Chapter 1

               *** Emma POV***

“What the hell are you doing up there, Emma?” Susan’s voice roared from downstairs.

I leaned over the toilet, breathing slowly until the nausea finally stopped. I rinsed my mouth, splashed water on my face, and quickly wiped my face.

“I'm coming.” I yelled back.

For the past few days my body had been somewhat strange and heavy. My lower back ached constantly, and I always felt tired no matter how much rest I took. I flushed the toilet, and went downstairs quickly.

When I entered the dining room, Daniel was already sitting. He has an impatient look on his face, his briefcase was resting beside him, and his phone was in his hand.

Susan, my mother in-law was sitting across from him, giving me her usual unimpressed look.

“Emma,” she said sharply, “it’s early in the morning and you cannot even serve your husband breakfast before he leaves for work?”

“I have already finished cooking,” I replied feeling annoyed that they couldn't notice how exhausted I looked.  "I just went upstairs for a moment because I wasn’t feeling well. You could have called the maid.”

Her eyes went wide as if she heard a taboo. "The maid? You think I should have called the maids to serve your husband his breakfast?" 

I didn't reply, instead I went to the kitchen, picked up the dishes and brought them out to the table. I place Daniel’s plate in front of him, then set his coffee beside it, turning the cup slightly so the handle faces his right hand. He hates reaching across for it.

I sat down slowly and picked up a spoon. But, the moment the food touched my mouth, the nausea surges again. I pushed my chair back and hurried to the sink, gripping the counter as my body convulsed. And of course, nothing came  out.

“What is wrong with you?"  Susan sneered. Disgust written all over her face.

I glanced over my shoulder and looked at Daniel. He was gently drinking his soup, his concentration on his phone. He didn't even react, well I'm already used to it. It wasn't in his nature to care.

“I’ve been feeling nauseous and tired lately,” I responded, trying to get his attention. “My back hurts too. It’s been happening for days. I think I should go to the hospital.”

Susan scoffed. “You’re simply being lazy.”

I ignored her and turned to Daniel. “Daniel… can you come with me to the hospital? I think I need a check up.” I asked hopefully.

He finally looked up. His eyes swept all over me, then returned his attention to his food.

“Emma, isn’t it just fatigue?” his tone sounded almost annoyed as if my request was unreasonable.

“It doesn’t feel like that,” I insisted. “And... it’s been happening for weeks.”

He wiped his lips with a napkin and stood up. “I have a meeting to attend. If you’re feeling sick then go and see a doctor.”

He picked up his briefcase and walked towards the door leaving no room for argument.The front door closes behind him with a thud. 

I almost laughed. Was I really expecting him to accompany me? Tears slowly filled my eyes but I quickly blinked to keep them away. Maybe I was still holding on to the Daniel of five years ago, this present Daniel only cares for his company and business.

I turned away from the door and looked at my mother-in-law. Susan shook her head, her face filled with disdain. 

“Look at that," she taunted. "You’ve managed to chase your husband away before he even finishes breakfast. Pack the food and take it to his office yourself. At least do that much.”

"I just said I'm not feeling well. Can't you instruct one of the maids to do that?" I bit out. How could she be so indifferent.

"Why should the maid do that?" She asked, her eyes bulging. "All you do everyday is to sit around doing absolutely nothing. You'll go and take the breakfast to Daniel yourself. Do you understand?"

Annoyance and anger rose in me but I still complied. "Yes I'll do it." 

"Good." she replied, then stood up and stormed upstairs. 

I stood in the middle of the dining room, my heart heavy. I reached for the plates, but suddenly the ground felt unstable beneath my feet, I tried to hold onto the table but my knee buckled. Suddenly I was falling.

“Mrs. Brooks!” Mrs. Wilson rushed forward out of nowhere and caught me just in time, steadying me before I hit the floor.

“Careful."  she said gently, helping me to a chair. 

“You’re burning up." She stated. Her face filled with concern.

“I’m fine.” I whispered, too tired to speak out loud.

She studied my face closely and asked, “What is wrong with you?”

“Nothing,” I sighed. “I’ve just been very tired lately… and I keep vomiting but nothing comes out.”

“You’ve been vomiting?” she asked puzzled.

“Yes.”

“For how long?”

“A few weeks now.”

Her brows drew together slightly.

“Let me ask you something… when was the last time you saw your period?” 

The question hung between us. Now that I think of it, it's almost the end of the month and I haven't seen my period. Mine usually occur during the first week of each month.

“I… don’t remember.” I watched the anticipating look on her face and almost laughed. There's no way it's what she's thinking.

Before I could say anything, Mrs. Wilson suddenly tightened her grip on my wrist.

“Emma.”

I followed her gaze downward. A faint red stain was slowly spreading across my skirt near my knees. Panic immediately set in.

“What… what is happening?” 

Mrs. Wilson’s expression turned serious and concerned. “We need to get you to the hospital immediately,” she said. "Go and change quickly while I tell the driver to get ready.”

I rushed upstairs and went into the master bedroom. My hand shook as I removed my clothes. I shook my head as if to get rid of the thoughts swirling in my mind. There's no way right? It was just a night, and I couldn't even remember if I took the contraceptive pills or not. After getting ready I rushed downstairs.

I contemplated telling Susan that I'm going to the hospital but decided against it. It's not like she would care anyways.

"Mrs Brooks. Here, I packed the young master's food. You can drop it off after you visit the hospital" Mrs. Wilson said, pushing the flask to my hand.

Right, I almost forgot. "Thanks Mrs Wilson" I collected the flask and started walking towards the door.

Dizziness hit me again, luckily Mrs Wilson was still close. She gently helped me into the car. Looking at how she cared, my heart slowly warmed.

"Why don't you accompany me? I think I will be needing your help"  I urged. She quickly nodded and entered the car. The driver started the car and zoomed off.

As the gate disappeared behind us, I pressed my hands gently against my lower abdomen. Could I actually be pregnant?

If it is true then everything will change. Maybe this child will finally bring Daniel and I closer. I strucked my belly lightly as the car speeds toward the hospital.