Chapter 36: The Checkup
Cora didn’t notice the strange flicker in Julian’s eyes. She took the glass of water he handed her, gulped a few sips, and rubbed her chest.
“God, I almost choked!”
“Eat slower,” he said, calm and composed as always. “No one’s taking it from you.”
He’d had a thousand late-night meals before, but somehow tonight’s simple toast and salad tasted different—richer, warmer, almost decadent. Watching her nibble across the table made even the most ordinary food feel indulgent.
When he looked up, she was biting her lip again, anxious, uncertain. His gaze lingered there—on the soft pink curve of her mouth—and his mind flashed to what had happened in the car earlier: that sudden, reckless kiss.
The feel of her lips was still branded into his senses—soft, warm, electric. He’d never experienced anything like it.
⸻
The next morning was her scheduled prenatal checkup. Cora had packed everything the night before and went to bed early. She slept soundly—though she couldn’t help noticing the bed felt a little colder than usual, as if the “human heater” that had appeared last night was missing.
By sunrise, she was dressed in loose linen and ready to head out. She grabbed her folder and opened the bedroom door—only to find Julian walking out of his room, sharp and fresh as if he’d stepped out of a magazine shoot.
“Morning,” she greeted with a polite smile.
“Morning.” His tone was unreadable, his eyes glinting with something she couldn’t quite place.
Cora hesitated. They’d been married for days now, but actual conversations between them could probably be counted on one hand. She still didn’t know how to talk to him.
Julian’s gaze dropped to the folder in her hands. “You’re going for your checkup today?”
“Yes,” she nodded quickly. “I—I’ll go get it done, then come back and practice those etiquette lessons. Is that okay?”
The careful tone, the way she avoided his eyes—it made something shift inside him. His lashes lowered, hiding a trace of softness he refused to show.
“I’ll come with you,” he said simply.
“You’ll what?” Cora blinked. “You’ll come with me?”
Was the world ending? The ever-busy Julian Watson was volunteering to go to a hospital? With her?
“Do you need to fast? If so, we’ll leave now,” he continued, already taking the folder from her hand. “Once it’s done, we’ll have lunch at Grandma’s.”
He was already halfway down the stairs before Cora’s brain caught up.
He’s actually serious?!
She slapped her own cheek. Wake up, Cora. Don’t screw this up. Just go along with it.
Julian turned back when she didn’t move. A faint smile curved his lips. “What’s wrong? Nervous?”
Cora blinked hard. He’s smiling. He’s actually smiling.
Why did that look scarier than his usual glare?
She rushed after him, more confused than ever. Okay… maybe this mood swing is just because of the baby. Yeah, that must be it.
“It’s a fasting test,” she explained. “I can’t eat until after.”
Julian nodded. “Then let’s go.”
He called for the car himself. “Mrs. Zhang, call Grandma. Tell her we’ll be over for lunch after the checkup. Cora hasn’t eaten—have them prepare something light.”
“Yes, Master Julian,” said Mrs. Zhang, beaming. She’d never seen her boss this gentle.
“Thank you, Mrs. Zhang,” Cora added politely.
“Oh, you’re too kind, ma’am,” the woman said with genuine warmth.
⸻
At the hospital, a small crowd of nurses was already lined up at the entrance.
“Good morning, Mrs. Watson!” they chorused.
Cora nearly jumped. She’d stayed here before, but this kind of reception still felt surreal.
“Mr. Watson,” they greeted again with a bow.
Julian gave a curt nod. “Everything ready?”
“All prepared!” said the head nurse. “Please, this way.”
Cora followed him down the corridor, trailed by a small army of medical staff. The dean and attending physician were already waiting by the exam room door.
“Mr. Watson, Mrs. Watson—everything’s set.”
“Proceed,” Julian said smoothly. “She hasn’t eaten; make it quick.”
No one dared waste a second. Blood test, ultrasound, vitals—all done in record time.
Julian stood aside, expression cool, but the tightness in his jaw betrayed him.
When the monitor came alive with the rhythmic sound of a heartbeat, something softened in his eyes—something even he couldn’t hide.
That sound was unmistakable: their child.
⸻
The results were perfect. The baby was healthy, and the news had already reached the Watson matriarch before they even left the hospital.
By the time Julian drove them to the family estate, the entire household was bustling. Staff hurried about as though preparing for royalty.
At the front door, Julian offered his arm—an unspoken command by now.
Cora didn’t hesitate; she slipped her hand through his arm obediently. He liked it when she did that.
“Master Julian, Mrs. Watson,” the butler greeted. “Madam has prepared lunch. She heard you had your checkup and instructed the kitchen to keep everything light. If you need anything else, we’ll adjust immediately.”
“That’s perfect, thank you,” Cora said quickly, still a little overwhelmed.
The butler bowed and stepped aside.
Across the grand hall, the Watson matriarch sat waiting, regal as ever.
“Grandma,” Cora said gently, “we’re back.”
The old lady’s smile deepened.
In just a few days, she could already sense the change in her grandson. Before marriage, Julian practically lived at the office. Now, he was home. With a wife. With an heir on the way.
“Good,” she said warmly. “Come visit often. It gets lonely in this big house.”
“Yes, Grandma,” Cora replied softly.
As she followed Julian toward the dining room, she couldn’t help feeling that—for once—everything was strangely peaceful.