Chapter 045 Pregnant
Alice's discharge from the hospital was timely, occurring just before Adrian's return to the country. Her allergies had been vanquished entirely, leaving no trace of their existence on her body or face.
A sleek black sedan pulled up in front of the grand Cullen Villa, and Alice stepped out. Avery, upon seeing her, rushed forward and enveloped her in a warm embrace. "Let me look at you," he said, relief washing over his features. "I'm glad you're okay. You had me worried sick."
"Mom," Alice promised, her voice soft and sincere, "I won't be reckless again."
Curtis, however, was not as easily appeased. He summoned Alice to his study, his voice stern as he addressed her. "We need to put this matter to rest. When you visit the Howard family, you must keep your spirit in check. And remember, it was Natalie who helped you this time. Make sure to thank her properly."
"I understand, Dad," Alice responded, her tone dismissive. The idea of thanking Natalie was inconceivable to her.
Curtis sighed, recognizing his daughter's lack of sincerity. Regardless, he continued his admonishment. "Alice, you are now engaged to Adrian. You must not bring disgrace upon the Cullen or Howard families. Stop associating with those men from your past."
Alice's past was a point of contention within the family. Avery had spoiled her, allowing her to start dating in junior high. In high school, Curtis had caught her in an embrace with a boy sporting dyed blonde hair.
Now, guilt gnawed at Alice. She had recently slept with Carlos while in the hospital.
"Dad, I have basic morals," she insisted, tears welling in her eyes. "I won't do anything excessive. You can relax."
Curtis sighed, his heart aching for his daughter. "I'm doing this for your own good. The Howard family is different from ours; you must tread carefully."
"I get it," Alice responded, her demeanor as compliant and understanding as she could muster in Curtis's presence. Yet, she couldn't help but harbor resentment towards Natalie for her current predicament.
As she descended the stairs, a thought struck her. She sought out Avery immediately. "Mom, Natalie's been with Adrian for over a fortnight. They must have slept together by now. What if she gets pregnant? She could use that to blackmail us in the future."
Avery hadn't considered this possibility. Alice's reminder, however, forced her to take the matter seriously. She remembered how Rosalie had nearly ensnared Curtis with a similar scheme years ago.
Avery knew she had to act swiftly. If Natalie was indeed carrying Adrian's child, she could use it as leverage against them. Who wouldn't want to be Adrian's wife? Avery feared that Natalie, despite being a maid, wouldn't let such an opportunity pass her by.
She took Alice's hand, her voice soothing. "Don't worry, I'll take care of this."
Meanwhile, Natalie, who had spent the entire day at the hospital with Rosalie, felt a sudden pain in her neck. Darkness clouded her vision, and she collapsed on her way home that evening.
Soon after, in a private clinic, Avery's voice echoed sharply. "What did you say? Explain yourself!”
"The young lady is indeed pregnant, about eight weeks along."
Avery's face hardened. "That wretch nearly ruined us!" She turned to the doctor, her command cold and unyielding. "Get rid of the child in her womb!"
The doctor hesitated, causing Avery to pause. "Eight weeks pregnant? Natalie has only been impersonating Alice for half a month. Could Natalie be pregnant with someone else's child? But she doesn't seem like that kind of person."
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