Trapped In His Shadow

Episode:2

Chapter two:

The unexpected pregnancy:

“Where am I? Dr. Ben is standing next to her with his stethoscope on his neck, and his hand glove.”

“Calm down madam”

“You are at the hospital.”

Hospital?

But why?

The doctor took a few steps closer to her. Doctor, talk to me, what’s wrong with me? Why am I in the hospital? There is nothing to worry about Madam, you and your baby are perfectly safe. Congratulations ma’am.

Baby? What baby are you talking about? The doctor smiled and replied to her.

“You are six weeks pregnant” congratulations once more.

“No! No!! No!!!

“I can’t be pregnant at this point in my life.”

My life is so messed up right now, and I can’t afford to bring an innocent child into this.

Doctor, please can you keep this between us until I finally decide on what to do with the pregnancy.

Alright madam, it’s against our rules. It’s not my place to disclose that information to anyone, it’s against our hospital policy.

But for now, you have to take proper care of yourself, eat healthy foods, drink lots of water, eat fresh fruits and vegetables and make a regular visit to the hospital for checkups. That way, we can ensure that you and the baby are safe.

She was so nervous and couldn’t even grasp the reality of being pregnant.

The doctor held her hands and she sat down on the hospital bed. Well, what matters now is your safety and that of the baby. I must warn you to stay out of any physical activity that might cause you to break down as you are carrying a high-risk pregnancy. But with proper adherence to these instructions, be rest assured that you and your baby will be just fine.

Alright doctor, I have heard all that you said. I promise to do my best. She thanked the doctor and left.

She got home later in the evening from the hospital, but Ace wasn’t around.

After studying herself in the mirror for some minutes, Hannah looked round the house. Her eyes glanced at the portrait of her and Ace. It was a picture of them together on their wedding day.

She noticed how happy she was on that day. Her eyes were gleaming in the photo, but as she glanced at Ace’s photo, her heart sank. In that picture, there was only hate in Ace’s expression.

She felt guilt. Then, after some time, she laughed. The kind of laughter that was mixed with pain and misery.

Indeed, I am pathetic. I am to be blamed for everything that is going on in my life right now. I am at fault for marrying Ace against my wishes. If I had said no to my Uncle’s wishes back, then I wouldn’t be in this situation right now. I would have been free to choose the person I loved and want to spend the rest of my life with.

Now, look at me. Just when I thought that I was free from all this shambles, I am back to this life of misery again with pregnancy. How did I get here?

“My love, I am sorry”

Sorry I let anger get the best of me. I know, I shouldn’t have done that to you. Ace whispered to her ear and tried to hold her from behind.

“Don’t you dare”

4 days, I spent 4 days in the hospital and not even a day did I see your shadow. That’s how mean and callous you can be. Now, you are standing here to tell me that you are sorry. Keep that to yourself. I don’t need it.

I was afraid that you might not make it alive. I blame myself for what I have done to you. Please, forgive my actions, it won’t repeat itself again.

“I am ashamed of myself right now.”

I love you very much. Love you said? You are incapable of loving anyone, you love only yourself. So don’t get me started. If I had died in the hospital would you be telling me this now? It’s all devil’s hand work. Leave the devil out of this because you are the real devil.

She forcefully removed his hands around her waist and headed straight to the bedroom.

A few minutes later there was a heavy knock on her door.

“Ace go away, I don’t want to talk to you”

“It’s me madam”

It was Grandma Kadin. Their house caretaker!

“Mrs. Ace, dinner is ready. I brought some for you. I'm not hungry. You have barely eaten anything for two days now. Am fine Grandma Kadin, don’t worry about me.”

You have to eat something for you and your baby. Baby? Who told you that?

Hannah was so curious as to how Grandma Kadin got to know about her pregnancy!

You see, my dear, I have been observing you for quite some time now. The other day, you asked me to make sweet potato soup for you. You and I know how much you hated that. And your constant vomiting helped me clear my questions.

So yes my dear, you have nothing to worry about.

Nevertheless, you have to keep that as our little secret for now, until I finally decide what to do with the pregnancy. Ace must not know about it yet!

Alright my dear, I am here to support you in whatever decision you make, but first you have to eat your food.

After Hannah finished the food, she smiled and said to Grandma Kadin.

“Thank you.”

For what?

For taking good care of me, you have been like a mother to me since I came into this house, taking care of me and making sure that I am always happy. You have been a great companion to me, so thank you.

“She held her hand and massaged it for a minute.”

Hannah, you know, I am just doing my job. Ace is like my own child. I have taken care of Ace ever since he was two years old, and his mom left his father for another man who broke his fragile heart as a child. It has not been easy for him since then, that’s why, I am asking you to please give him some time. I believe with time he will change and be the best husband that you desire.

Oh!

“He never mentioned that to me”

Besides, that’s not a good reason to treat me the way he does. I am another person’s child. I deserve love and respect. Ace doesn’t care about me.

Now, I am scared of telling him about my pregnancy. I don’t know how he might react to it.

Hannah my dear, you have to tell him. He has every right to know and be a part of your child’s life.

“Hannah took a deep breath…”

Held her tummy and began to speak to her unborn child in a tearful manner. I love you so much, my child. You are the best thing that could ever happen to me in this whole situation. I promise to take care of you, fight for you and protect you with my life.

“You are not a mistake nor a burden to me.”

You are my biggest blessing, and mama loves you so very much and can’t wait to hold you in my arms and sing a lullaby for you. I know this might not be the perfect time, but I am ready to take up this journey with or without the help of your father.

Finally, after her conversation with Grandma Kadin, she gained the courage to let Ace know about her pregnancy. After all, he is the father.

She walked into Ace’s room where he was going through some files in his bedroom.

“Ace, there is something I want to tell you.”

Alright, go on. By the way, I hope it’s not about money, because I don’t have a penny to spend on you.

Fear couldn’t let her speak. She murmured, I…am pregnant.

“You are what?”

How can you let yourself be pregnant at this point in time? You don’t get it. I want to make love to you anytime I want. It’s all about s*x. And now you are pregnant. Of what use is a baby to me right now?

You are so unbelievable, you can never get anything right in this life. I just hope that all of this is a prank because I am not yet ready to be a father.

His words hit her like a physical blow. Leaving her in disbelief that Ace could ever do that to her and their unborn child.

Her words died in her mouth instantly and tears rolled down her cheeks in disappointment.

Ace opened his briefcase and brought out bundles of dollars and threw them into her face. Go and get rid of that thing in your tummy within 48 hours. I don’t want to hear excuses whenever I want to have s****l intimacy with you.

Ace walked out of the bedroom with his face filled with so much anger.

She pulled her knees to her chest, wrapped her arms around them. She pressed her face against her knees and cried uncontrollably. Unconsciously, her hands moved slightly to her stomach. What have I gotten myself into?