CHAPTER THREE: PREGNANCY
1142 Words
Carson hesitated, his thumb hovering over the phone screen. A message had just popped up—one that clearly unsettled him—but after a moment’s pause, he locked the screen and slipped the phone back into his pocket.
“Nothing important,” he muttered.
Tina narrowed her eyes slightly. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah,” Carson said, forcing a small smile.
Just then, the driver cleared his throat. “Ma’am, we’re in front of your apartment.”
Tina leaned in and kissed Carson once more. “Call me when you’re done playing the doting husband.”
Carson smirked. “Count on it.”
She stepped out of the car, her heels clicking against the pavement. Carson watched her disappear into the building before instructing the driver to head home.
***
With a stop at a florist, Carson picked up a dozen red roses—Nora’s favorite. He rehearsed his apology in his mind as the gates to the estate opened, revealing the massive glass-and-brick mansion he called home.
Inside, Nora sat on the couch, watching a quiet drama on the screen, her expression blank. She didn’t even glance his way when he entered.
“Nora…” Carson called softly.
She didn’t reply.
He walked up to her, placed the bouquet on the table, and knelt down in front of her. “I’m really sorry about today,” he began, his tone careful, “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I was just... scared. Scared the investors might pull out if they saw—”
“If they saw me?” Nora asked quietly.
Carson swallowed. “If they saw anything that didn’t fit the image.”
Nora finally looked at him. Her eyes held pain, disbelief, and a deep sadness. “I wanted to lash out at you,” she whispered. “But I kept thinking… maybe it was for my good. Maybe you were protecting me.”
She stood, trying towalk away, but Carson grabbed her hand, holding it tightly.
“My love, do you want to leave me?” he asked, desperate. “I brought your favorite flowers... Don’t you want them?”
She turned to him, trembling. “Do you still love me, Carson? Or are you just playing with my feelings? I understand the act at the event, but… did you have to be so harsh? I was humiliated. You looked at me like I was nothing.
Carson's face softened as he stood and cupped her cheeks. “I’m sorry. Truly. But I love you, Nora. That’s what matters. I’d never trade you for anything. You know that, right?”
Nora’s lips quivered. “Then why do you keep saying I don’t fit into your world? That my weight is a shame to you?”
“I never said that,” Carson said quickly. “I just meant… the society we live in, it’s cruel. I want to protect you from that. The world is harsh, Nora. You know it. It’s not about love—it’s about perception.”
Her voice cracked. “So’m not good enough to be seen beside you?”
“No!” Carson hugged her tightly from behind as she tried to pull away. “You’re still beautiful. Always. I just want you to feel confident, Nora. I want you to walk into any room with your head held high—not fearing judgment.”
Nora froze, his words in. “Do you really mean that?”
Carson nodded against her shoulder. “I do. And I have something for you.”
He reached into his coat and opened a velvet jewelry box. Inside was a glittering diamond necklace.
“Thank you for standing by me through every storm,” he said. “You’ve been my strength. My home.”
Tears slipped down her cheeks as she looked at the necklace. “Carson…”
He took her hand. “Let me make tonight up to you. Our night was ruined earlier. Let me light up your mood.”
As he led her gently toward their bedroom, Nora wiped her tears and forced a small smile.
The next morning, Nora stretched her hand across the bed, instinctively reaching for Carson—but her fingers touched only cool sheets. Her brows furrowed as she slowly sat up, rubbing her eyes.
“Carson?” she called softly.
Silence.
She slipped out of bed and padded across the floor, checking the bathroom. Still no sign of him. “Carson?” she called again, her voice louder now, laced with worry.
As she made her way toward the dining room, the aroma of something warm and delicious greeted her nose. She paused when she saw the maids setting the table.
“Excuse me,” she said. “Have you seen my husband?”
One of the maids smiled warmly. “Yes, ma’am. He’s in the kitchen. He made your favorite dish.”
Nora blinked. “He cooked?”
The maid nodded, and Nora couldn’t help the smile that tugged at her lips. She walked toward the kitchen, heart a little lighter.
She found Carson at the stove, dressed casually, stirring something in a pot. The sight made her pause.
“Carson!” she said with a soft laugh. “You didn’t have to do that.”
He turned, smiled, and wiped his hands before walking up to her. “Why shouldn’t I? Taking care of my wife is my responsibility, isn’t it?”
He leaned down and kissed her forehead gently.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“For what?” he asked.
“For this. For trying.”
Carson took her hands in his. “No, Nora. Thank you—for everything. You’ve stayed, loved me even when I didn’t deserve it. You’re the best thing in my life, and I’ll always choose you.”
Her heart melted. Tears welled up in her eyes as she leaned into his embrace. In that moment, she wanted to believe it all—the apologies, the affection, the effort.
***
After breakfast, Carson left for work, leaving Nora alone in the mansion. She moved slowly through her morning routine, eventually finding herself in the bathroom, staring blankly at the mirror.
Her expression shifted.
“This is the end of the month,” she murmured, frowning. “And… I haven’t seen my period?”
A flash of confusion crossed her face. “Could it be stress? Or maybe something else…”
A rush of anxiety fluttered in her chest. She turned from the mirror, grabbed her handbag, and called the driver.
“Take me to the hospital,” she instructed, her voice calm but urgent.
***
At the hospital, Nora sat in the doctor’s office, her heart racing.
The doctor finally looked up from the file, a warm smile on her face. “Congratulations, Mrs. Williams… you’re pregnant.”
- Writer
