Chapter 133

133 A Secret

Ella couldn’t stop herself from beaming at Dr. Julie’s statement. Her eyes shimmered like a million tiny stars trapped in a glistening Jade green sea. She cupped her mouth to prevent them from screaming out her excitement.

“I am four weeks pregnant?” Ella queried herself in a muffled voice. Unable to contain her joy, she released her mouth from the bondage of her hands and spoke up proudly; “I am four weeks pregnant!”

“Yes, you are!” Dr. Julie responded excitedly. She was finally relieved that Ella had welcomed the announcement with open arms. Although, she was still curious to know why Ella had acted strangely the first time. However, she decided to allow Ella to celebrate herself before probing further.

Ella closed her eyes momentarily and imagined the beautiful face of her unborn child. She thought of all the wonderful things she would give her child when he or she was finally given birth to. She thought of the beautiful name she will call her child. She thought of all the love she would shower on her child. However, her mind drifted to the father of the child, and reality suddenly hit her. She opened her eyes and her cheerful expression disappeared.

“Dr. Julie, can I confide in you?” Ella said quizzically. Her beautiful smile was replaced with fear and uncertainty.

“Sure, that’s what I’m here for!” Dr. Julie replied reassuringly. “We are now best friends and I will always be here for you.”

“Thank you!” Ella tried to force a smile. “Although I’m happy to be pregnant, it’s rather unfortunate that my husband doesn’t want a child. He even placed me on some drugs so that I don’t mistakingly get pregnant and I promised him that I would never.”

“Oh, I see!” Dr. Julie nodded her head as she finally understood the mystery behind Ella’s earlier reaction.

“Leon is the best thing that’s ever happened to me and I can’t afford to lose him because of this pregnancy.” Ella’s disheartened voice conveyed her internal turmoil.

.....

“I can promise you one thing, you will never lose him,” Dr. Julie said reassuringly. “He might get angry or frustrated when he learns the truth about your pregnancy, but in due time, he will learn to accept you and your baby.”

“It’s his reactions that scare me,” Ella said thoughtfully. “I don’t know how he would take this news. Although he loves me so much, I’m scared that things might take an ugly turn.” Ella gently massaged her flat belly, wondering what it would be like in two to three months.

“Everything will work out fine.” Dr. Julie gazed into Ella’s eyes with affection. “Just promise me you will keep this pregnancy. I can’t overemphasize the blessings that come with having a child. Take a look at me, I long to have a child of my own but mother nature has denied me that opportunity. I have two children that I love and adore. However, both of them are adopted. So don’t mess with the chance of becoming a mother to your child or children.”

“Thank you, doctor,” Ella smiled amidst tears. “I promise, I won’t terminate this pregnancy no matter what. One more thing, doc, if my husband comes to you to enquire about my condition, please do not tell him that I’m pregnant. I will let him know when I’m ready, okay?”

“Okay, your secret is safe with me. Just make sure you don’t take too long in keeping him in the dark.” Dr. Julie warned. Her intense stare conveyed the seriousness in her tone. “The earlier he knows, the quicker you would resolve your issues.”

“Thanks, doc, I will,” Ella smiled.

As Ella and Dr. Julie were rounding up their discussion, an anxious Denise knocked and stepped into Ella’s room. When she saw Ella smiling, her racing heart relaxed once again.

“Smiling suits you dear.” Denise teased Ella and took a seat by her bedside while Dr. Julie left the room.

Ella beamed more at Denise’s remark and thought for a brief second before speaking up. “Denise, I’m four weeks pregnant.”

Denise’s eyes widened and she cupped her opened mouth in surprise.

“Ella! Oh my goodness! I am so happy for you.” Denise threw her hands in the air and hugged Ella. “Congratulations are in order! Is Leon aware?

“That’s the problem, Leon or Tom can never find out until I am ready to disclose the news to Leon,” Ella stressed each word. “Leon doesn’t want a child and I’m afraid that I have broken the promise I made to him.”

“Oh, Ella...”

A ringing sound startled both ladies.

Ella looked up at Denise with a startled expression. “It’s Leon, shhhh!”

———————

Leon’s eyes darkened and his already monstrous countenance worsened. He looked down on the unconscious man by his foot and wished the man was awake to receive a merciless death from his hand. His eyes darted around, in search of anything to thrash. Unfortunately, there was nothing but fleets of stairs and closed doors.

“Whoever sent Silvia to torment my wife is as good as dead,” Leon swore under his breath. “I will visit them with my sevenfold karma.”

He looked at his mobile phone screen and re-read the message on it.

[Sky: Boss, your wife fainted in her office while I was talking to her. She has been rushed to the hospital and from the information I got, she has been revived and she is doing great. I am guessing the whole incident of today really got to her.]

Leon thought briefly and decided on what to do when he returned to Amzone city. Sparing the unconscious man on the floor one last disdainful glance, he walked up the stairs to his hotel room and placed a call to Ella.

“Hello, sweetheart, how are you feeling!” Leon asked in a calm voice which was in contrast to his darkened expression. He was furious that he was hundreds of kilometers away and his wife was in a hospital.

“I’m feeling better dear.”

Ella’s voice was as soft as wool and as sweet as honey. Its gentleness washed down on Leon’s foul mood and eased his hardened expression.

“I can’t believe I am causing you so much stress from here. I am so sorry,” Ella said.

“Don’t think or feel that way,” Leon spoke in a softer voice. “I should be there with you right now. Nevertheless, I will be back home in two days and I will make sure you receive all the pampering you need. By the way, what did the doctor say about your fainting? Should I be worried?” Leon asked in a slightly worried voice.