Chapter 174
Chapter 175
VENUS
(59)
The hospital smelled like antiseptic and quiet. Too clean. Too controlled. My heart pounded as Aaron’s hand wrapped around mine, firm and unyielding. We sat in the waiting room, fluorescent lights painting everything too harsh, until the nurse called my name.
Aaron stood with me, his shoulders squared like he was walking into a fight. My fight. Our fight.
Inside, the gynecologist’s office felt calmer-soft blue walls, a chair angled by the desk, the faint hum of a monitor. A woman in her fifties with kind eyes introduced herself as Dr. Patel. She shook both our hands before sitting down, flipping through my chart.
“So,” she said warmly, “you’ve had positive home tests, yes p>
I nodded, my throat dry.
Aaron squeezed my hand. “Three,” he added, his voice gruff. “All positive p>
The doctor smiled knowingly. “That’s usually a very strong indicator. But to be medically certain, the first step is a blood test to measure hCG levels. We’ll also check progesterone and a few baseline labs. That will give us a clearer picture of how the pregnancy is progressing p>
Aaron leaned forward instantly. “How soon can we do that p>
Her lips quirked at his urgency. “Today. The lab will draw blood right after we finish talking. We should have results within 24 hours p>
I exhaled, a little shaky. A day. Just a day and the question that had been gnawing me open would be written in numbers.
Dr. Patel continued, “At this stage, an ultrasound won’t tell us much. You might see a gestational sac, but not much else. The heart typically becomes visible closer to six weeks p>
Aaron’s jaw flexed, but he nodded. He was listening like every syllable was gospel.
“Now,” Dr. Patel said, folding her hands. “I’d like to talk about what this next stretch looks like for you.” She turned her gaze on me. “How are you feeling p>
“Tired,” I admitted. “And… my stomach’s unsettled sometimes p>
“That’s normal. Fatigue and nausea can appear this early p>
Aaron cut in, his voice clipped. “What about risks? What do we need to be watching for? What if something goes wrong p>
I turned to glance at him, but his eyes were locked on the doctor, sharp and restless.
Dr. Patel didn’t flinch. She was used to men like him-protective, demanding, desperate for control.
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Chapter 175
“Pregnancy is always a balance,” she said gently. “Most progress without complications. But some carry higher risk, depending on age, health, family history. That’s why we monitor closely p>
Aaron’s throat worked. “What about her comfort? What do I need to do to make sure she’s safe p>
Her smile softened. “Good question. First, Venus needs rest. Adequate sleep. No excessive stress. A balanced diet with plenty of protein and vegetables, and daily prenatal vitamins with folic acid. Moderate exercise- walking, stretching-nothing high impact. No alcohol, no smoking, limit caffeine. Hydration is important p>
Aaron nodded like he was memorizing every word. His hand tightened around mine.
Dr. Patel tilted her head. “And most important, reduce stress. Emotional stress, physical stress, even unnecessary conflict. The body responds to all of it. Keeping her environment calm is one of the greatest gifts you can give p>
Aaron’s gaze flicked to me then, heavy with unspoken promises.
“Later,” she added, “we’ll also screen for genetic risks, blood pressure issues, and gestational diabetes. If this turns out to be a twin pregnancy, it will be considered higher risk by default. Twins can mean earlier delivery, more complications. But it also just means we monitor more closely. With today’s medicine, we can manage most things effectively p>
Aaron’s voice dropped, raw. “So if anything starts to look dangerous, you’ll catch it early p>
Dr. Patel nodded firmly. “That’s the goal. We can’t eliminate risk entirely, but we can minimize it. And you won’t be walking this path alone p>
Silence hung for a moment. My eyes burned. He’d asked every question I hadn’t dared to, and hearing the calm certainty in her answers eased something jagged inside me.
Aaron finally exhaled, leaning back. His hand didn’t leave mine. “Okay,” he murmured. “We’ll do whatever it takes p>
The blood draw was quick. I hated needles, but Aaron never let go of my hand, his thumb stroking my wrist until it was over.
Walking out of the hospital, the air felt cooler, freer. I clutched the slip of paper with my lab order like it was proof that this was real.
Aaron tucked me against his side, steering me toward the car. He didn’t say much on the drive, but his silence wasn’t distance. It was focus, resolve.
CARTER ESTATE
By the time we pulled into Rosemary’s driveway, my nerves were sparking again.
Aaron glanced over at me before shutting off the engine. “Ready p>
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Chapter 175
“Not really.” My laugh came out thin.
0:
His hand covered mine on my thigh. “We’ll do it together p>
The warmth in his voice unraveled me. I nodded.
59
Inside, Rosemary’s living room was alive with chatter. Silas sat on the couch, his arm draped around Alana and Rose. They were watching something on the TV until we walked in.
“Venus, darling,” she greeted warmly, pulling me into a hug before even looking at her son.
Aaron smirked faintly, but there was tension in his shoulders.
Silas rose, polite as always, shaking Aaron’s hand. Alana bounded forward next, her long braid swinging. “Hi, Venus!” she said brightly, throwing her little arms around my waist.
The hug cracked me open. I bent, pressing a kiss to her hair, and Aaron’s hand slid gently to the small of my back.
“No hug for Aaron?” Aaron pouted.
“Hi Aaron!” She hugged his legs too and he chuckled.
Rosemary’s eyes sharpened. She knew something was different. “What is it?” she asked softly, her gaze darting between us.
Aaron cleared his throat. “Mom… we need to tell you something p>
Silas guided Alana back to sit, his hand steady on her shoulder. The room quieted.
I swallowed, my palms damp. Aaron looked at me, his eyes asking permission.
I nodded.
“We’re having a baby,” he said simply.
The silence fractured. Rosemary’s hand flew to her mouth. Her eyes filled instantly, tears brimming until they spilled over.
“Oh-oh my God,” she whispered, voice shaking. She stepped forward, cupping my face with trembling hands before pulling me into a fierce embrace. “My sweet girl. My daughter.” Her shoulders shook as she held
Alana’s squeal broke through. “A baby?!” She leapt off the couch, hugging me again, tighter this time, her little voice bubbling with joy. “I’m gonna be an auntie p>
I laughed through the tears stinging my own eyes, hugging her back.
Silas stood quietly, his face calm but his eyes kind. “Congratulations,” he said sincerely, shaking Aaron’s hand again.
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Chapter 175
ལྦི(༡)
Aaron’s jaw flexed, but his eyes softened. “Thank you p>
When Rosemary finally pulled back, she brushed at her wet cheeks, her gaze fierce and tender all at once. She cupped Aaron’s face next. “Your grandfather would be so proud,” she whispered. “You’re carrying his name forward. His blood. He would have given anything to see this p>
Aaron’s throat worked as he swallowed hard. He bent his head briefly, pressing it against her temple. For once, he had no sharp retort, no armor. Just silence and the sound of his mother’s quiet joy.
And for the first time in days, maybe weeks, I felt something bloom in my chest that hadn’t been there before.
Hope.
I
AD
Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.