David kept smiling like a fool all through the drive home. After Sheila was discharged from the hospital, he drove them home, not caring about anything, not even his company mattered at this point. He was going to be a father again. That was something he could not believe yet it was the truth, the reality.
With one hand steering the car, the other one was caressing Sheila’s tummy.
” Hands on the wheel David,” Sheila scolded, but her voice was rather soft, with a hint of sweetness.
She never knew David would be so excited to know that they were expecting. He was even more excited than her.
His genuine happiness infected her and she found herself smiling. She didn’t know how David would feel if he knew that she had wanted to get pregnant all along to save Lily.
But she would not be telling him that. He was better off without knowing anything.
She had discussed that with doctor John when David had gone out to collect her discharge papers and settle her hospital bill.
Flashback
” Sister-in-law, what do you plan to do next?” Doctor John asked Sheila.
” What do you mean?” Sheila replied with a question of her own.
” About the baby and Lily. Do you plan on telling your husband about using the child to save your other daughter?” Sheila kept mum upon hearing that question. Was she ready to reveal to David that she intended to use the child to save Lily? How would the man react? Will he think that she betrayed him? But she was doing this for her family, for their family. She was actually conflicted and did not know how to solve the matter.
” I don’t think this is the right time to tell him.” Sheila finally answered.
” But Sister-in-law, the more you keep this matter from him, the more he will be hurt when he learns about it. Don’t think it’s about time you let him know about your plans? The child is already here, nothing will change that fact.” Doctor John tried his best to persuade her.
The earlier his friend knew about his wife’s plan, the sooner he would forgive her. Keeping it from him longer would only bring more pain.
” I understand your concerns but allow me to take care of this in my own ways. He looks so happy, I can’t bear to make him sad. Anyway, when push comes to shove, I’ll just tell my husband that it was your idea all along.” Sheila said, grinning at doctor John.
Doctor John who heard her plan of making him the scapegoat widened his eyes in horror. He could not believe that she was planning on betraying him to David and making him the sacrificial lamb to escape her husband’s wrath.
If that happened and David decided to come after him, who would save his pathetic ass then?
” Sister-in-law, you are joking, right?” Doctor John asked with a nervous smile on his face.
” Do I look like a joker in your eyes? Besides, isn’t it the truth? You are the one who proposed the idea, right?” Sheila countered, a sly smirk dancing at the corner of her lips.
” But you agreed to the proposal!” He whined.
” I did because you were the one who brought it up,” Sheila countered.
” Are you saying that it’s my fault now?” His face was still painted with disbelief. He could not believe how his Sister-in-law seemed to be so good at manipulating situations to save herself.
” Is it not your fault?” Sheila bit back. ” Anyway, it won’t come to that situation. I can manage my husband.” Sheila said, in an attempt to pacify the man who seemed like he was ready to burst anytime. Before doctor John could say anything, David arrived.
” Let’s go home.” He announced before helping Sheila up.
He then carried her in his arms before leaving the room.
End of flashback
” I want to feel the baby kicking,” David answered innocently, making Sheila roll her eyes at his words.
” What kicking? The baby is a month old now, how can it kick?” Sheila said, pushing David’s hands away from her tummy.
When David parked the car outside the car, he stepped down before rounding the car and helping Sheila down.
He was about to pick her up when Sheila raised her hands in disapproval.
” I’m just pregnant, not crippled. I can walk on by myself.” She said, glaring at him before she stormed to the house.
David followed her obediently, his eyes observing her Incase she tripped and fell. He could not let that happen.
Aunt Meng was cleaning the sitting room when Sheila walked in, followed by David.
She furrowed her brows. It was still early and the company was still running. What was the young Madam and Master doing at home at that time? And why was the Young Madam mad and the young master grinning like a fool? She was puzzled but dared not poke her nose by asking.
” Madam, you are back?” She greeted Sheila before nodding at David.
” Aunt, I told you to call me Sheila. Just Sheila.” She insisted. Aunt Meng was about to argue when David shook his head.
Although she found it confusing as to why the Young master would agree to her calling the madam of the house by her name, she dared not disobey him.
” Okay, Sheila.” Aunt Meng tested the name and it sounded awkward.
She had worked at the Brown family all her life and calling her Mistress so casually was forbidden in the family. It didn’t matter how close your relationship was, a master always remained a master.
” Is there something you want me to get you?” Aunt Meng asked and Sheila nodded. All she wanted was to head upstairs and sleep. She was halfway climbing the stairs when she halted.
” On second thought, get me a bowl of ice cream. I’m going to see Lily.” Sheila announced before making her way towards Lily’s room.
When she knocked the door, Lily invited her in excitedly. Her tutor was still in the room, helping Lily go through her homework.
” Hello my beautiful pumpkin?” Sheila greeted with a smile before walking to Sheila and hugging her softly.
” How’s my darling doing today? Did you behave?” She asked and Lily nodded.
Seeing the scene, the tutor excused herself, leaving the two to have mother and daughter time. Looking at how the young lady loved Lily, she found it hard to believe that she was just but a stepmother.
Weren’t stepmother’s supposed to be evil? Then why was Lily’s mother too sweet and loving towards her?
Deciding to mind his business, she left the house.
With the mother at home, there’s nothing much for her to do.
” I am always a behaved girl.” Lily said with a pout and Sheila kissed her cheeks loudly.
” Of Course my baby is the most obedient and behaved girl there is.” Sheila praised and Lily giggled.
” Why are you back so early?” Lily found herself asking. In the past month, her mother would leave home in the morning and Only come back at sunset.
” Why? I missed my baby and couldn’t wait to see her.” Sheila replied, gazing lovingly at Lily.
She could not help but caress her still flat tummy. With the baby growing Inside her, Lily will undergo the surgery. When that happens, she will not need to be confined in the house all the time. She will be able to enjoy a normal life, just like any other child.
” I have good news to tell you tonight during dinner. How about I prepare our supper tonight?” Sheila asked and Lily nodded happily. She always loved her mother’s cooking. To her, nobody else could compare to her mother’s food.
” Okay, now close your eyes and sleep. I’ll wake you up Later.” Sheila coerced and Lily agreed without making a fuss. After making sure that Lily was asleep, Sheila made her way to their room.