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Chapter 3

Author: Liora
Adrian walked toward me. His eyes went to my bag first.

"I thought we agreed I'd take you this afternoon. Why did you come alone?"

"If I waited for your contract, the hospital would be closed."

He reached for my bag. I moved away.

Vanessa stood a few steps off, smiling at me. "Sister-in-law, you're at the hospital too?"

"What are you doing here?"

"My stomach's been bothering me." She touched her abdomen. "Adrian gave me a ride since it was on the way."

Last time she had only come to the house for a book. Today she had a stomach condition.

Adrian picked up the thread. "Mom was worried about her. I just got here. I was about to call you."

I didn't ask him why he was so certain I would be at the other clinic.

"How were the results?" he asked.

"The doctor said they need my old records. Nothing urgent for now."

Relief spread across his face. He took my hand. "Good. We'll have a proper dinner at home tonight."

Vanessa's expression shifted when she heard that.

A nurse came out of the exam room and called her name. "Vanessa Moretti, your prenatal report still hasn't been picked up."

The hallway went quiet for a beat.

Vanessa glanced at Adrian. When he didn't speak for her, she said quickly, "I'm picking it up for a friend."

The nurse gave her a look and went back inside.

Adrian's grip on my hand tightened.

"Her friend couldn't make it today. Wait for me downstairs. I'll drive you home."

I looked at him and asked, "Adrian, what if that report is Vanessa's?"

His smile faded.

"Evelyn, how can you joke about something like that?"

Three years ago, in a hospital room, I asked him what we would do if I could never have a child.

He sat by my bed and said the two of us could spend a lifetime together just fine.

I believed him then.

"I overthought it."

I pulled my hand free and walked into the elevator.

After the doors closed, Maya texted: The pill has been sent to the lab with the sample history you described. I'll keep today's exam records for you.

I replied: Vanessa is here for prenatal care. Adrian came with her.

Maya didn't answer for a long time.

Downstairs, a text from Vanessa came in:

Sister-in-law, thank you for not pressing earlier. Adrian is always afraid you'll get upset.

Then a second one:

Don't you think every child deserves a father to protect them?

I saved both messages.

Adrian came downstairs soon after, no longer holding the prenatal report. He opened the car door for me and buckled my seatbelt, then asked what I wanted for lunch.

At a red light, his phone lit up.

Vanessa: Adrian, I'm waiting for the results alone. I'm scared.

He flipped the screen over.

"Work pushing you again?" I asked.

"Mm." He watched the road ahead. "Let me get you home first."

I said I wanted to grab a coffee from a shop by the road. He pulled over but insisted on walking down with me.

In front of him, I called Maya. "Maya, that thing you said you'd give me? I'm almost there."

Maya picked up fast. "Sure, come over. I'll be there soon."

After I hung up, Adrian asked, "Your friend from med school? I thought you two lost touch."

"She knows my health hasn't been great. She dug up some of my old exam records for me."

He looked at me. "What records?"

"My premarital reports. Didn't you say you wanted my medical history organized for the doctor?"

He didn't stop me after that. He only said, "I'll walk you to the door."

At Maya's place, he waited until I was inside before driving off.

I stood by the window watching his car disappear, and my legs suddenly gave out. Maya helped me sit down and set today's report on the table.

"Drink some water first."

I showed her the photo and the texts Vanessa had sent.

Maya read them, then asked, "What do you want to do?"

I found the number for Daniel Brooks, the lawyer who handled Bennett family matters before my marriage, and called him.

"Find out whatever can be found out first."

When the line connected, I said, "Daniel, I need you to review two documents for me. The gift agreement for the rehabilitation center from before my marriage, and my medical records from the past few years."

He was quiet for a moment.

"Evelyn, does Adrian know you're looking into this?"

"No. The foundation gala is coming up. Before it does, I want to know exactly what they need me to sign."

"All right. Come see me now."

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