Chapter 312
After Dorothea left the coffee shop, she sat alone in her car for what felt like ages. Her head was spinning, and she knew she really shouldn’t be driving right now. Instead, she pulled out her phone and called Carmen.
“Dorothea, you’re scaring me. We’re going to the hospital, okay? Right now p>
By the time they reached the hospital, Carmen had already checked Dorothea in for emergency care. There were tests, blood draws, and then a long, quiet half-hour wait.
When the results finally came back, the ER doctor glanced at them with a look that said he’d seen enough. “Did you really need the ER for this p>
He clicked his tongue. “You young people come to the ER for everything. Could you leave it for the real emergencies p>
Carmen bristled. “Excuse me? How can you say that? My friend might not be bleeding, but she’s so dizzy she can barely stand up. Why shouldn’t we be here p>
The doctor gave her a flat stare. “Is it possible you’re just lightheaded from low blood sugar? Did you skip breakfast this morning p>
Dorothea thought about it and nodded. She remembered reading something online about how it was more ‘spiritual’ to go to the temple on an empty stomach, so she hadn’t eaten anything.
The doctor shrugged. “See? A pregnant woman skips breakfast and feels dizzy. That’s not exactly rare, you know p>
Dorothea stared at him, stunned.
Carmen’s eyes went wide. “Wait… Are you saying she’s pregnant?” she blurted out.
Dorothea couldn’t wrap her head around it. Was it really that effective? She’d just gone to the temple this morning, and now she was pregnant?
Her feelings were all tangled up. Part of her was still trying to process all the awful things Albert had accused her of, but another part of her was so happy she could hardly breathe.
She felt tears sting her eyes. “Doctor, is it true? Am I really pregnant? I’m going to be a mom p>
The doctor realized what was happening and softened a little. “You really didn’t know? Well, according to the results, you’re about four weeks along. If you want more details, you can schedule with the OB clinic. Congratulations, you’re going to be a mother p>
Dorothea’s eyes filled with tears.
She was going to be a mom. It felt like everything changed in that moment.
But at the same time p>
Carmen was practically bouncing up and down in the waiting room. “Dorothea, where’s your husband? Call him right now! He should be here with you for this p>
“He’s away on business.” Dorothea said quietly.
Honestly, with everything Albert had said today, Dorothea just needed some time to herself. True or not, she needed to think, really think, and she was relieved Latham was out of town.
Carmen picked up on the mood. “You guys didn’t have a fight, did you p>
“That doesn’t make sense, though. Latham’s been obsessed with you lately. In the finance group chats, all he does is show you off. Wade said he’s seriously considering blocking him p>
Usually, Dorothea would have wondered how Carmen even knew that, but right now she just couldn’t care.
“Carmen, we didn’t fight. I just have some things to work out. Can you keep the pregnancy a secret for now p>
“Of course. I’ll tell him before he’s back from his trip, I promise p>
Carmen put a hand on Dorothea’s shoulder. “If you’re not ready to talk, I’ll keep it to
myself. Whatever you decide, I’m always here for you p>
Best friends really are the best.
Dorothea managed a smile. “Thank you. I mean it p>
Latham had a safe in his study.
All of a sudden, Dorothea found herself wanting to know what was inside. She remembered joking with Latham about the passcode once After they got married, he’d given her all his PINs and passwords bank cards phone social media. everything. Everything except the safe.
He’d never hidden money from her, so what could possibly be in there?
She tried her birthday, their wedding anniversary, the day they got their marriage certificate, even Latham’s birthday. Nothing worked. While she was still puzzling over it, Linda walked in.
“Dorothea, there’s a guest here for you p>
“She said her name is Beatty p>
Beatty? What could she want? Dorothea was curious.
She nodded. “Please take her to the living room p>
Dorothea couldn’t exactly send her away, even though entertaining anyone was the last thing she wanted right now.
Beatty was already waiting in the living room. Five minutes later, Dorothea walked
in.
“Dorothea. We meet again p>
Dorothea managed a polite smile. “So, what brings you here today, Beatty? My husband happens to be away on business p>
She honestly didn’t know if Beatty
had come looking for her or for Latham and just found out he was gone. Either way, Dorothea thought it was pretty bold to show up like
this.
“I know it’s a little forward of me to come by unannounced. I just before I leave,
there are some things I thought you should know p>
Dorothea felt her patience fraying.
Why did everyone always have something they just had to tell her?