CHAPTER 68

Margaret's eyes widened in disbelief, shock and relief washing over her. "Six months?"

Dr Aisha nodded, her expression kind. "Yes, it appears so. A cryptic pregnancy means that despite being pregnant, the symptoms were so subtle or masked by other factors that it went unnoticed for a longer period."

Margaret's mind raced, grappling with the revelation. The idea of being six months pregnant was overwhelming, and she struggled to process the implications. "How is this possible? I thought... I thought it was just stress."

Dr Aisha offered a comforting smile. "It's not uncommon for stress or other health issues to mask pregnancy symptoms. We'll take a thorough look and ensure everything is on track for you and your baby."

Margaret's hands gripped the sides of the bed, trying to steady her breathing. "What happens next?"

Dr. Aisha gently patted Margaret's shoulder, offering a reassuring smile. "First, we'll complete the blood test to confirm everything. Then, we can discuss your options and the best course of action moving forward. It's important to take one step at a time, and I'll be here to guide you through each one."

Margaret nodded her emotions a turbulent mix of relief and anxiety. "Thank you, Dr. Aisha."

But Margaret's composure cracked as Dr Aisha left the room to prepare for the blood test. Her breathing grew shallow, her eyes darting around the room as panic began to set in. The reality of her situation hit her with an overwhelming force.

"No, no, I don't think I can do this!" Margaret cried out suddenly, her voice filled with desperation. She threw the blanket aside and bolted from the examination bed. Without a word, she rushed out of the hospital, her footsteps echoing down the corridor.

Outside, the cool air hit her like a splash of cold water, but it did little to calm her racing heart. Margaret sprinted to her car, her movements fueled by fear and desperation.

Antonio, who had been waiting in the car, noticed Margaret's distress. He rushed over, concern etched on his face. "Mrs. Alfred, are you okay? What's wrong?"

Margaret's eyes were wide with panic. "Yes, I'm fine," she lied, her voice trembling. "Just... just give me a moment."

Antonio's worry deepened, but he didn't press further. He helped Margaret into the car and started driving, trying to offer her some comfort. "Take your time," he said gently, glancing at her with concern.

As they drove, Margaret's mind churned with a tumult of emotions. The reality of her situation began to sink in, and she sat in silence, struggling to keep her emotions in check. She fought the urge to scream, her frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

In the middle of the drive, Margaret suddenly spoke up, her voice tight and strained. "Antonio, turn back. I need to go back to the hospital."

Antonio glanced at her, confusion and concern written all over his face. "Mrs. Alfred, are you okay?"

Margaret's heart pounded in her chest as she tried to maintain control. "Just turn back, please."

Antonio's concern deepened as he kept his eyes on the road. "Is this a matter of security?" Antonio asked.

Margaret's anxiety became too much to bear. She clutched her head in her hands, her voice breaking as she shouted, "Just turn the damn car!"

Antonio immediately complied, his worry evident in how he maneuvered the car back toward the hospital. The drive was tense, marked by the heavy silence between them. Antonio's grip on the steering wheel was firm, his eyes occasionally glancing at Margaret in the rearview mirror. They both sat in the car, the silence thick with unspoken emotions. Margaret's breathing was shallow, her face pale.

"I'm sorry for shouting," Margaret said quietly, her voice laced with guilt. "I didn't mean to lose my temper." I'm just feeling overwhelmed right now and didn't handle it well."

Antonio shook his head, offering a reassuring smile. "It's alright."

Once they arrived back at the hospital, Antonio parked the car and turned to Margaret.

Margaret hesitated, staring at the door. She seemed lost in thought for a moment before finally turning to Antonio. "Could you do me a favor?" she asked, her voice soft and uncertain.

Antonio nodded. "Of course. What is it?"

Margaret took a deep breath, her eyes pleading. "Will you please not tell Alexander I came here?"

Antonio looked at her momentarily, understanding her request's gravity. He nodded. "I won't. Don't worry."

Margaret managed a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Antonio."

As Margaret exited the car and returned to the hospital, Antonio pulled out his phone and dialed Alexander's number. The phone rang once, twice, before finally going to voicemail. Antonio's worry deepened, but he redialed, determined to get through.

On the third ring, Alexander picked up. "Antonio, what's going on?" His voice was sharp with concern.

Antonio took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. "Sir, Mrs. Alfred was very distressed after her appointment. I don't know why, but I think you need to know."

Alexander's tone softened slightly, though worry was still evident. "What happened? Where is she?"

"She's back inside the hospital now. I don't know all the details," Antonio explained.

Alexander's worry mounted with each passing moment. "But how is Margaret?"

Antonio hesitated before replying, "Mrs. Alfred is fine, sir."

"Alright," Alexander said, his voice filled with tension. "Keep an eye on her and make sure she's okay. If anything seems off when she gets back, let me know."

Back inside, Margaret re-entered Dr. Aisha's office, slow and hesitant. Dr Aisha looked up from her desk, a gentle smile on her face.

"Margaret, are you feeling better?" Dr Aisha asked.

Margaret nodded, her eyes downcast. "I'm so sorry for my behavior earlier. I just... I panicked."

Dr Aisha stood and walked over to her, reassuringly touching her shoulder. "It's perfectly understandable. This is a lot to take in. Let's focus on ensuring everything is alright with you and the baby."

Margaret nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thank you for understanding."

Dr. Aisha led her back to the examination bed. "We'll complete the blood test and the scan, just to make sure everything is clear."

Margaret took a deep breath, her face tightening with resolve. "No, that's not why I came back. I... I want to terminate the pregnancy."