Chapter 102 - Secret Baby
Amber settled into the passenger seat of Daisy's new car, a small but sleek vehicle that gleamed in the afternoon sun. Daisy adjusted her rearview mirror, giving Amber a bright smile.
"I still can't believe you got this car, Daisy! It's adorable," Amber said, her voice tinged with genuine happiness for her friend.
Daisy chuckled, glancing at Amber before pulling out onto the street. "Thanks, Amber! It's not a luxury car but mine, and I love it. Honestly, it was a surprise when my boyfriend gifted it to me. I think I almost cried."
Amber smiled warmly, feeling a pang of envy and happiness for Daisy. "He sounds like a keeper. It's great to see you so happy."
As they drove, Daisy reached into her purse, pulled out a small envelope, and handed it to Amber. "Speaking of happiness, I wanted to give you this."
Amber took the envelope, curiosity piqued. She opened it and found an invitation letter. "An engagement party?" She looked up, eyes wide with surprise and delight.
Daisy nodded, a beaming smile on her face. "Yep! He's my fiance now. We're getting engaged, and I wanted you to be there. You're one of my closest friends, Amber, even though we haven't known each other for long."
Amber felt a rush of warmth at Daisy's words. "Daisy, that's wonderful! I'm so happy for you. And, of course, I'll be there."
Daisy's smile grew more expansive, and she held out her left hand, displaying a delicate, sparkling ring. "He proposed last week when we were on vacation. I had to wait to tell you in person. Isn't it beautiful?"
Amber examined the ring, her eyes shining with happiness for her friend. "It's gorgeous, Daisy. He did a great job picking it out."
"Thanks! He really did," Daisy said, her voice softening with emotion. "I'm so lucky to have him."
Amber nodded, feeling a twinge of sadness as she thought about her stormy situation with Stefan. "You deserve all the happiness in the world, Daisy. Really."
Daisy glanced at Amber, sensing her friend's mixed emotions. "Hey, things will get better for you, too, Amber. You're strong, and you have people who care about you."
Amber forced a smile, appreciating Daisy's support. "Thanks, Daisy. It means a lot. I'm just focusing on the baby right now." It's been a few days, but Stefan and she haven't talked much about their relationship. She started doubting Stefan's intention, that he had only agreed to live with her for his Grandpa Logan's health and nothing else.
Daisy nodded, her expression turning serious. "And that's important. We'll get you through this appointment, and then we can celebrate my engagement. Deal?"
"Deal," Amber agreed, feeling a bit lighter at having something positive to look forward to.
As Amber and Daisy entered the small, unassuming hospital in the next city, Amber felt a mix of anxiety and anticipation. She was grateful for Daisy's support and the chance to keep this part of her life private.
After checking in, they were soon guided to Dr. Olivier's office. The room
was warm and inviting, with soft lighting and calming decor. Dr. Olivier, a kind-looking woman in her fifties with silver-streaked hair and a gentle demeanor, greeted them with a reassuring smile.
"Amber, it's nice to meet you. Please, have a seat," Dr. Olivier said, gesturing to the comfortable chair beside her desk. Daisy sat nearby, offering silent support.
"Thank you, Doctor," Amber said, her voice trembling slightly. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves.
Dr. Olivier looked at Amber with understanding eyes. "I understand this is your first visit, and I'm here to ensure you and your baby are healthy and taken care of. We'll start with an ultrasound to check on the baby's development, alright?"
Amber nodded, grateful for the Doctor's gentle approach. They moved to the ultrasound room, where Amber lay on the examination table, her heart racing. Daisy stood by her side, holding her hand.
As Dr. Olivier applied the cool gel to Amber's stomach and began the
ultrasound, the room filled with a soft, rhythmic sound. Amber stared at the screen, her eyes widening as a tiny dot appeared, pulsing with life.
"There it is," Dr. Olivier said, her voice filled with warmth. "That's your baby. Everything looks healthy and normal."
Tears welled up in Amber's eyes as she gazed at the tiny dot on the screen. "That's my baby," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.
Daisy squeezed Amber's hand, tears in her own eyes. "Amber, this is incredible. I'm so happy for you."
Dr. Olivier smiled, clearly moved by the moment. "You're doing great, Amber. Your baby is developing well, and everything looks perfect. We'll keep monitoring you to make sure everything stays on track."
Amber wiped away her tears, overwhelmed with relief and joy. "Thank you, Dr. Olivier. This means so much to me."
Dr. Olivier nodded, her expression kind. "It's my pleasure. Being able to share these moments with my patients is why I love what I do. Next time, it's better if your husband will accompany you. Your spouse's support is very crucial."
Amber froze momentarily but immediately forced a smile. "Yes, I'll ask him to come," she said, glancing at Daisy with a knowing look.
"Remember to take care of yourself, and if you have any concerns, don't hesitate to call," Dr. Olivier reminded.
Amber nodded, feeling a newfound sense of strength. "I will. Thank you, Doctor."
As they left the office, Daisy hugged Amber tightly. "You're going to be an amazing mom, Amber. And you're not alone in this. I'm here for you every step of the way."
Amber smiled through tears, deeply grateful for her friend's unwavering support. "Thank you, Daisy. I couldn't do this without you."
As they walked down the hallway, Daisy turned to Amber, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity. "So, Amber, have you decided if you're going to tell Stefan about the baby?" she asked gently, her eyes searching Amber's face for any hint of her decision.
Amber sighed, her steps slowing as she pondered the question. "I still can't decide, Daisy. I need a little more time. My tummy isn't obvious yet, and I want to wait until I have more certainty about my relationship with Stefan before I tell him."
Daisy nodded, her understanding clear in her eyes. "I get it, Amber. It's a big decision. You need to do what feels right for you and the baby. Just know that I'm here for you, no matter what."
"Thank you, Daisy. Your support means the world to me," Amber replied, feeling a surge of gratitude for her friend's unwavering loyalty.
As they continued walking, Daisy suddenly grabbed Amber's arm and pulled her into a corner. Amber gasped, startled by the abrupt movement.
"What's going on, Daisy?" she whispered, her heart racing.
Daisy peeked around the corner, her eyes wide with caution. "It's Bella, our COO. She's coming this way. If she sees you here, she might start asking questions, which could put your secret at risk," she explained in a hushed tone.
Amber's heart skipped a beat. She remembered Stefan asking Bella to care for her while she was attending a business event. They might be in the same circle of friends; Stefan is still a Morgan. If Bella had learned about her pregnancy, she might have gone straight to Stefan.
"Thank you for thinking fast, Daisy. I don't want Bella to know anything yet," Amber whispered back, pressing herself against the wall to stay out of sight.
Amber held her breath, her mind racing, thinking of what could happen if her secret got out too soon. Knowing how dangerous her situation was, she felt a pang of anxiety.
After a few moments, Daisy peeked around the corner again. "She's gone," she whispered, letting out a sigh of relief. "We can go now."
Amber nodded, her heart still pounding. They quickly made their way out of the hospital, trying to keep a low profile. As they stepped outside,
Amber let out a deep breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "That was close. I can't thank you enough, Daisy. You really saved me back there."
Daisy smiled, giving her a reassuring pat on the back. "No problem, Amber. I'm just glad I could help. But this can't go on forever. You must decide whether you want Stefan to know you're pregnant."