Chapter 375 Distress During His Wife's Prenatal Checkup
Having dealt with the critical business matter, Ethan remembered his promise to accompany Ashley to her prenatal checkup.
"Diannel, postpone the rest of today's meetings. I'll be out of the office for the remainder of the day. Call me only for urgent matters," he instructed.
With the company affairs settled, Ethan drove home. It was already 9:30 AM.
Ashley had just woken up and was getting dressed when Ethan entered their bedroom.
"Honey, you're back so soon?" she asked, surprised.
"I promised I'd take you to your prenatal appointment today," he replied.
After handling his most pressing work matters, he'd rushed home. This was the first time he would accompany Ashley to a prenatal checkup since she became pregnant—a significant milestone for them.
Ashley wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. "When you left for work this morning, I thought you might have forgotten."
"Darling, I never forget my promises to you."
"I'm so lucky to have you," she said softly.
After a few moments of affection, Ethan took her hand. "Have you had breakfast?"
"I read online that you're supposed to fast before a three-month checkup, so I haven't eaten anything," Ashley explained.
Ethan's face filled with concern. "Then let's get to the hospital quickly. Going this long without breakfast can't be good for your stomach."
They drove to the obstetrics department at the hospital. Since they hadn't made an appointment, Ethan called Morgan, who promptly came out to meet them.
"Ethan! I've arranged for you to see one of our top specialists. You can thank me later," Morgan said with a smile.
Ethan laughed. "I'll send you a gift to show my appreciation."
"That's more like it. Follow me," Morgan replied.
Hand in hand, they followed Morgan through the corridors, exchanging loving glances along the way.
In the examination room, Ashley lay on the bed feeling nervous. Ethan stood beside her, equally anxious but trying not to show it. Sensing her apprehension, he took her hand in his.
"It's okay, sweetheart. I'm right here with you," he said softly.
Ashley nodded gratefully.
"Mrs. Yates, could you please lift your shirt? I need to begin the examination," the doctor said.
Ashley complied, revealing her slightly swollen abdomen. The doctor applied some gel, which felt cool against her skin, then began moving the ultrasound wand across her belly. Images appeared on the monitor that neither Ethan nor Ashley could decipher.
"Doctor, is everything all right?" Ashley asked cautiously.
"Everything looks good. The baby is developing normally," the doctor replied. "After the ultrasound, you'll need to have some blood work done. Have you established a prenatal record yet, Mrs. Yates?"
Ashley looked confused. "No, I haven't."
"I'll set one up for you right away. It will outline all the necessary checkups for each month of your pregnancy."
Later, as they prepared for the blood test, Ethan remembered Ashley's fear of needles. Once, early in their relationship, she had actually fainted at the sight of blood.
Gently, he covered her eyes. "Don't worry about the blood draw, sweetheart. If you don't see it, you won't feel faint."
Ashley nodded, grateful for his thoughtfulness.
With her vision blocked, she felt the doctor manipulating her arm, followed by a slight pinprick. Though her face paled, without seeing the blood, she didn't feel lightheaded.
When Ethan noticed the nurse preparing seven or eight vials, he became concerned. "Why do you need so much blood? Will this be safe for my wife?"
Though his voice wasn't loud, it carried unmistakable authority, causing the young nurse to flinch.
An older woman waiting nearby admonished him, "Young man, there's no need to raise your voice. All pregnant women have multiple vials drawn during checkups!"
Ethan glanced around and noticed other expectant mothers having similar amounts of blood drawn. Still, he couldn't help feeling protective. "Can't you take less?" he asked the nurse.
Though Ashley couldn't see, she could imagine Ethan's expression and chuckled. "Honey, don't worry. I'm perfectly fine."
When the blood draw was complete, Ethan helped press a cotton swab against the puncture site, gently blowing on her wrist to ease any discomfort.
With one hand still pressing the cotton and the other covering her eyes, he guided her away from the blood collection area before finally removing his hand from her eyes.
"Does it hurt?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.
Ashley shook her head. "Not anymore."
Taking her hand, he said, "Let's go home. You've lost so much blood—I'll have the staff prepare some iron-rich foods for you. These little ones are putting you through so much."
Ethan's tenderness made Ashley feel profoundly happy, her eyes bright with love as she looked at him.
As they drove home to the Yates Mansion, they were unaware that two figures had been watching them leave the hospital—Ava and Felicity.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
