Chapter 3

Kaitlyn stared at her father whilst her tears rolled down her cheeks as she asked, "Papa, what do you mean? What did you know?" Her voice shook drowned in different feelings as she tried to understand.

Mr. Ashenwood sighed heavily and began to share a hard truth. "Kaitlyn, I found out about Dean's cheating even before your wedding. But seeing you happy, I thought maybe it was a mistake. I stayed quiet, hoping it would change."

The room felt heavy with the unspoken truth and that made it hard for Kaitlyn to keep pretending everything was okay. She felt betrayed by both her husband and her father, and it hurt deeply.

Mr. Ashenwood apologized with the evident sadness in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Kaitlyn," he spoke out of deep regret. "Seeing you suffer every day has been my silent burden. I hoped for your happiness, but I was wrong. I should have spoken up and told you the truth."

Kaitlyn felt a wave of emotions wash over her as her father blamed himself. Guilt was gnawing deep within him. "Maybe, Kaitlyn," he said sadly, "my illness is punishment for not protecting you. I should have shielded you from this pain."

And in that moment, the hospital room felt like a confessional. With both father and daughter sharing their regrets. Their bond grew stronger at such a time when they felt like they would lose the other at any moment. 

Despite her own pain, Kaitlyn shook her head. "Papa, I knew about Dean's affair," she admitted, taking some of the blame off her father. "I pushed him into this marriage, so maybe it's my fault too. You did what you thought was best."

The room was heavy when Kaitlyn spoke those words. Both sorrow and joy between father and daughter deepened, forging a connection that transcended the secrets and regrets that had long defined their relationship.

As Kaitlyn attempted to stand, the room spun around her, and a wave of dizziness enveloped her senses. Blurred vision clouded her attempt to reach for a chair, and before she could comprehend what was happening, she felt herself slipping into unconsciousness.

In the dimming haze, the echo of footsteps approached a distant sound that faded as the darkness claimed her, leaving the hospital room in an eerie stillness. The fragility of her physical and emotional state converged in a moment of vulnerability, as the hospital walls bore witness to the unfolding drama of life's complexities.

As Kaitlyn slowly opened her eyes, the familiar voice of Dr. Fiona greeted her. The sterile surroundings of a hospital room came into focus, and she realized she was lying on a bed. A touch to her forehead revealed a dull ache, and she took a deep breath, trying to orient herself.

Dr. Fiona, with a mix of concern and relief, asked, "How are you feeling? Kaitlyn, you blacked out and fell unconscious. The stress and recent lack of sleep likely caused a fluctuation in your pregnancy hormones."

As Dr. Fiona suggested calling her husband, Kaitlyn, with wide eyes, gasped and exclaimed, "Pregnancy?! I'm Pregnant?!" The revelation, unexpected and profound, hung in the air, opening a new chapter in Kaitlyn's life amidst the complexities of her current circumstances.

Dr. Fiona, with a gentle yet matter-of-fact tone, clarified the result of the diagnosis. "Kaitlyn, the tests indicate that you are 8 weeks pregnant," she confirmed, her words carrying the weight of the unexpected revelation.

As Kaitlyn's nerves and unsettled thoughts manifested in nail-biting, Dr. Fiona, with a gentle touch, intervened and stopped her. "Kaitlyn, it's essential to stay calm," the doctor advised. Then, with a probing yet caring tone, she asked, "Does your husband know about your situation?"

With a quiver in her voice and tears welling in her eyes, Kaitlyn responded, "Dr. Fiona, he doesn't care about what happens to me." She emphasized, her voice tinged with sadness, "You already know that since we've been best friends for a long time."

With a sigh, Dr. Fiona took a seat on Kaitlyn's bed, a gesture of understanding and support. Looking at Kaitlyn, she asked, "What are your plans now?" The question, a gentle exploration of the path that lay ahead for Kaitlyn, lingered in the air.

In response, Kaitlyn looked at Dr. Fiona with pleading eyes, silently conveying a request. "Please," she implored, "don't tell anyone about my pregnancy or my father's situation." The vulnerability in her gaze reflected the complexities of the choices that lay ahead, as Kaitlyn grappled with the delicate balance of secrets and personal struggles.

"Why, Kaitlyn?" Dr. Fiona inquired with a mix of concern and curiosity.

With a sense of hopelessness and surrender, Kaitlyn replied, "I can't bear the judgment and the questions, Fiona. It feels like too much, and right now, I just need to figure things out in my way." The weight of her words carried the burden of unspoken challenges and the desire for a moment of respite from external scrutiny.

Understanding Kaitlyn's concerns, Dr. Fiona gently suggested, "I respect your decision, but consider letting your father know about the pregnancy. He cares about you, and sharing this with him might provide some comfort and support during these challenging times." The suggestion held a thread of compassion, acknowledging the delicate balance Kaitlyn sought while also recognizing the potential solace in familial connection.

After thoughtful consideration, Kaitlyn decided to share the news with her father. Accepting the offered hand from Dr. Fiona, she nodded in agreement. "Yes, let's go tell him," she said, a mix of resolve and vulnerability in her voice.

As Kaitlyn and Dr. Fiona entered Mr. Leon's room, the old man's worried gaze turned toward them. The concern etched on his face transformed into a mixture of relief and anticipation as he saw his daughter accompanied by her best friend.

"Kaitlyn, my dear, are you alright?" Mr. Leon's voice carried a father's concern.

Assuring her father, Kaitlyn smiled gently and said, "I'm alright, Papa. There's something I need to share with you." Dr. Fiona, standing by her side, looked at Kaitlyn in agreement, silent support in this moment of disclosure.

With a little pause, Kaitlyn took a deep breath and, with a hint of surprise, blurted out, "Papa, I'm pregnant." The words hung in the air, creating a moment of suspended anticipation. Mr. Leon's eyes widened, registering the unexpected news, and a mix of emotions danced across his face — surprise, joy, and perhaps a hint of concern for what this revelation might entail in the complex tapestry of their lives.