Chapter 92 Chapter 43

Chapter 92 Chapter 43

Today was her scheduled checkup, and Mikael accompanied her.

She was already embarrassed because he always drove her to and from the hospital. She had rejected his offer several times, but he never gave up. He would always say it was for Tyeron's child, and since Tyeron was his best friend, he wanted to take care of her.

"How are you?" Doctor Mari asked softly.

Lhalhaine looked at the woman and gave her a shy smile.

"I'm doing well, Doc."

"That's good. Don't stress yourself, and make sure to take the vitamins I prescribed," she reminded her seriously.

But Lhalhaine noticed the sadness hidden in the doctor's eyes.

"Doc..." she called softly just as Doctor Mari was about to leave after finishing the examination.

"Yes?"

"Ahmm... how should I say this? Is it normal to be this emotional? And to crave weird foods? Especially sour ones?"

The doctor smiled warmly.

"It's completely normal. Just eat whatever you're craving and do what makes you happy. It will be good for both you and your baby."

Lhalhaine blinked in surprise—not because of the answer, but because the doctor had spoken in her language.

"Y-You know how to speak Filipino?" she asked, eyes wide.

Doctor Mari laughed.

"Yeah, just a little."

Lhalhaine smiled brightly and sat back down.

"Wow! Where did you learn it? Oh, wait... sorry. I ask too many questions."

"It's okay," the doctor replied with a gentle smile. "I like it when my patients open up to me. Besides, I'm free right now."

"Really? Thank you."

The two continued talking.

They chatted about many things. Doctor Mari shared helpful pregnancy tips, the dos and don'ts, and patiently answered every question Lhalhaine had. She could feel the doctor's passion for her work and couldn't help but admire her.

Their conversation was interrupted when the door opened and Mikael walked inside.

"Oh, Kael. Sorry if I took a while. Doc and I were talking," Lhalhaine explained with a smile.

"It's okay. Let's go," Mikael replied with his usual serious expression before helping her stand.

As they were about to leave, Lhalhaine glanced back at Doctor Mari.

For a brief moment, she caught another trace of sadness in the doctor's eyes, as though Mikael's presence had reminded her of something painful.

"Are you okay, Doc?" she asked worriedly.

Doctor Mari quickly looked away.

"I'm fine. Don't mind me."

She gave them a small smile before turning around.

As they walked out of the clinic, Lhalhaine looked at Mikael.

"Did you notice?"

"Are you hungry?" Mikael asked instead.

She frowned for a second before her stomach answered for her with a loud growl.

She looked at her wristwatch.

"Oh no! It's already noon. No wonder I'm starving," she laughed.

"Let's go."

She watched Mikael walk ahead of her and simply sighed before following him.



That evening was the four-month celebration of Lara and Maximo's twins.

Everyone was busy preparing for the small gathering.

Lhalhaine wasn't allowed to help. They kept telling her to rest because of her delicate pregnancy.

So she found herself standing alone on the balcony, quietly gazing at the stars.

"Ty..." she whispered.

"Can you see me from there? How are you? Do you miss me too?"

Tears slowly filled her eyes.

"You know... the doctor said our baby is doing well."

A sad smile appeared on her lips.

"I wish you were here. I wish we were still together."

Her voice trembled.

"I miss you so much. I'm trying to stay strong, but I can't stop myself from hurting every time I remember that I'll never see you again."

She looked up at the endless night sky.

"I wish I could go back... back to the days when you were still here."

"Lyn?"

She immediately wiped away her tears after hearing Lara call her.

"Yes, Sis. I'm here."

Lara stepped onto the balcony.

"Are you okay? Come inside. It's getting cold."

"I'm okay. I'll follow in a little while."

Lara looked at her for a few seconds before sighing.

"Alright."

She quietly went back inside.

Once she was alone again, Lhalhaine gently rubbed her growing belly.

"I promise, Tyeron... I'll take good care of our child."

Fresh tears streamed down her cheeks.

"Please... guide me."

She laughed softly at herself and wiped away her tears.

"Oh no... I'm becoming even more emotional."

She sniffled.

"But don't worry. From now on, I'll try to be stronger... for our baby."

She smiled through her tears.

"I'll give him all the love I have. I promise."

Her voice softened.

"So wherever you are... don't worry about us anymore."

She closed her eyes.

"I'll be okay, Daddy."

After taking a deep breath, she finally went inside.

Her throat felt dry from crying, so she headed to the kitchen to get a glass of water.

As she drank, her eyes landed on a large jar of peanut butter beside the refrigerator.

Suddenly, her stomach growled.

Her mouth watered.

For some reason, she suddenly craved peanut butter... with chocolate...

And sour green mangoes.

She swallowed hard while staring at the peanut butter.

Just as she was about to grab it—

"I've been looking for you everywhere."

She turned around.

Mikael stood by the kitchen entrance, looking at her with concern.

Without saying anything, she picked up the peanut butter jar and smiled sweetly at him.

Mikael immediately looked suspicious.

"Why are you smiling like that?"

Instead of answering, she slowly walked toward him.

"Kael..." she called sweetly.

He instantly took a step backward.

"Stop that, Lyn," he said seriously.

She pouted.

"We're hungry..."

"If you're hungry, I'll get you something to eat. Wait here."

She quickly shook her head.

"I don't want the food they prepared anymore."

He looked confused.

"Why?"

Instead of answering, she lowered her eyes to the peanut butter jar in her hands.

Mikael immediately understood.

"Do you want me to make you a peanut butter sandwich?"

She shook her head again.

"Never mind... it's embarrassing."

She turned away, but Mikael stopped her.

"Just tell me what you want, Lyn."

She hesitated.

"No... it's okay. Just ignore me. Go back to the others. They're probably looking for you."

Mikael sighed.

"No. Tell me first."

His voice became gentler.

"I promised my best friend I'd take care of you and his baby. So tell me what you need."

She slowly faced him again.

"I... I want to eat peanut butter..."

"And?" he asked.

"...Chocolate."

She paused before lowering her head.

"And... sour green mangoes."

Silence filled the kitchen.

Then—

Mikael chuckled.

She looked up at him with an embarrassed face.

"Why are you laughing?"

"Because..."

A small smile appeared on his lips.

"You're cute."

Her cheeks instantly turned red, and she looked away.

"Wait here."

He smiled.

"I'll go buy you chocolates and sour mangoes."

That night, Mikael really came back with chocolates and fresh green mangoes.

Lhalhaine's eyes sparkled with happiness.

She thanked him over and over, almost hugging him out of excitement.

She happily dipped slices of sour mango into melted chocolate before spreading peanut butter on them.

Everyone watched her in amusement.

Heckson and Mikael couldn't stop grinning.

Cyrex and Maximo remained expressionless as always.

Meanwhile, Lara laughed so hard that tears formed in her eyes.

"So these are pregnancy cravings..." she said between laughs.

Lhalhaine simply smiled as she continued enjoying every bite.