Chapter 583: Sweet Pregnancy
Grace thought to herself, "Yeah, even if it means losing everything, I'm gonna fight Caleb and Susan till the end."
But she just smiled and said, "You're overthinking it. Caleb's already forgiven me, and Susan and I are cool. They both said I could see Candy."
"Getting along with Susan? Isn't she the one who wrecked your relationship?" Avery whispered. "Why are you even seeing her? Who knows what she's up to."
"No, she's actually pretty nice, and we get along well."
Avery was skeptical, and Trevor was even more firm, "Send Candy back tomorrow, and don't see her again."
"Dad, do you think the Bailey Group is more important than your granddaughter?" Grace smirked.
"I'm not just doing this for the Bailey Group; it's for you and your mom too. If we really piss off Caleb, our whole family is screwed!" Trevor was worried.
"Isn't he not pressuring the Bailey family now? It proves we're getting along fine."
"Who knows what'll happen in the future? It's best to cut ties completely; that's the safest."
Grace shook her head, "Candy is my flesh and blood. How can you ask a mother to give up her child? I can't do it."
"Grace, I know it's tough, but your dad's right. As long as you're okay, you'll have more kids in the future. Besides, if you keep Candy, you'll probably only find someone who's been married before. Most single guys won't accept a partner with a kid. But if Candy stays with Caleb, you can find a better partner," Avery tried to convince Grace.
"I'm not as selfish as you."
"We're selfish? You're the one putting the entire Bailey family at risk; that's true selfishness!" Trevor snapped.
"We're doing this for your own good, Grace. Please listen to us; we would never harm you," Avery pleaded.
"If you don't send her back, I will do it myself tomorrow," Trevor said firmly.
"If you send Candy back, I'll die right in front of you!" Grace shot back.
"Are you threatening me?" Trevor was furious.
"My daughter is all I have left. No one can take her away from me," Grace gave them a hard look and went upstairs.
"I'll beat you to death today! If I don't, the Bailey family will be ruined because of you!" Trevor, in a fit of rage, tried to chase after Grace.
Avery held Trevor back, "Honey, don't be like this. Grace is a victim too... Please understand her. I'll talk to her; don't be angry..."
It was late at night.
Grace came out of the shower, and Candy was lying in bed with her doll, wide awake.
"Why aren't you asleep yet?" Grace asked.
"I... I miss Oliver. He used to tell me stories to help me sleep. He's so good at telling stories," Candy mumbled.
"Do you like him more than you like me?"
"Of course not. I love Mommy the most, but I also like Oliver."
"What about Susan?"
"I used to like Susan, but after she was mean to Mommy, I don't like her anymore." Candy pouted. "Now I only like Daddy, Mommy, and Oliver."
"Silly girl," Grace gently stroked Candy's head and said, "You're my precious. I don't want you to live with a stepmother either. It makes me uncomfortable too."
"I know, Mommy. I want to be with you too."
"Then stay with me, okay?"
Candy seemed a bit hesitant.
"Do you still prefer Daddy?" Grace asked.
"I love both Daddy and Mommy. I can't bear to choose. Why do I have to pick just one?" Candy's cute face turned sad.
"There's no other way unless you can get your daddy to come back to me, then we can be a family of three again."
Candy thought for a moment, "Mommy, I think we can try."
As soon as she heard the door open, Susan immediately walked over, "Candy..."
But Caleb came back alone.
"Where's Candy?" Susan asked.
"She's staying at the Bailey family villa tonight," Caleb said casually.
Susan felt a pang of sadness, "She's mad at me and doesn't want to come back, right?"
"No, she just wanted to visit her grandparents," Caleb smiled. "Don't overthink it."
"You don't have to comfort me; I know what's up. It's my fault."
"You did nothing wrong. You've done great."
Susan shook her head, "If I had done well enough, Candy wouldn't refuse to come back. I should have controlled my temper and not yelled at Grace. As a kid, she naturally defends her mom."
"Nobody's perfect. Who can control their temper all the time? Besides, you were worried about them." Caleb hugged Susan, "Don't be so hard on yourself. If you feel stressed, it makes me feel bad."
Susan gave a bitter smile, "It seems things have gotten more complicated. Being a stepmom is tough."
"I'm sorry for putting such a burden on you."
"It's not that. I'm just worried that the conflict between Candy and me will get worse."
"Whatever happens, we'll face it together. We'll get through it, okay?" Caleb gently pinched her nose.
"You're right. I shouldn't say such discouraging things."
"Let Candy stay at the Bailey family villa for a few days. You can relax a bit too."
"Okay, I have a prenatal checkup scheduled for tomorrow."
"I'll go with you."
"But don't you have an important meeting tomorrow? It's okay, I can go by myself. I know the drill."
"Nothing is more important than you," Caleb said apologetically, "I left you to go through the entire pregnancy alone before. This time, I won't let you be alone. I'll be with you every step of the way."
"You're so good," The sweetness dispelled some of Susan's previous gloom. The feeling of being loved by the one she loves filled her with happiness.
The next morning, after dropping Oliver off at kindergarten, Caleb accompanied Susan to the hospital.
There was already a long line in front of the obstetrics and gynecology department, mostly husbands with their wives.
Susan remembered a few years ago when she always came for checkups alone, envying those who had someone with them. Looking back, she didn't know how she got through it.
Fortunately, she wouldn't have to go through that again. This pregnancy would be like being in a honey pot.
"Standing for too long is tiring. Go rest over there," Caleb suggested.
"But we have to wait in line," Susan said.
"Silly, aren't we two people now? I'll wait in line, and you can sit and rest."
"Oh, right," Susan smiled. They were two people now, how nice.
There were many people getting checkups on Monday morning. After nearly an hour of waiting, when it was finally their turn, Caleb said, "We won't come here next time. I've arranged for the most expensive private clinic. Next time, we'll go there. No waiting, it's too hard on you."
"Actually, a regular doctor is fine," Susan wasn't one to waste money, and this hospitalwas excellent, which could be proved by its high volume of pregnant patients.
"My partner and my child deserve the best. It is my treasure, my precious daughter. I can't neglect her."
Susan laughed at him.