For the past few days, Bella has been having trouble sleeping. Even though Doctor Samuel had agreed to her request to keep her pregnancy status hidden, Bella still feels anxious.
Up to this moment, Bella still hasn’t suspected that there’s a fetus growing in her belly. Let alone being pregnant, the thought of being intimate with a wealthy man has never crossed Bella’s mind.
“You should know, I even had to risk my status as a doctor to help you hide the truth about this pregnancy. You need to remember, Bella. Like it or not, Edward has to take responsibility for what he’s done to you. However it may be, you are the biological mother of the baby in your belly.”
Bella remembers Doctor Samuel’s words clearly from the other day at the hospital. The man insisted that Bella should tell Edward the truth about what happened.
God. If only Edward were single, Bella wouldn’t hesitate to tell him and demand accountability for impregnating her.
But what she’s experiencing is quite different. Edward already has a wife. Unfortunately, it’s the wife who has paid dearly for herself, even covering the cost of his mother’s treatment.
Truly, Bella’s position is all wrong. She thinks, for now, it’s safer if Edward and Julia don’t know anything about the status of the baby she’s carrying.
“Bella.”
At that moment, Bella is startled. She, who was sitting on the balcony enjoying the morning sun, is surprised by Julia’s arrival. After being away for weeks, the woman returns earlier than expected and goes straight to Bella’s room.
“How are you? Are you okay?”
Bella nods awkwardly. When she sees Julia throwing a radiant smile, she instantly feels guilty. Whatever her reasons may be, Bella feels bold for sleeping with that woman’s husband.
“Y-yes. I’m fine. But, I apologize for the failure the other day.”
Bella feels uncomfortable. Also, she’s actually afraid of being blamed for the failed insemination process she underwent before.
“Don’t worry.” Julia smiles casually in response to Bella’s words. “Besides, it’s not your fault. Samuel also assured us that the success rate for this second embryo transfer is higher than before.”
Julia then maintains her smile. Then, she carefully observes Bella, who is sitting right in front of her, making sure once again that the woman she paid to carry her baby is healthy and as Clara has often reported to her.
“Then, while I was away, did Edward treat you well?”
“Yes, Ma’am. While you were away, Mr. Edward personally took me to the obstetrician for a check-up.”
Julia appears satisfied with this.
“Thank goodness. I’m glad to hear that. And as I recall, today is your check-up appointment, isn’t it?”
Bella nods again.
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“In that case, get ready soon. I’ll wait for you downstairs. We’re going to the hospital shortly.”
Not wanting to waste time, Bella quickly follows Julia’s instructions. She prepares herself and then joins Julia and Edward, who are already waiting for her in the car.
On the way to the hospital, Bella continues to pray to God. She hopes for mercy so that Doctor Samuel will still kindly help hide her pregnancy status. Who knows, the doctor might change his mind and tell Julia the truth. Especially since Doctor Samuel is a good friend of both Julia and Edward.
“I can’t wait to hear the results of today’s examination.”
Julia murmurs impatiently as the car she’s in enters the hospital courtyard. She expresses her enthusiasm, which is engulfing her, to Edward, who is sitting right beside her.
“I’m sure this time Bella is definitely pregnant with our child, Honey.”
Just as usual, Edward doesn’t respond with much. Remaining cold, he chooses to get out of the Mercy car they’re riding in first.
Meanwhile, Bella seems to follow, following Julia and Edward’s steps as they walk towards Samuel’s room. Once there, as usual, Bella is immediately asked by Samuel to lie down on the patient’s bed.
“Nice to meet you again, Bella.”
Bella nods nervously. Even though Samuel is just addressing her as usual.
“I’m also glad to meet the doctor again.”
“In that case, let me help you with your check-up.”
Just like before, Samuel immediately conducts an intensive examination using the ultrasound machine. Then he directs the transducer probe on Bella’s abdomen, then turns to Julia and Edward, who are sitting and watching the images displayed on the plasma screen in front of them.
“Can you both see this?” Samuel asks for Edward and Julia’s attention. “What I’m showing you now is the fetal sac. And the one in the middle shaped like a pea is the fetus that has successfully developed.”
Edward, who was initially silent, appears surprised. He immediately shows his curiosity.
“Do you mean, this embryo transfer process was successful? And the one inside the sac is the fetus that will become a baby?”
Samuel nods confidently.
“Yes, Ed. As I said the other day, this second process will be successful, and you will definitely become a father. For that, congratulations on Bella’s pregnancy.”
Edward is at a loss for words. His feelings are mixed with joy, emotion, confusion, and happiness upon hearing the news that his dream of having offspring and becoming a father will soon come true.
Meanwhile, Julia is also delighted. She even hugs Edward without hesitation. Happy that her efforts to give her husband offspring have finally paid off.
“Soon, we will both be parents, Honey.”
Edward nods.
“I’m truly happy to hear this news, Julia.”
Bella, still lying on the patient’s bed, can only smile sadly. Once again, she feels guilty for deliberately asking Doctor Samuel to hide the status of her baby from Edward and Julia.
“So, what should we do after this? Are there any special schedules for check-ups or prenatal care that Bella will undergo in the coming months?”
Samuel nodded. After examining Bella and returning to his chair, he provided further explanation so that Julia and Edward knew what they needed to do for the well-being of the fetus growing in Bella’s belly.
“After this, Bella must undergo antenatal care or routine check-ups to avoid health issues such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. At least during pregnancy, Bella needs to have a check-up at least six times. More frequent check-ups are even better.”
Julia and Edward seemed to understand.
“In that case, you just make a schedule for when Bella should have her prenatal check-ups. Edward and I will make sure Bella follows everything you arrange and suggests for the well-being of the baby in her belly.”
Samuel agreed. He took a book and wrote down the schedule, as well as listing various medicines and vitamins that Bella would need to consume during her pregnancy.
“Make sure Bella gets enough rest, occasionally does light exercise, and eats nutritious food, and above all, avoids stress.”
Julia smiled and nodded. Fortunately, she had already been doing this from the beginning.
“Don’t worry, Sam. I even hired a nutritionist to plan Bella’s diet.”
“Good. I know you always give your all. I hope during this pregnancy, Bella won’t encounter any problems. But if something does happen, never hesitate to take her to the hospital immediately.”
While Julia and Edward were still busy talking with Samuel, Bella excused herself from the room as she received a call from Renata. From her friend, she learned that her mother was sick again and insisted on meeting Bella.
“Can’t you ask Julia for permission to visit your mother just once? Aunt Jessica keeps refusing to eat or take her medicine before she can see you.”
Bella looked tense as she held her phone tightly. She missed her mother and felt guilty. Previously, she had promised to make time to visit. But until now, she hadn’t been able to meet her mother.
“Can’t you explain to my mother? Just tell her I haven’t been granted leave. Or come up with another reason that sounds plausible.”
There was a sigh on the other end. It seemed Renata was also unsure about what action to take.
“For God’s sake, Bella. Not to scare you, but Aunt Jessica is really sick, and she really wants to see you. No one knows what her condition will be in the future. I’m just worried that there won’t be another chance for you to meet her. You might regret it.”
Bella’s throat tightened. The thought of her mother’s condition worsening or even passing away made Bella fearful.
“I’ll try to ask for permission from Julia. Just pray that she’ll be kind.”
While Edward was still talking with Samuel, Bella deliberately approached Julia. Before they left, she was afraid that the beautiful woman would ask for permission.
“Mrs. Julia… may I speak with you for a moment?”
Julia nodded.
“Sure. What do you want to talk about?”
“My mother is currently sick. She refuses to eat or take her medicine at all. She wants to meet me. Could you give me permission to visit her?”
Julia hesitated. She didn’t immediately give an answer.
“I beg you. Just this once. I’m really worried about my mother’s condition.”
“Just give Bella permission to go.”
Samuel interjected. He overheard what Bella and Julia were talking about.
“I’m afraid if she isn’t allowed, Bella might get distressed. It could disrupt the development of the fetus in her belly.”
Hearing Samuel’s words, Julia reluctantly gave permission. But she still imposed many conditions before letting Bella go to meet her mother.
“Okay. I’ll allow you to visit your mother tomorrow. But you must be driven there by the chauffeur and you can’t stay overnight.”
Bella nodded in agreement. Being allowed to go was something she should be grateful for. Now she just had to find the right excuse when her mother asked various questions.
***
The next day after breakfast, Bella was driven by the chauffeur to meet her mother. Upon arriving at Jessica’s residence, she hurried to her room and found her mother lying wrapped in thick blankets.
Bella approached. Overflowing with longing, she immediately embraced Jessica.
“Mama.”
Jessica was obviously surprised. Finding Bella in front of her, she looked very happy.
“Oh God, Bella. Mama misses you.”
Bella nodded. She hugged and kissed Jessica repeatedly, letting out the longing that had accumulated before.
“I’m sorry I could only visit Mama now.”
Jessica sighed. She had asked Renata to contact Bella several days ago to visit her immediately.
“Mama thought you forgot the way home.”
“I’m working, Ma. During the training period, I’m not allowed to take leave. Today, I can only see Mama until the evening.”
“So, you can’t stay overnight?”
Bella nodded sadly.
“Forgive me, Bella. Whatever it takes. This is a requirement that you must follow.”
Seeing Bella’s sad face, Jessica felt sorry. She also felt guilty for causing her daughter trouble.
“I’m sorry for making you bother, dear. The important thing is, we’ve met today, and at least Mama’s longing has been relieved.”
“I beg Mama, if you really care about me, please take your medicine and eat regularly after this. Honestly, I can’t concentrate on work if you’re sick like this.”
Jessica agreed.
“Mama promises to take medicine and eat regularly so you won’t worry.”
Bella spent the day accompanying and taking care of Jessica. When evening came, with a heavy heart, she bid farewell. After all, the chauffeur who had brought her was already waiting outside.
“I have to go now. As long as I’m not here, please eat and take your medicine regularly. I also want to let you know that after this, I might not be able to visit Mama until my training period is over.”
“How long does Mama have to wait?”
Bella rolled her eyes, looking for the best answer and excuse so that Jessica wouldn’t protest.
“It should be for 12 months. But if my performance is good, maybe the training process will be shortened to eight to nine months.”
“Oh God. 12 months is a very long time, Bella.”
“I know. But I promise this time I will make time to call Mama.”
After considering for a while, Jessica finally agreed. After all, this was for their own good.