Chapter 43 True Kin
Lauren hung up the phone with a flutter of excitement. Every time she went back to the home for dinner, Quentin was almost always there. It was only in Hannah's presence that Quentin showed her any tenderness, but now, maintaining her composure in front of him seemed like a daunting task.
After a whole morning of tossing and turning, Lauren had completed all her checkup tests. Carrying her reports, she went to see Dr. Olivia, who had a deep impression of Lauren because she came alone for every prenatal checkup. As a woman herself, Dr. Olivia felt a kinship and empathy toward Lauren.
Sifting through the results, Dr. Olivia smiled gently at Lauren and said, "Not bad, everything looks normal with the baby. You're thirteen weeks into your pregnancy now. Have the morning sickness symptoms eased?"
Relieved by Dr. Olivia's words, Lauren responded, "Yes, Dr. Olivia, it seems like it's been a while since I've felt nauseous."
"That's good to hear. Even though you're past the first trimester, you're still too thin and seem to be lacking in nutrition. Make sure you rest when you get home and eat some nutritious food," Dr. Olivia advised.
Recently, Lauren had been busy collaborating on a project, which indeed had kept her from resting properly. Plus, with Linda's situation, she pretended to be unfazed on the surface, but in her heart, she was deeply concerned.
"Okay, I will. Thank you, Doctor."
Dr. Olivia looked at Lauren with thoughtful eyes, admiring this strong and independent young woman.
"Don't mention it. Pregnancy can be tough, so maintaining a positive and optimistic attitude is very important," Dr. Olivia added, unable to refrain from a few extra words of advice.
Lauren paused momentarily, then smiled, appreciating the doctor's kindness. Standing out among so many other pregnant women, it was no wonder the doctor felt compelled to offer her extra special care.
After expressing her thanks, Lauren left and picked up some nutritional supplements from the pharmacy. Glancing at her phone, a message displayed the remaining balance in her bank account, a constant reminder of the practicalities she couldn't ignore.
She couldn't help but give a wry smile. It seemed she'd have to hustle even harder to provide for both her child and herself.
After returning home, Lauren grabbed a quick bite to eat, indulged in a refreshing nap, and then headed out, ready to visit the Robinson Estate.
Despite knowing that Hannah lacked nothing, Lauren still felt a desire to express her gratitude. By chance, while passing by a shop window in the mall, she noticed a stunning scarf that she believed would complement Hannah's style perfectly.
Lauren was never stingy, especially when it came to family. So, even though money was tight, she didn't hesitate to purchase it.
Clutching the scarf, Lauren could almost picture the joy on Hannah's face when she received this gift.
Eager to get to the home, she made her way downstairs to leave.
When Lauren reached the ground floor, to her surprise, she found the home's butler waiting for her.
"George?" Lauren was taken aback, as it was always Ezekiel who picked her up; she felt a bit embarrassed.
Ezekiel's face was as expressionless as a marionette.
"Madam, the Dowager has invited you to dine," he said.
"Alright, let's head out now," Lauren replied, and she followed Ezekiel to the car.
The car wound its way along the scenic Mountain Loop Highway. Though the views were captivating, except for the grand villas built by wealthy families in the area, it was rare to see anyone else.
Lauren gazed out at the enchanting landscape and somehow dozed off. When she woke, the car had already stopped at the entrance of the home.
Blinking away the grogginess, Lauren opened the car door, and stepping out, she was greeted by Hannah standing at the doorstep.
"Dowager, why have you come out again? It's quite chilly on these autumn evenings; you didn't have to wait for me."
Lauren rushed into Hannah's embrace with concern. Hannah always waited for her arrival despite Lauren’s repeated insistence not to. Yet, her pleas never seemed to make a difference.
"This Dowager couldn't wait to see you, my dear. I wanted to see if Lauren's put on any weight recently. Ah, what a letdown, you're still so slender," Hannah chided gently as she held Lauren's hand.
Lauren blushed and retorted with playful exaggeration, "Dowager, don't let my figure fool you, I'm all muscle underneath."
Her comment brought a chuckle from Hannah, and together they happily entered the villa.
The two sat on the couch catching up when Lauren pulled a scarf out of her backpack and handed it to Hannah.
"Here, this is a gift for you, Dowager. It's getting colder, you should take care of yourself."
Hannah opened the bag and her heart nearly melted at the sight of the scarf.
"You are so thoughtful, kid, but don't just look after me, make sure you keep yourself warm too..." Hannah's eyes sparkled with tears. To her, Lauren was like the cozy, comforting sweater that one would prefer over anyone else, even her own grandson Quentin.
Lauren nodded vigorously, "Yeah, I know, I'll take care of myself. Now, let me wrap this around you, Dowager. Let's see if it's comfortable."
Lauren carefully arranged the scarf, while Hannah grinned from ear to ear. "Anything picked by Lauren is the best, I love it."
As Lauren was busy fixing the scarf around Hannah's neck, Hannah's expression turned serious.
"Lauren, tell me the truth, how have you and Quentin been lately? You don't tell me anything, I’ve been so worried."
"We've been fine, always good," Lauren replied more slowly, her voice tinged with guilt.
Hannah didn't notice anything amiss. She had inquired recently and the feedback had put her mind at ease.
"I heard you started working at the company. That's good, you two will have more time together, I'm sure Quentin will like you once he gets to know you," Hannah encouraged Lauren.
Lauren looked at Hannah with a mix of shame and regret, knowing well what she hoped for, yet also knowing it was impossible to fulfill those hopes. Despite being pregnant, she had her reasons for not being able to share the truth.
"Dowager... I'm sorry... for worrying you so much, I really am..." Tears welled up in Lauren's eyes as she felt she had let down Hannah who had always been so generous with her love.
"Silly girl, what are you sorry for? We're family. Look at you, crying now? Let’s steer clear of this topic," Hannah said, patting Lauren's back with affection, treating her truly as her own granddaughter.
"Dowager, I mean, if—just if, Quentin and I weren’t husband and wife, would you still care for me like this?"
Lauren asked cautiously, feeling the genuine love from Hannah but wanting to be absolutely sure.
Hannah, oblivious to why Lauren would ask such a question, had sincerely pondered it herself.
"Lauren, no matter what your status is, I’ll love you just the same. You'll always be my granddaughter."
Lauren was overwhelmed with joy, deciding it was time to confide her pregnancy to Hannah. But just then, the door swung open again.
