Chapter 148 Chapter 148 - Pregnant Again

Chapter 148 Chapter 148 - Pregnant Again
Adrielle Hale

The walls of my office are now bigger. Denser. I can also see the neighboring buildings, even though the blinds are always drawn. I think it's better this way. I play with the pen in my fingers, nonstop. My leg moves up and down, a reflection of the anxiety within me.

The door to my office opens softly. I see Lyla enter, dressed in her hospital gown. It's unbuttoned, and I can see how her belly has taken shape in the last few days. Yesterday, it wasn't so noticeable, and I think it's because of the dress she was wearing. Victor said his wife gained a little weight—as a joke that resulted in ear-pulling and scolding later—but I know it's just the usual pregnancy swelling.

"Your message made it clear that this is an important matter." Lyla closes the door and takes light steps toward me.

The test results are in my hands now. I asked Ross to send me the results yesterday, but I didn't have much time to analyze them with Abby's party. I also told him to keep it a secret until I tell Pedro.

"I'm late," I say, my voice low as my eyes focus on hers.

Lyla frowns, confused. She pulls out the chair in front of my desk and sits, checking her wristwatch.

"The meeting doesn't start until ten," she replies, as if that's what I'm talking about.

"I'm not talking about the meeting, Lyla." My tone is calm, as if I'm not feeling a whirlwind of emotions right now.

The woman in front of me blinks a few times. Her mouth parts, but no sound comes out. Her eyes fall on the paper in front of my hands. On the positive in front of me.

"Are you... pregnant?" It's almost impossible to miss her excitement and the smile that spreads across her face until it reaches her eyes. "Wow! Pedro is going to jump for joy. Have you told her yet?" H-how did you find out? Please, don't hide anything. She asks, shifting in her chair enough to look at me and contain her excitement.
"I haven't told you yet," I say in a low tone. "I-…"

"You don't seem happy about it." Lyla looks at me seriously. "You think it could be Leonard's, is that it? How many days pregnant are you? Let me see." She doesn't even wait for me to react, just takes the paper and examines it. "Three weeks. I think it really is that idiot."

I take a deep breath and close my eyes, massaging them.

"I know it's Pedro's, Lyla," I answer, opening my eyes and focusing on her. "It's just… it shouldn't have happened now. I just took over the hospital, Pedro has so many things on his plate, and we're still working on the foundation," I say, almost losing my mind. "The first pregnancy was difficult."

Lyla leans over and touches my hand.

"It was hard because you felt alone," she says, looking into my eyes as she gently caresses my hand. "Pedro is here and he's not going anywhere again. He's over the top with a lot of things, including gifts, but he's crazy about you. You can tell he's trying to make up for his absence with his presence and gifts. I know you know that." Her tone is calm, but she's always focused on what she says. "He wasn't here during your pregnancy, when Abby was born. If Pedro even dreams that you're pregnant, God protect us from the crazy acts of love that crazy man is capable of doing to you." Her tone is playful, and it makes me laugh slightly at the thought.

"He wants more children. We had that conversation once," I answer her softly. "But he said he would respect my decision whether or not to have more children."

"Do you want more children?" she asks, her eyes focused on mine.

It's a good question. A few months ago, I would have readily said I don't want any more children. But now, being with Pedro, I don't see that as an option. I've seen how dedicated he is to our daughter, to both of us. I always knew he would be a good father, regardless of his age. Young or old, he would be a good father.

"Pedro is a great father," I reply calmly.

"That's not what I asked, Adrielle," she replies, her tone more serious. "Do you want more children with Pedro?"

I can hear my heart pounding, and my mouth is getting dry. Why does Lyla always have such a serious demeanor?

"Yes, I do. Who wouldn't want children with a man like him?" I ask, almost uncomfortable with her firm stance.

Lyla straightens her posture in her chair and smiles.

"Then tell him that Abby will soon have siblings," she says, smiling. "Looks like we'll be sharing the pregnancy again."

"This time, you got pregnant first." I say, in a light tone. "You know, I think I'm just afraid of reliving all that suffering again…"

"Tell Pedro this and he won't even leave the house," she says, laughing. "I'm happy for you both. It's a new cycle, a fresh start for both of you. I can't wait to tell Victor this news. And your parents, do they know yet? Sofia too?"

I wave my hands in front of me.

"Please don't tell Victor. He can't keep a secret," I warn her, almost desperate. "I want to tell Pedro first. Then the rest of the family will find out."

She smiles.

"They'll be happy."