Chapter 278 Nausea

Chapter 278 Nausea
Amelia's POV:
Luke's expression hardened, his jaw tightening. "I'm not sure, but I'm going to find out," he said firmly. "I don't think it's her, though. She only found out I was married after I rejected her, and we've been friends for years. It doesn't seem like something she would do." His voice dropped lower, taking on that dangerous edge I'd heard before. "Whoever it is, they won't get away with trying to destroy what we have."
"Don't do anything rash," I cautioned, touching his face gently. "Please be careful how you handle this."
His large hand covered mine, squeezing it reassuringly. "Don't worry. Protecting you and our children is my priority. I'll take care of it."
The next morning, I woke up to an unpleasant churning in my stomach. Before I could even process what was happening, I was rushing to the bathroom, barely making it to the toilet before violent waves of nausea overtook me.
I crouched on the cold tile floor, my body shaking as I emptied what little was in my stomach. Cold sweat beaded on my forehead, and I felt so weak I could barely hold myself upright.
"Amelia?" Luke's concerned voice came from behind me. I felt his warm hand on my back, rubbing gentle circles. "Here, take this."
He handed me a damp washcloth, which I gratefully pressed to my face. The cool material felt heavenly against my clammy skin.
"I've called the doctor," Luke said, kneeling beside me. "He'll be here soon."
I nodded weakly, unable to summon the energy for words. Another wave of nausea hit, and I lurched forward again.
"Shh, it's okay," Luke murmured, holding my hair back with one hand while the other continued its soothing motion on my back. "I'm right here."
When I finally felt like I could move without throwing up again, Luke helped me to my feet and handed me a glass of water.
"Thank you," I managed, taking small sips. "I didn't expect it to be this bad..."
His brow furrowed with concern. "Let's get you back to bed until the doctor arrives."
By nine o'clock, the family doctor had arrived at our Cypress Central home. The distinguished older man examined me thoroughly while Luke hovered nearby, his face a mask of concern.
"It's a normal pregnancy symptom, Mrs. Carter," the doctor explained, "though yours appears to be on the more severe end of the spectrum. Morning sickness can actually occur at any time of day."
Luke stood with his arms crossed, absorbing every word. "What can we do to help her?"
The doctor reached into his bag and pulled out a prescription pad. "I'm going to prescribe an anti-nausea medication that's safe for pregnant women. It should help take the edge off."
I watched as Luke pulled out his phone and started taking notes as the doctor continued his instructions.
"Try eating smaller meals throughout the day rather than three large ones," the doctor advised. "Stay hydrated, and avoid greasy or spicy foods. Ginger tea can also help settle the stomach."
"And the medication—are there any side effects we should watch for?" Luke asked, his tone all business.
The doctor smiled patiently. "It's quite safe, but I'd recommend only taking it when the symptoms are severe. We don't want to overly medicate."
Luke nodded, still typing into his phone. "Could you come by weekly to check on her progress?"
"Luke," I started to protest, "that's not necessary—"
"Of course, Mr. Carter," the doctor replied with a professional smile. "I'd be happy to monitor Mrs. Carter's condition closely."
I felt a rush of emotion watching Luke plan and organize everything. His protective nature had never been more evident than in this moment.
"You don't have to worry so much," I said softly after the doctor left.
Luke sat beside me on the bed, taking my hand in his. His thumb traced gentle patterns across my skin. "This is our baby, Amelia. I want everything to be perfect." His gray eyes met mine, intense and sincere, unusually warm with emotion. "You and our children are my world now. I'm not taking any chances."
My phone suddenly rang on the nightstand, breaking the peaceful moment. Seeing my mother Helen's name flashing on the screen, I hesitated before answering.
Luke raised an eyebrow. "Your mother? At this hour?"
I nodded, sighing softly. "I should probably take it."
He squeezed my hand reassuringly. "Go ahead. I'll be right here."
"Amelia?" Mom's voice sounded weaker than usual.
"Yes, Mom. Is everything okay?" I asked cautiously. Since moving to Cypress Central, our communication had become increasingly sparse.
"I've divorced him," Helen's voice suddenly choked up. "Finally ended that nightmare."
I didn't know what to say, feeling a wave of complicated emotions. "Congratulations? I guess that's good news for you."
"After seeing those photos you sent me of him with that woman..." Helen paused, her voice trembling slightly. "I couldn't keep lying to myself anymore."
"Yes, and most importantly, I didn't give him the house," Helen continued with a hint of pride. "That bastard won't take anything else from me."
I felt a small sense of relief. My mother had finally been decisive for once, not giving that "worthless man" something he didn't deserve.
"I was thinking..." Helen paused, "I'd like to come see you tomorrow, if that's alright?"
Hearing the vulnerability in her voice, I couldn't help but sigh. Though our relationship had never been smooth, she was still my mother.
"Fine," I finally agreed. "You can come over tomorrow morning."
After hanging up, I put my phone back on the nightstand and turned to Luke, who had been watching me with concern.
"Everything okay?" he asked, his arm sliding around my shoulders.
"My mother just got divorced," I explained, leaning into his warmth. "She wants to visit tomorrow."
Luke studied my face. "And you agreed?"
I nodded slowly. "She sounded... different. Vulnerable."
"You have a good heart, Amelia," he said softly, kissing the top of my head. "Just don't let her upset you, especially now."