Once the physician had gathered his interns and departed, Ava exhaled a sigh of relief. She tenderly caressed her belly, whispering soft promises to the life within.
"Baby, mommy will protect you. No more harm will come to you."
"I was under the impression you were hospitalized for stomach issues. Why are you here resting for a baby?"
The unexpected sound of a familiar voice caused Ava to startle. She turned to find Mia, standing unannounced at the doorway.
Entering the room, Mia deposited her purse and pulled a chair up to Ava's bedside. Her gaze lingered on Ava's belly. "How far along are you?"
"Mom, I... I..." Ava stuttered, her anxiety spiking.
"What's with the stuttering? You're struggling to speak and yet you're thinking of having a child? Do you want your baby to learn to stutter from you?" Mia's expression was stern, reminiscent of a strict disciplinarian catching a student in the act of truancy.
Ava found her intimidating, which was quite the statement considering her usual fear of her father-in-law. It appeared, however, that her mother-in-law was the more formidable of the two.
"It's been just over two months," Ava managed to reply.
"So, the Mitchell Family is still in the dark? Including Alex?"
Ava nodded, "Yes, I haven't told them. Mom, please don't let the cat out of the bag. It's been a struggle to keep it a secret."
"You believe Alex doesn't want the baby?"
Ava hummed in agreement, "He and I, we..."
"I'm aware of the situation," Mia interjected. "If you're determined to keep the baby and proceed with the divorce, it's best to keep him in the dark. Otherwise, you're inviting unnecessary trouble."
Feeling understood, Ava sighed in relief, "Thank you."
Mia seemed indifferent, showing no signs of regret over their impending divorce. It was as if she considered it a normal part of life. She was rational to a fault, devoid of sentimentality.
"Don't mention it. The child is yours, your life is yours. You make your own decisions, and whatever consequences arise, they're yours to handle. No one else can do that for you."
Mia was a pragmatist, a woman of strength and decisiveness. One does not become a bank president by being ordinary.
"Mom, you're right. I'll remember that, and thank you for coming. By the way, how did you know I was here?"
"Alex informed me. He was in a car accident last night and had to be hospitalized."
"What?" Ava sat up abruptly, her panic evident, "How is he? Is it serious? Why did he crash?"
Mia raised an eyebrow at Ava's frantic questioning, "You seem rather concerned. You were quite decisive when you signed the divorce papers."
"I…" Ava clutched the sheets, "I’ve known him for ten years. Even divorced, I can't just switch off my feelings. Please, tell me he's alright."
