HER WOMB, HIS HEART

JEALOUS

“Darling, where have you been? Where’s Mrs. Noldi?” Soraya asked.

“Mrs. Noldi went to a hospital in the city. Her daughter-in-law is about to give birth. When did you get back?” Alan asked, resuming his act of pretending to be blind.

“Not long ago. How are Emily and our baby?” Soraya took her husband’s hand.

“Her condition is much better now. How was your trip? Where’s Tyson?” Alan asked.

“Tyson? He’s probably in his office, or maybe he’s checking on Emily. He was very worried when he heard about Emily,” Soraya replied with an irritated sigh.

“Why do you sound upset? You’re not jealous, are you?” Alan chuckled.

Soraya’s face turned red. She looked nervous at her husband’s teasing.

“Jealous? What do you mean, darling? How could I possibly be jealous?” Soraya laughed.

“You’re jealous, Soraya. You’re always getting in the way of Tyson finding a girlfriend,” Alan muttered.

Four years ago.

“Tyson, I have a ton of work to deal with. Can you fill in for me tonight?” Alan said hurriedly.

“Fill in for you?” Tyson asked.

“Yes. Go to Miss Chloe’s birthday party. She’s the daughter of one of Dad’s business associates. Pick up a gift for her before you go. I have to leave. I hope you enjoy the party,” Alan said before walking away from Tyson.

“Alan! I don’t even know Miss Chloe. What am I supposed to buy?” Tyson shouted.

Alan didn’t answer. He was already speeding away from the clinic.

“Soraya. She can probably help me.” Tyson took out his phone and called Soraya.

“Hello, Dr. Tyson. What’s up?” Soraya asked warmly.

“Soraya, are you busy?” Tyson asked.

“Hmm, no. I just finished shopping at the mall. What is it, Dr. Tyson?” Soraya replied sweetly.

“Which mall are you at? I’ll come there!”

“I’m at City Center Mall. Are you really coming here?” Soraya asked.

“Yes, I need your help. Let’s meet at the fast-food chicken restaurant in fifteen minutes.”

“What kind of help does Tyson need?” Soraya furrowed her brow.

Fifteen minutes later, Tyson arrived in front of the fast-food chicken restaurant. Soraya waved at him while enjoying a strawberry ice cream.

“Soraya, I need your help!” Tyson said hurriedly.

“Sit down first, Dr. Tyson. Let me finish my ice cream,” Soraya said cheerfully as she continued enjoying it.

Tyson patiently waited until Soraya finished her ice cream.

“Is there something I can help you with, Dr. Tyson?” Soraya asked gently.

“Alan asked me to attend Miss Chloe’s birthday party. She’s the sole heir to Obara Hotel. Today is her birthday. What kind of gift do you think would be appropriate?” Tyson asked.

“Chloe Obara? Isn’t she the incredibly arrogant woman with such a terrible attitude? I can’t recommend anything for someone like her.” Soraya’s expression turned bored.

“Please, help me. Regardless of her attitude, Chloe Obara is a business partner of the Horison family. I need to make a good impression on her,” Tyson explained.

“I have to get Chloe’s attention. If I can win her over, my position within the Horison family will become much stronger,” Tyson muttered.

“You like her?” Soraya asked.

“Yes, I really like her. Help me, Soraya. Please!” Tyson pleaded hopefully.

Soraya helped Tyson choose a sweet, floral-scented perfume for Chloe. She also asked Tyson to pick out white lilies for her.

“Are you sure she’ll like them?” Tyson asked.

“I’m absolutely sure. What woman doesn’t like flowers?”

Soraya smiled faintly. “The only woman who hates flowers is Chloe Obara. Forgive me, Tyson. I’m not willing to let you date that strange woman.”

**

Soraya was furious as she watched Tyson and Emily enjoying sandwiches together.

“Why does Tyson look so happy whenever he’s beside Emily?”

Alan, standing in the doorway, also noticed the closeness between Tyson and Emily.

“How does it taste? Does it remind you of someone?” Tyson asked.

“I remember her for a moment. After our dramatic separation, I was deeply traumatized by the memory of our last moments together. I tried so hard to forget it until the accident happened,” Emily replied.

Soraya grew increasingly furious, her chest heaving with anger. She could no longer stand seeing Tyson and Emily so close.

“Oh, are you two enjoying sandwiches?” Soraya greeted them with a wide smile as she took her husband’s hand.

“Why do Tyson and Emily seem so close?” Alan wondered.

Emily smiled.

“Dr. Tyson, Sister Dolah said you wanted to tell me something important?” Soraya asked.

“Yes. I want to explain Emily’s current condition. She needs to remain on bed rest at this clinic for several weeks. The contractions could trigger premature labor,” Dr. Tyson explained.

“Isn’t Emily only about twenty weeks pregnant? A baby born prematurely at twenty weeks wouldn’t have fully developed organs yet, would it?” Soraya asked.

Alan, Tyson, and Emily all turned pale.

**

Mr. Billy Horison stared at an old photograph from his college days.

“Samantha, if only you were still alive. I would come to you and make amends for all my foolish mistakes.” Mr. Billy Horison gently caressed the image of his lover in the photograph.

Twenty-five years ago.

“Darling, I’m pregnant,” Samantha revealed.

“Pregnant? You’re joking, right?” Billy laughed.

“I’m not joking. This is an ultrasound photo of our baby.” Samantha placed the ultrasound photo in Billy’s hands.

Billy stared at it with sorrowful eyes.

“Darling, I can’t marry you. I can’t leave Vior. Our marriage has already been arranged. The fate of the Horison family rests in the hands of the Joshep family. Just get rid of the baby!” Billy said, gripping Samantha’s hand.

“That baby? He’s your child, Billy! Your own flesh and blood! I never imagined the man I was so proud of could be nothing but trash!”

Samantha walked away with a wounded heart. Billy picked up the ultrasound photo of his baby.

“Forgive me, Samantha. I love you, but if we stay together, all we’ll have is misery. My family and the Joshep family will never allow it.”

“Isn’t that Billy Horison, Miss Vior’s fiancé? Why is he holding an ultrasound photo?” Noldi said in shock.

**