Adaline returned to her daily activities, although it could be said that her body was not as comfortable as usual. Lately, she had trouble sleeping and would only fall asleep after three in the morning. As a result, she often felt tired and extremely drowsy during the day.
Her pelvic bones also often felt sore. When she consulted the doctor, the doctor said it was normal. What was not normal was Adaline's sleeping schedule and her health issues.
During a blood test, Adaline's hemoglobin levels were found to be low. She was experiencing anemia. It was a common condition for pregnant women, but it would be extraordinary if it persisted. Especially since Adaline was pregnant with twins. There were many risks if her condition persisted until she gave birth.
As a result, she returned from the doctor's with a lot of vitamin prescriptions. And she intentionally didn't tell Altezza. He was already tired enough every day, managing his own business and his father's company. Yet despite his fatigue, he still gave her his full attention.
Even after their return from the weekend getaway last week, her husband had changed. He always contacted Adaline whenever he had the chance. He would tell her where he was going and with whom. He seemed like a young teenager in his antics. He often sent photos of himself working or eating with his clients.
Every time Altezza returned from work, he would always ask what she wanted to eat, or if there was anything he needed to buy before coming home. Small gestures, but they touched Adaline's heart. She even hoped Altezza would always be this sweet, not just now, when she was pregnant.
Adaline also often felt sorry for her husband. It was not uncommon for Altezza to come home completely exhausted. He would return very late and immediately fall asleep without cleaning up or changing his clothes.
It was also the reason why Adaline didn't tell Altezza about her complaints. Every time she had trouble sleeping, Adaline preferred to gaze at her husband's face. Or even draw closer and nestle into his embrace. Unconsciously, Altezza always responded to her embrace. He would even kiss her forehead and temple with his eyes closed.
Adaline also never mentioned her condition to anyone, especially not to her mother. She didn't want her mother to worry about her. After all, her mother's health was still unstable.
On weekends, Altezza would drive Adaline to her parents' house because he had to travel out of town again.
"Take care of yourself here. If you need anything, don't hesitate to tell Mom or anyone else in the house," he instructed before leaving. Adaline just nodded her head. Altezza kissed her forehead before he left.
Delila led her daughter-in-law back to the guest room on the ground floor. It wasn't that Delila didn't want Adaline to sleep in her old room with Altezza, but due to her daughter-in-law's pregnancy condition, the middle-aged woman felt that going up and down the stairs wasn't good for Adaline.
"You two sleep here for now," Delila explained her reason so her daughter-in-law wouldn't misunderstand. "I'm worried about you having to go up and down the stairs." Adaline smiled and felt grateful for her mother-in-law's attention.
"Are you okay, dear? You look pale," Delila asked with concern.
"I'm fine, Mom," she reassured.
Delila invited Adaline to sit on the chair at the end of the bed. "You know, I love you, right?" Her mother-in-law suddenly asked, to which Adaline responded with a nod. "I gave birth to Altezza 35 years ago. But I still remember vividly what it was like to carry and give birth to him, as if it happened just yesterday. And remembering that, I think your pregnancy condition seems worse than mine was."
Adaline could only remain silent.
"Are you having trouble sleeping every night?" Adaline was surprised, but she chose to be honest and nodded. "I used to be like that too. So, what did the doctor say?"
"There's nothing wrong. The doctor said I have anemia, but it's common for pregnant women."
"Don't say it's common, dear. There's always danger threatening pregnant women. Remember, if you need anything or feel something, anything at all, you have to tell me. Promise?" Delila demanded firmly. Adaline smiled and nodded again.
"Do you have any plans to take leave or maybe resign from your job?" Delila asked again, causing Adaline to fall silent. "I know how difficult it is when carrying Quirino's descendants. Brianna also felt the same when she was pregnant with Antony. And Gian's mother also felt the same. So I know what you're going through right now.
"My advice is, you'd better resign from your job for now. Later, after you give birth to them and if you still want to work, I won't mind. You have your rights, but right now you need to take care of your health and the twins in your womb."
Delila said all of this with the gentle concern of a mother, which moved Adaline deeply. Adaline responded to her mother-in-law's advice with a nod.
As her mother-in-law said, she had to take care of herself and the twins. And if after the twins were born Adaline had to return to work, it wouldn't just be because she wanted to, but because she had to provide for herself.
There was still her mother and Emma whose lives Adaline had to support. Even though the money Altezza had been giving her might not run out quickly, Adaline couldn't just sit idly.
Yes, her husband was too generous. Every month his account swelled with his transfers. Even when Adaline refused and tried to send it back, he would just say that it was Adaline's right and his duty as a husband to provide for his wife.
But Adaline herself was indeed surprised, because the amount given by the man was not insignificant. Even with all the money in her account right now, Adaline was sure she could buy a luxurious house for her mother.
"Go to sleep. You and my grandchildren must stay healthy. I'll wake you up when it's time for lunch," Adaline nodded again and followed her mother-in-law's advice.