Chapter 175 The Induction

Chapter 175 The Induction
Eden’s Point of View 

“You’re going to sit with me at the head table,” Theron declared again, perhaps noticing the way I had been dodging the conversation.

I focused on straightening his tie, careful not to meet his questioning gaze, trying to ignore the growing pressure in my back and hip.

“Are you okay?” he asked softly, noticing my silent groans.

“You’re just too tall,” I muttered, a small smile tugging at my lips.

“I told you not to bother,” he said, his hands gently taking mine as he removed the tie. “And yet, you insisted on fixing this stupid thing.”

He shook his head, a small frown forming on his face. “Honestly, who cares if I wear a tie today or not? I might as well show up in a polo and jeans.”

“You’re so unserious about everything,” I complained as he scooped me up from the floor, carrying me back to the bed. “Today is your induction—you have to look your best. And that includes giving me that tie.”

I held out my hands, demanding it. He hesitated for a moment, then finally handed it over.

“I’ll put this on you.” I gave no room for excuse, he stared hard at me, and then he gave up, sighing softly as he knelt before me.

My eyes widened, and a soft gasp escaped my slightly parted lips.

“Be quick,” He mumbled,

I noticed his cheeks flush a bright red color, and my lips curved to form a mocking smirk.

“I’m going to be sitting where the other regular doctors are,” I confessed, and only then did he lift his eyes to meet mine. The guilty blush vanished, replaced with something uncomfortable.

“No, you’re pregnant. I want you where I can keep an eye on you,” he protested, his voice firm. “Beside me, and nowhere else.”

“Theron,” I said gently, finishing the knot on his tie, “I know I’m your wife, and I’m pregnant—but I’m also a doctor. Please… let me just watch you today. Let me be proud of you.”

His jaw tightened, his eyes flashing disapproval, yet after a long moment, he simply nodded. “But you have to be in front, where I can reach you in case anything happens.”

‘But nothing will happen.’ The words were barely at the tip of my tongue, but I didn’t dare say them; I didn’t need him to lecture me on about ten thousand things that could go wrong if I were not within his reach. Ever since I became pregnant, Theron has rarely argued with me. He let me have my way, almost always. I wasn’t sure if it was because he didn’t want to stress me, or if he just trusted me enough now to know I wouldn’t put myself at risk.

I was around my thirty-second week of pregnancy, and I felt heavier with each passing day.

There was a constant pressure on my back and hip, and the strain I felt inside was almost overwhelming. Yet Theron had been unwavering; he was always at my side, attending every doctor’s appointment, making sure I received the best antenatal care, and answering my every call without complaint.

His presence made the weight feel a little lighter, even on the hardest days.

I didn’t feel alone during my pregnancy; it’s almost as if the weight was equally distributed.

Theron kept glancing at me throughout the former chairman’s speech, and I couldn’t help but smile. He had a way of watching me every single minute, like I was the only person in the room.

“Your husband is so in love,” Lola whispered in my ear, her tone teasing. “It’s so obvious—he can’t stop looking at you.”

“Really?” I murmured, feeling my cheeks warm.

“Yeah,” Nurse Kate chimed in, joining the conversation, and my gaze inevitably met Theron’s once more.

If you’re going to be stealing glances, don’t make it so obvious, you dummy. I texted him. Finally, he shifted his eyes away, glancing at his phone.

I am not stealing glances, he replied. I am looking at you.

Just then, Dr. Keegan’s voice rang out: “I will now call on Dr. Theron Adler to give his induction speech.” He beamed, clapping enthusiastically.

Every other person in the hall applauded as Theron rose, moving with the effortless elegance of a runway model. His hair fell just right as he walked toward his father at the podium.

“Good day, ladies and gentlemen. It is an honor to stand before you today as I ascend to the position of chairman of our beloved hospital,” he began, his eyes locking on mine for a moment before sweeping across the room, probably to appear less conspicuous.

“I am deeply grateful for the support and kindness you have shown me—whether as juniors, colleagues, or superiors. Without your dedication, trust, and belief in me, a day like this would never have been possible.”

He smiled, and once again, his gaze flickered back to me.

“I am most grateful to my beloved wife,” he continued, his voice softening just enough to make my heart skip a beat, “who has stood by me through thick and thin. Her unwavering support and unconditional love have been my anchor.”

A surge of pride and warmth swelled in my chest at his words.

“I promise each of you here today that I will not let you down. I will work tirelessly, and I will ensure that you never regret this day.”

“Excuse me,” Nurse Kate whispered, rising from her seat as her phone rang. “I need to take this.”

“Congratulations.” A voice, familiar yet distant, cut through the noise. My head snapped toward the space Kate had just vacated. Dr. Giselle was seated on the seat next to the now-empty chair, her posture perfect, her eyes glinting with something sharp...malice, maybe.

“You’re having a baby, my ex-husband told me so,” she said, emphasizing my ex-husband as though I should feel some flicker of guilt.

“Thank you, ma’am,” I replied smoothly, smiling politely.

“You’ve changed my son so much,” she continued, leaning slightly toward me. “If this were the first time I met him, I’d think he was… normal. Looking at him now, he even seems human.”

Something about that statement hit a nerve, irritation flashing through me.

“It might seem strange to you,” I said evenly, meeting her gaze, “because you’ve never been very human yourself.”

Her eyes widened slightly, caught off guard. I pressed on.

“If you could abandon all the hatred and evil in your heart, maybe you’d have a chance to rebuild your marriage. Instead of finding someone to blame, why not take responsibility for your own actions and try to change? Perhaps you could even learn a thing or two from your son.” I retorted. “Until you learn how to do that, please stay away from my baby and me.”