Chapter One — Pregnant

Evelyn POV

I couldn't believe the words that left the doctor's mouth as she stared at me with a warm smile.

"Congratulations, Mrs. Sinclair. You're six weeks pregnant."

The moment the words left her mouth every single thing around me stopped. The ticking clock, the rustling papers, even the soft hum of the air conditioner faded away. All I could hear was the pounding of my own heartbeat in my ears.

I was pregnant.

I slowly lowered my trembling hand to my stomach. There’s really a baby growing inside me. Damian's baby. Our baby.

I thought my instincts were wrong. I thought the positive test stripes I had gotten last night were wrong. But now, this result…..

For a second, happiness rushed through me so fast that tears blurred my vision. I had imagined this moment so many times over the last three years of our marriage. Every time my period was late, I hoped for something different. Every negative test left me smiling through the hurt, telling myself there would be another chance.

Maybe this was that chance.

Maybe this little life was the miracle our marriage needed.

"You seem overwhelmed," the doctor said gently.

I laughed through my tears and nodded. "I... I really wasn't expecting this."

She smiled softly and handed me the ultrasound report. "Everything looks good so far. You'll need prenatal vitamins and regular checkups. Congratulations once again."

I thanked her quietly, but my eyes stayed fixed on the paper. It read Baby Sinclair. The words made my chest ache with a mix of joy and fear.

Damian was going to be a father.

Would he smile at me? Would he hug me? Would he finally look at me like a real husband looks at his wife?

I closed my eyes, and memories flooded in. Three years since our wedding. Three years sharing the same house with a man who never truly let me into his heart. Our marriage was not built on love. It was arranged between the two families and Damian had made that clear from the start.

On our wedding night, he had looked at me with polite indifference and said he would respect me and provide for me, but he could not promise love. I had smiled and told him it was enough but then it’s became a lie I told myself every single day after that. I learned his routines, made sure his favorite meals were ready, waited up for him even when he came home late from work. I treasured the small moments. The times he asked if I had eaten or reminded me to take medicine when I was sick. Those tiny things kept me going even when my heart felt heavy.

But respect could never replace affection. Luxury could never replace warmth. Still, I loved him enough for both of us.

Then there was that drunk night. The only night that felt real. He came home smiling, called me beautiful, laughed at my jokes, and held me like it was the most natural thing. He kissed me with a tenderness I had only dreamed of, that night we made love.

It was way better than all the random days we’ve had sex, where I can tell his emotions weren’t there.

The next morning, he remembered nothing and apologized for drinking too much. Life went back to normal, but I kept that night close to my heart.

Now, sitting here, I realized that one night had given me this baby. Maybe fate was giving us another chance.

I quickly wiped my tears before the doctor could notice.

"Is everything alright?" she asked.

"Yes," I answered too fast. I was not alright. I was terrified. What if Damian did not want this baby?

The doctor printed more reports and handed them over. "I'll see you again in two weeks."

I nodded and stood up. Just as I reached the door, I stopped and turned back.

"Doctor?"

"Yes?"

"If my husband calls... please do not tell him I am pregnant."

She looked confused. "Why not?"

I nibbled on my bottom lip, searching for the right words. "I want to surprise him. I don’t want you to ruin it before I can tell him myself."

She stared at me for a moment, then smiled softly. "Alright, your secret is safe with me."

Relief washed over me. "Thank you so much doctor."

I left the hospital but didn’t head straight home. Instead, I stopped at a small baby boutique. I stood outside for almost ten minutes before going in. Everything inside was so tiny. Little socks, soft blankets, stuffed animals. I picked up a pair of white knitted baby shoes, so small they fit in my palm. My eyes burned with tears again.

Our baby would wear these one day. I thought smiling happily.

I bought the shoes and a small wooden box. I asked the cashier to engrave four simple words on the lid: Waiting for you, Daddy.

I hugged the box to my chest all the way to the car. On the drive home, I practiced what I would say.

"Damian... we are having a baby." That sounded awkward. "I have something important to tell you." Uhm… Too serious. "What do you think about becoming a father?" I laughed at myself, as more stupid ideas came to my head.

Maybe I don’t need perfect words. Maybe the news will be enough. Maybe today will be the start of something real.

For the first time in years, hope felt stronger than the loneliness.

As I pulled into the garage, I looked down at the little box on the passenger seat. I placed my hand gently over my stomach, rubbing on it.

"I do not know what our future looks like," I whispered, "but I will protect you no matter what."

My phone suddenly rang, i looked at it and It was my Mom.

I smiled and answered. "Hey, Mom."

"My sweetheart," she said warmly. "How are you feeling today?"

I sighed and glanced at the front door of the mansion. For once, I truly believed everything was about to change.