Chapter 5 - I'm Carrying Nathan's Child, Doctor Grace

SOPHIA'S POV

"Hey, Sophia." Dr. Grace called happily as I entered her office. "It feels like forever since I last saw you!" She looked so happy to see me after not seeing me for about a week. She hugged me tightly and smiled, showing her gap teeth. But her smile turned into a frown when she saw my face. I obviously didn't smile back at her.

"Sophia? Are you okay? What is it, darling?" Her voice softened with concern as she searched my face, but I was silent as I couldn't even form words. I couldn't even lie this time by saying, "I'm fine," as it was clear that I was not.

"Sophia, have you been crying again?" she asked with a frown. "Come and have your seat, dear." She pulled me to the chair, and I sat down with the strength left in me. She walked back to her chair and sighed heavily as she stared at me in silence. She looked at me with pity—the same pity I saw in her eyes the day we first met at the park. She was starting to have some faith in me, and now it's all pity.

"Sophia..."

"He has ruined my life," I said in a low tone as a tear streamed down my face.

"Who? Nathan?" she asked, but instead of replying, I let my tears flow freely.

"Sophia, I told you to let the past stay in the past. Your life is taking a new turn; you should be happy," she stated in a worried voice.

"Happy?" I shook my head, laughing bitterly through my tears. "How can I be happy when my past keeps knocking on my door?" I was sure that my eyes were swollen now. I just couldn't stop crying.

She sighed deeply. "Healing is a process, Sophia. You're doing better, but it’s okay to hurt too. Just don’t stay stuck.”

I wiped my cheeks. "You don’t get it. I’m pregnant, Dr. Grace." The words hit the air like a heavy bomb. For a second, I could swear her heart stopped. I watched her eyes widen in shock, just like I had expected.

"How? Who...?" Her voice wavered, and I noticed her hands stiffen slightly.

"Nathan. I'm carrying Nathan's child, Doctor Grace. Why? Why is this happening to me? Just when I was starting to get my life together, then this," I said, feeling totally frustrated.

Dr. Grace took a deep breath and came over to me, placing her hands gently over mine. She looked me in the eyes, her gaze filled with concern and calm reassurance.

"Listen to me, Sophia. I want you to be positive, okay? I want you to see this as a second chance. See this child as a source of hope. See it as if the universe is giving you something to live for. Don't ever regret anything. Whatever you do, do it for your child."

I nodded slowly, her words sinking in. I didn't feel better yet, but there was some comfort in her belief.

After spending almost an hour with Dr. Grace, I felt a bit better. I told her I had to leave because my bakery had been locked for the past two days since I wasn't in the right state of mind to attend to anyone. "I’ll be fine, Doctor Grace," I reassured her, noticing the worry still lingering in her eyes. Though, at first, she was reluctant to let me leave, I pleaded with her that some customers had already placed their orders, and I wouldn't want to disappoint them. She allowed me to go after making me promise her that I would stop crying. She gave me a very comforting hug and made sure I smiled before taking my leave.

The drive from Dr. Grace’s clinic to my bakery gave me a moment to think—really think. What was I going to do? How was I going to raise a child on my own?

I clutched my bag tightly, my knuckles white. "Why did you do this to me, Nathan?" I whispered to myself. "Why couldn’t you fight for us?"

Nathan's face flashed in my mind—his short dark hair and piercing gray eyes. He was the man of my dreams, and I was beyond happy the day I found out we were mates. It was the happiest day of my life. It was all I had ever wanted: to have a mate and build a family with him. I never even knew he was the Alpha of a pack.

I wondered if Nathan ever thought of me. I imagined how Nathan would have felt if we were still together and he knew I was pregnant. I wondered if he had found another mate. I'm sure Victoria would be so glad to have him now that I'm away and out of their lives. I tried to make Nathan see that she wasn't in support of us being together, but he trusted her so much and believed whatever she said. It was obvious that she wanted him for herself, and she accomplished her mission. I'm sure she's very happy being by his side now.

As I got close to my bakery, my stomach grumbled. I hadn't eaten in hours, and the smell of fresh bread and pastries from the shop only made it worse. I hadn't been able to keep anything down lately. I felt nauseous constantly. The scent hit me hard, making my stomach churn. I took a deep breath, willing myself not to throw up right there on the street.

I stepped out of the cab, paid the driver, and looked at the shop, now quiet and empty. It had been locked for the past two days because I hadn’t had the strength to work.

"Come on, Sophia," I whispered to myself. "Just get through today."

I dipped my hands into my bag to search for my keys. "Please, please don’t let me forget them," I muttered to myself. But just as I was about to pull them out, I realized they weren't there. Did I forget them at home? Great. I let out a frustrated sigh and turned back to face the empty street, my heart sinking.

As I fumbled with my bag, not paying attention, I suddenly bumped into someone hard. I stumbled, losing my balance, but before I could fall, I felt two strong hands catch me. My heart raced, and I looked up, expecting to see an annoyed passerby, but instead, I found myself staring into a beautiful pair of captivating brown eyes which were also staring back at me.