Chapter 372
“Well... when you were delirious, you asked me to... um... leave sex until tomorrow, because you didn't have the strength today.”
Lilian's face, already red from fever, turned scarlet with embarrassment. She closed her eyes tightly, wishing she could disappear.
“That was your imagination! I didn't say anything like that!” she retorted hastily. “Argh, go get dressed before I change my mind and force you right now! You'll regret it!”
“Yes, ma'am...” Ethan laughed, raising his hands in surrender.
He didn't want to tire her any further, but seeing that spark of personality, even though she was ill, relieved him.
Ethan ran to the closet and returned dressed in comfortable but elegant black silk pajamas. He didn't return to bed immediately. He went to a corner of the room and made an urgent call.
"Harry, check Carlos's location.
If he's stuck at a traffic light, send scouts to clear the way. I want him here now.“
”What happened, boss? Does Carlos need...“
”Stop asking questions and do as I say!“ Ethan ordered, his voice icy.
”Calm down, boss. I'm checking... He's a mile from the residence. The street is clear. He'll be there in two minutes.
— Great.
Ethan hung up and called security at the gate, ordering them to let the doctor in immediately.
Once that was done, he stood still, watching his sleeping wife. Her breathing was a little heavy, and worry began to gnaw at him again. He felt helpless.
Minutes later, a soft knock on the door broke the silence.
“Come in,” Ethan said, walking back to the side of the bed.
The door opened and Carlos—not Lilian's grandfather, but Dr. Carlos, an elite physician and one of Ethan's best friends—entered with his briefcase, calm and professional.
“Ethan! Good to see you, although I wish it were under different circumstances.” Carlos greeted him, stopping beside him. “So, this is the mysterious patient who had you in a panic?”
Carlos looked at the beautiful woman sleeping in the bed, intrigued. He had never seen her before.
“She's my wife, Carlos,” Ethan revealed bluntly as he gently brushed the hair from Lilian's forehead. “Please examine her. She has a high fever and is complaining of body aches. I've already given her an antipyretic.”
Carlos's jaw dropped. His medical composure disappeared for a second.
“Wife?!”
He looked from Ethan to Lilian, completely shocked. The eternal bachelor, the ice man, had gotten married? And no one knew?
“Since when do you have a wife, Ethan? And why the hell wasn't I invited to the wedding?”
“What are you waiting for? Hurry up...” Ethan narrowed his eyes at Carlos, impatience overflowing in his voice.
Carlos didn't answer. He immediately began checking Lilian's vital signs. He moved with professional caution, avoiding any unnecessary eye contact with the patient, as he could feel Ethan's gaze burning into his back. His friend looked ready to drill a hole through his skull if he lingered on her skin for more than a second.
After taking her temperature and listening to her heart, Carlos straightened up and turned to Ethan.
“Her fever is high, but the medication you gave her has started to take effect. It's under control for now.” Carlos paused, analyzing his mental notes. "As for the cause of the fever... I need to examine her further. Ideally, we should do a blood test.
With your consent, of course.
Ethan frowned, clearly dissatisfied with the vague diagnosis.
Noticing his friend's tension, Carlos hastened to explain:
"Don't worry. I'll stay here at the mansion for a while longer to monitor her reaction to the antipyretic. If her fever rises in the next hour, I'll administer a stronger dose via intravenous drip. Now, I'm going to prepare the equipment to collect a small blood sample. It'll be quick.
“I understand.” Ethan nodded, but gestured toward the sofa in the corner of the room. “Okay. But would you mind sitting with me for a minute before you stick my wife with a needle?”
It wasn't a question, it was an order. Carlos sighed and followed him, sitting down in the armchair while Ethan remained standing, restless.
Carlos stared at him, waiting for Ethan's murderous aura to subside before expressing the curiosity that was eating away at him.
“Ethan, my old friend... since when did you remarry?” Carlos asked, feigning hurt.
“If you had invited me, I would have come, even if it was on the other side of the world. Why was I excluded from your second wedding?”
Ethan let out a deep sigh, running his hand through his hair.
“I never remarried, Carlos.” He looked at Lilian, who was asleep. “I only married once. And I never divorced.”
“You... what?” Carlos stammered, shocked. “Are you telling me she's... the same woman? Lilian?”
“Yes. I'm sorry I lied in the past when I said I was divorced. It was a form of protection. We separated, yes, but the divorce was never finalized. We reconciled earlier this year.”
Carlos leaned back, absorbing the information.
“I see. You don't need to apologize, my friend. I know your family situation is... complicated.” Carlos smiled sincerely. “Well, I'm glad you got back together. And that being the case... I think it's appropriate to congratulate you. But not just for the reconciliation.”
Ethan raised an eyebrow.
“What do you mean?”
Carlos lowered his voice, becoming clinical, but with a sparkle of excitement in his eyes.
“Congratulations, because... there's a strong possibility your wife is pregnant.”
Ethan's world stopped.
“I observed some physical signs and typical symptoms during the preliminary exam,” Carlos continued. “But, of course, I'll only be absolutely sure after the blood test.”
It took Ethan a moment to process the words. The air seemed to thin. His eyes widened, fixed on his friend.
“Carlos...” Ethan's voice trembled, failing. “Can you repeat what you just said?”
Seeing the look of utter shock and tension in Ethan's body, Carlos became concerned. He knew about the couple's difficult history, their failed attempts in the past.
Carlos cleared his throat cautiously.
“Ethan, as I mentioned, she shows clinical signs consistent with early pregnancy. However... in rare cases, these symptoms can be caused by other hormonal conditions or stress. So, for now, there are no guarantees.”
Ethan's expression turned somber, the fear of disappointment battling with hope.
“But...” Carlos tried to balance his optimism. “Based on my years of experience, the probability is high. Congratulations, dad. But give me a few hours to confirm with the lab.”
Ethan's heart pounded against his ribs, an uneven drumbeat of emotion.
Pregnant?