Chapter 532 We Already Have BoBo and CiCi
When the maid wheeled Yvette downstairs, Albert was still examining the cake with BoBo and CiCi. Through the glass door of the kitchen, they spotted her, waving enthusiastically before rushing out to greet her.
"Mommy, you're here too!" CiCi bounced excitedly. "Doesn't our cake smell wonderful?"
"It smells delicious!" Yvette smiled, gently ruffling their hair. "Did it burn after all?"
"Not at all," BoBo replied, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Dad was right about that."
Yvette's eyebrows rose in surprise and delight at hearing BoBo call Albert "Dad."
Albert washed his hands and strode over, bending down to wrap an arm around Yvette's shoulders. "So where's my gift?"
Yvette's eyes darted toward the children. "Later tonight. When the kids aren't around."
Albert raised an eyebrow suggestively. "Not suitable for children?"
CiCi immediately covered her eyes with her hands. "Mommy, is it something kids shouldn't see? Is it scary?"
Yvette sighed with relief at the child's innocence. She shot Albert a reproachful look before turning to CiCi. "There are just some things I haven't figured out how to explain to you and BoBo yet. When I do, I'll show you too."
CiCi peeked through her fingers cautiously. "Not scary?"
"Of course not."
"Okay then." CiCi shrugged. "BoBo and I will wait until you're ready. Mommy, our cake is almost done—would you like to taste it?"
"Absolutely!" Yvette smiled.
"Let's go check if it's ready!" CiCi exclaimed, grabbing BoBo's hand and racing back to the kitchen.
Yvette shook her head with an affectionate smile. "That CiCi, always in such a rush."
Feeling an intense gaze on her, Yvette turned to find Albert's deep eyes fixed on her.
"Not suitable for children?" he repeated in a lower, more intimate tone.
"It's not like that!" Yvette felt her cheeks flush. "It's something important. Don't tease."
Albert's lips curved upward at her blush, the temperature between them rising imperceptibly.
As the family of four settled on the sofa, chatting while waiting for the cake to finish baking, Doyle suddenly arrived. He approached Yvette with medical charts in hand, but before he could speak, he sniffed the air curiously.
"What's that smell?" he asked.
"Cake!" Since Yvette's return, CiCi had regained her vivacious spirit. "Mr. Cunningham, it's my dad's birthday today and we baked a cake. Would you like to stay and try some?"
Doyle looked down at CiCi's delicate face. "Well, since you have invited me, I absolutely must stay to sample your handiwork!"
CiCi beamed with delight. "If it's good, you have to compliment us!"
"Without question. If you made it yourselves, it deserves proper praise."
Albert glanced at Doyle, barely concealing his anxiety. "You came unexpectedly. Is something wrong with the results?"
"No, no," Doyle quickly reassured him, aware that his unannounced visit might cause concern. "Her physical condition is stable."
Doyle hesitated, then addressed Yvette. "But I do have some questions for you."
"What questions?" Yvette asked.
Doyle's gaze discreetly flicked toward BoBo and CiCi. Albert immediately understood, calling a maid to take the children back to check on the cake.
The moment the kitchen door closed, Doyle's expression turned serious. "Have you experienced any discomfort lately? Any pain or unusual symptoms? Your recent living conditions were less than ideal, and there could be lingering effects. You need to tell me everything."
Yvette's heart tightened. She knew nothing escaped Doyle's attention. "Nothing so far."
Albert's brow furrowed beside her, clearly displeased with their cryptic exchange, though he remained silent. The atmosphere around him chilled noticeably as his eyes narrowed.
Sensing Albert's displeasure, Yvette's face paled. She lowered her gaze, knowing that whatever Albert wanted to know, he would find a way to discover.
Taking a deep breath, Yvette spoke, her voice trembling despite her efforts to steady it. "Because of the explosion, I underwent an abortion procedure."
Albert's eyes flickered with pain, his expression momentarily raw and wounded.
Quickly, he masked his anguish with a calm, profound gaze. Looking at Yvette, he addressed Doyle.
"Schedule a thorough examination for her tomorrow. We need to ensure this won't affect her recovery."
"Of course," Doyle replied, his eyes moving between Albert and Yvette. "I'll go check on the children's cake in the meantime."
This not-so-subtle exit gave Yvette and Albert the space they needed.
As Doyle left, Yvette lowered her eyes, struggling to contain her emotions. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I just..."
She couldn't finish.
To Albert, who doubted BoBo and CiCi were his, this lost baby was their first real child. His pain must be as profound as hers.
Before she could continue, a warm hand reached for hers, enveloping it completely.
His palm was large and comforting, conveying strength through his touch. His fingers gently caressed the back of her hand, offering silent consolation.
Albert's deep, steady voice broke the silence, without a hint of wavering or hesitation.
"As long as you're safe, that's what matters," he said softly. "I'm here. We'll face this together."
A lump formed in Yvette's throat, her eyes glistening with unshed tears as she slowly looked up. "I failed to protect our child."
Whether the baby she had lost or BoBo and CiCi, she felt she had failed in her duty as a mother, unable to keep them safe. This was her deepest regret.
"That's not what's important," Albert replied, his voice rich and soothing. "What matters most is that you protected yourself. We already have BoBo and CiCi."