Chapter 56

Chapter 56
Chapter 56
Claudia’s POV
 I had high hopes, but my hopes dropped because a scenario like this has happened before. He chose to believe and save her back then, so he might do so now.
The office door got open, and there was Asher, his eyes wide as he took in the scene. Caroline didn’t miss a beat. She put on her fake tears, clutching her stomach and spewing lies. “Asher, I was just trying to help her, but she picked a fight and hit me! She’s evil, I should’ve known!”
I was curled up on the floor, the pain in my stomach so bad I could barely breathe. I hated her. I hated everything. Asher’s face was hard to read, and for a second, I thought he might believe her. The thought crushed me. I prayed with everything I had...please God, let my baby be okay.
Then, like something out of a movie, Asher ran to me. He scooped me up in his arms, his voice soft but urgent. “Hang in there, wifey. I’m sorry I came late.”
I caught the shock and anger on Caroline’s face, her mouth hanging open. He chose me. Not her. It hit me clear as day…he loved me. I managed a weak, triumphant smile at her, letting her know she’d lost. Then the pain and exhaustion took over, and I passed out in Asher’s arms, safe at last.

I woke up slowly, my eyes adjusting to the dim light of a hospital room. My body felt heavy, and there was a dull ache in my stomach. Someone was holding my hand, gripping it tight like they would never let go. I turned my head and saw Asher, his head bowed, his fingers wrapped around mine. 
“Asher?” I whispered, my voice shaky.
He lifted his head, and my heart sank. His eyes were red and swollen, like he had been crying. “You’re awake, wifey” he said, his voice cracking with relief, a small smile breaking through.
“My baby,” I blurted out, panic clawing at me. “Is she okay? Please, nothing can happen to her.” A million awful thoughts raced through my head. If Caroline hurt my baby, I’d make her pay. I would kill her.
Asher stayed quiet for a moment, and my stomach dropped. Fear choked me. “Please, Asher, tell me. Is my baby safe?” I begged, my voice trembling.
Asher leaned down and kissed my forehead, his lips warm against my skin. “The baby’s fine,” he said softly. “No harm took place, you can calm down now.”
Relief flooded through me, like a weight lifting off my chest. I closed my eyes for a second, whispering a quiet “Thank God” under my breath. My baby was safe. That’s all that mattered.
He pulled back, his red-rimmed eyes searching my face. “How are you feeling? You okay?” he asked, his voice full of worry.
“I’m… okay,” I admitted. “Tired, but better now that I know the baby’s alright.” I shifted a little in the hospital bed, wincing at the ache in my body.
He nodded, squeezing my hand, but he didn’t say anything else. I kept waiting for him to ask what happened with Caroline, to dig into why I was on the floor in pain, but he didn’t ask. Part of me was glad…But deep down, I wished he had asked. I wanted him to care enough, to push, to know the truth. For now, though, I kept it to myself, just grateful he was here, and our baby was safe.
The hospital room door creaked open, and the family doctor walked in, clipboard in hand. He gave me a warm smile. “Mrs Claudia, good to see you awake. You’re healthy, and your baby is doing just fine. You’re about two months along now, so everything’s on track.”
I let out a shaky breath, Asher’s hand still tight around mine. The doctor flipped through his notes and continued, “Since you’re at this stage, here’s what you need to know. Keep eating well….lots of fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains. Stay hydrated, and take your prenatal vitamins every day; they’re important for the baby’s growth. Try to avoid stress as much as possible, since it can affect you and the pregnancy. Light exercise, like walking, is great, but nothing too intense. If you feel any pain, unusual cramps, or bleeding, call us right away.”
He paused, glancing at me and Asher. “As for scans, you’ll have your first ultrasound soon, likely around 8 to 12 weeks. Since you're two months old, we can schedule one in a couple of weeks to check the baby’s heartbeat and development. It’s a routine step, nothing to worry about.”
I nodded, soaking it all in, feeling relief and nerves. The doctor gave us a reassuring nod. “You’re doing great, Claudia. Just take it easy, and we’ll see you for the next checkup.” He left the room, and I looked at Asher, grateful for the good news but still processing everything.
The door burst open, and Sonia rushed in, her face all panicked. “Claudia! Oh my God, are you okay?” she blurted, practically tripping over herself to get to my bedside.
Asher squeezed my hand and stood. “I called her,” he said quietly. “I’ll give you two some space.” He stepped out, leaving me with Sonia, who was already hovering like a worried mom. Anyway,I am happy she is here, 
“What the hell happened?” she demanded, her eyes wide. “How did you end up here?”
I took a deep breath and spilled everything… Caroline’s nasty words, her hitting my stomach knowing I was pregnant, the awful things she said about me too. Caroline is evil...
Sonia’s face got redder with every word. When I finished, she shot up from the chair, fists clenched.“No one messes with my friend!” she snapped. “I’m going to break that bitch with my bare hands for trying to hurt you. I hate her!”
I couldn’t help but laugh, even though it hurt a little. Sonia’s fire was contagious, and for a second, it felt good to have her ready to throw down for me. She plopped back down, still fuming, then looked at me. “What’s Asher saying about all this?”
I shrugged, my smile fading. “Nothing. "He didn’t ask what had happened.”Her jaw dropped. “Nothing? Are you serious? You have to tell him, Claudia!”I nodded slowly. “I will… but not yet. It’s not the right time, so I will keep waiting till he asks."
She looked like she wanted to argue, but she just sighed and grabbed my hand. “Fine, but don’t wait too long. He needs to know what that snake did.”
My stomach growled, loud enough to make me wince. Sonia noticed and stood up. “You need food,” she said, already heading for the door. “I’ll grab something from the cafeteria." Hang tight.”
“Thanks,” I mumbled, giving her a small smile. Alone in the hospital room, I felt restless. To keep my mind busy, I grabbed my phone and started scrolling through notifications. Then a text popped up, and my blood ran cold. It was from Richard.“Let’s meet, or I reveal my face.”My heart started pounding, hard and fast, like it was trying to break out of my chest. Not now. Not with everything else falling apart. I stared at the words, my hands trembling.