Chapter 66

Chapter 66
As Fernandez's gentle words washed over her, Anna felt a sense of wonder. She had never heard him speak with such kindness and compassion before. His tone was like a balm to her frazzled nerves, soothing her worries and calming her fears.
With a sense of satisfaction and happiness, Anna left Fernandez's office, feeling like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. The misunderstanding between them had been settled, and she could finally focus on what mattered most - her mother's health and her unborn baby.
As she made her way to the hospital, Anna's thoughts turned to her baby. She couldn't wait to see the little one on the ultrasound screen, to know how many weeks pregnant she was, and to learn about the precautions she needed to take to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
The hospital's bright lights and antiseptic smell enveloped her as she entered, a sense of familiarity and comfort washing over her. Anna took a deep breath, her heart filled with hope and anticipation, and made her way to the maternity ward.
The soft beeps of machines and gentle murmurs of nurses filled the air as she approached the ultrasound room. Anna's heart skipped a beat as she lay down on the examination table, her belly exposed and ready for the scan.
The ultrasound technician's warm smile reassured her as she began the scan, the sound of the baby's heartbeat filling the room. Anna's eyes welled up with tears as she saw her little one on the screen, tiny and perfect, its tiny heart beating rapidly.
"How many weeks am I?" Anna asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Four weeks and one day, ma'am," the technician replied, her voice gentle. "Everything looks great. Your baby is healthy and thriving."
Anna's heart swelled with joy, her worries and fears melting away. She knew she still had a long way to go, but in this moment, everything felt right with the world.
The doctor, a kind-faced woman with a warm smile, entered the room, carrying a clipboard and pen. "Ah, Anna, congratulations on your pregnancy! Four weeks is a great milestone."
Anna didn't know why the doctor was so excited as if she's the one pregnant.
Anna smiled, feeling a sense of pride and joy even though things are uncertain. "Thank you, doctor. I'm so relieved everything is going well."
The doctor nodded, her eyes scanning the clipboard. "Yes, everything looks great. Now, let's talk about your diet and precautions. You'll want to make sure to eat plenty of leafy greens, fruits, and whole grains. Avoid raw meat, fish, and unpasteurized dairy products."
Anna nodded, taking mental notes. "Got it. What about exercise?"
" Gentle exercises like walking and prenatal yoga are great," the doctor replied. "But avoid anything too strenuous or high-impact. We want to keep you and the baby safe."
Anna nodded, feeling a sense of determination. "I'll be careful. What about supplements?"
"I recommend a prenatal vitamin to ensure you're getting all the necessary nutrients," the doctor said, scribbling on the clipboard. "And, of course, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water."
As the doctor continued to explain, Anna felt a sense of gratitude for her care and concern.
As Anna stepped into the grand foyer of the Antonio's mansion, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease wash over her. The opulent chandelier above seemed to mock her, its sparkling crystals refracting the light into a thousand tiny reminders of her uncertain future. She sighed, her shoulders sagging under the weight of her secrets, and made her way to her room.
Once inside, she closed the door behind her and rubbed her belly, trying to soothe the growling hunger that seemed to gnaw at her insides. She had just eaten lunch, but somehow, she was famished again. She walked out of the room, her heels clicking on the marble floor, and made her way to the kitchen.
As she entered the kitchen, one of the servants, a petite woman with a kind face, looked up from her task of cleaning the floor. "Do you need anything, madam?" she asked, her voice soft and deferential.
Anna shook her head, waving her hand dismissively. "No, I'm just here to grab some apples. You can get back to your work." She smiled faintly, trying to reassure the woman, and opened the fridge door.
She left for her room and settled down on the bed. As she munched on the crisp apple, she spoke aloud, her voice filled with confusion and concern. "How can I become pregnant all of a sudden? And with Fernandez's baby! He doesn't even love me and I don't either... And I don't want my child to be born into a loveless family. What can I do?"
Just then, a shocked voice exclaimed from the doorway, "What, Anna? You're pregnant?" Reyna's eyes widened in disbelief, her face pale with surprise, as she took in the scene before her. Her voice was loud and clear, and Anna's heart skipped a beat as she turned to face her.
Anna's face flushed with embarrassment and worry, her cheeks burning with a deep crimson. She quickly covered Reyna's mouth with her hand, her eyes darting around the room to ensure they were alone. "Don't shout, I haven't told anyone about it."
Reyna's eyes locked onto Anna's, filled with confusion and concern. She sat down beside Anna on the bed, her movements gentle. "What do you mean by you haven't told anyone? You haven't told Fernandez?" she asked, her voice soft and probing.
Anna's hands fluttered nervously, her fingers picking at her nails. She looked up at Reyna, her eyes welling up with tears. "Yes, I haven't informed him," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Reyna's expression turned sympathetic. She held Anna's hand, her touch warm and comforting. "Why? Aren't you happy that you're pregnant?" she asked, her voice filled with empathy.
Anna shook her head, her lips quivering like she was about to burst into tears. "The truth is that I'm absolutely scared, Reyna. I don't love him, and he doesn't love me. So how is the baby going to survive?" she asked, her voice cracking with emotion.
Reyna sighed, her shoulders sagging in understanding. She pacified Anna, holding her shoulder in a gentle grip. "I also know about this, Anna. And I know you're an adult and can decide your own life. But I can't deny the fact that I'm very happy to become an aunt, and you will also be a good mother," she said, her voice filled with conviction.
Anna looked at her, her eyes searching for answers. Reyna continued, "First, I will ask you to talk things out with my brother. Then weigh everything and come to a decision if you want to keep this baby or not."
Anna nodded, her eyes still welling up with tears. Reyna handed her a piece of paper with a phone number scribbled on it. "This is the number of a friend who does...such work," she said, her voice hesitant.
Anna's eyes widened in understanding. Reyna stood up, her movements swift. "Think carefully, Anna. And whatever you decide, I'll be here for you." With that, she left the room, leaving Anna alone with her thoughts.