64
Carlos jolted awake when he realized Chelsea wasn't beside him. He had fallen into a deep sleep after staying up all night watching over her. He quickly searched for his wife and the first place he checked was the bathroom.
Sure enough, Chelsea was there, vomiting.
"Why didn't you wake Daddy up before going to the bathroom? Look, your IV is bleeding like this," Carlos protested, not pleased that Chelsea had done everything herself. After all, his role as a husband was to be there to care for and protect her.
"Daddy was sleeping so soundly that I nearly fell, but you weren't disturbed at all. I didn't want to bother you, so I went alone," Chelsea explained, wiping her mouth.
"How are you feeling now? Do you still feel like vomiting?" Carlos asked, quickly hugging Chelsea, afraid she might fall.
Chelsea shook her head. "I'm done, Dad. There's nothing left to throw up, and my stomach would hurt if I forced it."
"Let's go back to bed." Carlos carried Chelsea back to their bed, slowly laying her down. He also instructed the nurse to adjust the placement of her IV.
"Why is it, Dad, that pregnancy can make me feel nauseous and dizzy? I feel weak every time I vomit," Chelsea complained, adjusting her sleeping position. She also asked Carlos to add another pillow to raise her head a bit.
"It's called morning sickness, dear. It's normal to face this in the first trimester of pregnancy. But don't worry; it won't last long. Usually, after three months, it starts getting better, and you can enjoy a more pleasant pregnancy," Carlos reassured her, smoothing Chelsea's disheveled hair.
"Oh, really, Dad? I thought pregnancy was just waiting for the baby to be born, but apparently, there's a struggle to go through. Does that mean my birth mother also experienced this?" She asked with a sad expression, remembering that she had once been abandoned by her biological mother.
"Pregnancy can be this difficult and painful, so why did my birth mother want to abandon me under a bridge that day? She should have known how hard pregnancy is, so why did she..."
Carlos silenced Chelsea by covering her mouth with his index finger. "You must not speak like that. Maybe your birth mother was in a state of confusion and didn't know what to do. Or perhaps there was pressure from a third party that made her take that desperate step. But let's focus on the positive right now, my dear.
If your birth mother hadn't abandoned you that day, you wouldn't have met your adoptive parents. That means we would never have come together and reached the happiness we have now."
"True, Dad, but..."
"No 'buts,' my dear. Everything has been arranged in such a way that we, as humans and figures in this life, can only live our lives according to the measures that have been set. When I think about it, maybe I also wouldn't have been able to face such a great loss when I lost Vano's mother. But after finding you, I tried to make peace with it and consider that everything was destined for me to go through before finding the eternal happiness we have now."
Chelsea nodded, agreeing with what Carlos said.
"Pa, is the nurse still a while from coming here? She was here briefly earlier to fix the IV. Can I ask for something before they come back?"
"What would you like?" Carlos asked as he adjusted Chelsea's blanket.
"Want this." Chelsea pointed to her lips.
"Just a little, okay?" Carlos leaned closer and kissed his wife's lower lip. He was a little hesitant to have more sex while he was in the hospital. Even though the curtains had been put up last night, it still felt awkward if anyone found out that the two of them were enjoying themselves in the hospital bed.
But in reality, all of that was just in Carlos' mind, because Chelsea had already unbuttoned the pajamas she was wearing. It shows two mounds that are never covered by a triangular object. I don't understand why I can't stop myself from asking Carlos for inner support. Strangely, he felt this way since he was two.
It felt like Chelsea was really thirsty for her husband's touch, but unfortunately this was in the hospital.
“Honey, how?” Carlos whispered as Chelsea put her hands into the jogger pants she was wearing.
Squeezing hers down there. What man wouldn't stiffen when his wife teased him so intensely?
“But I want to, Dad. Just a little," Chelsea whispered, not wanting to be denied at all. She also really craved her husband's touch, not just kissing his lips. Chelsea wanted Carlos to enter her body and hit her deep.
Carlos reluctantly nodded his head and joined Chelsea on the bed. He covered both of their bodies, not removing their clothes completely. Carlos only lowered his trousers to his thighs, then he took off the trousers Chelsea was wearing.
Drowning yourself in his body.
Chelsea let out a long sigh, this was what she had wanted all along to feel how full her possessions were down there because of Carlos' arrival. Slowly Carlos began to move and give satisfaction to his wife, slurping both mounds alternately. Of course, this made Chelsea fly and soar high into the air.
He couldn't hold back his moans so they started echoing in the treatment room. Unlike usual lovemaking, Carlos chose to go up and down slowly but in rhythm with squeezing and sucking on Chelsea's mound, of course still able to make the woman writhe in pleasure and get a release. Meanwhile, Carlos tried not to let himself go in there.
He didn't want any negative impact on his wife's pregnancy. As the doctor said, Carlos had to be slow and gentle in treating Chelsea when having husband and wife relations.
"Dad, mom, is it still long?" asked Vano from behind the curtain, the man came to bring breakfast for Carlos and Chelsea, but unfortunately when he entered he found the sound of sighing and groaning from behind the curtain.
Luckily it was Vano who came in, not the hospital or other visitors. Carlos didn't answer, the man rushed out of bed and put his trousers back on properly. Likewise with Chelsea.
"Next time you want to ask, just at night, darling. "Don't be at a dangerous hour like this," whispered Carlos as he re-buttoned Chelsea's pajamas.
Chelsea just nodded and smiled. For some reason, he was happy to see Carlos' panicked face, who was afraid of being discovered that they were currently having husband and wife relations. Carlos quickly opened the curtain and invited Vano to put the food under it on the nightstand.
"I didn't go home last night, but when I got here I heard something like, ah, ugh," grumbled Vano, putting down the paper bag he was carrying.
"I wish there wouldn't be a scene like that. But your mother asked for it forcefully."
"No, your father was the one who couldn't help himself," replied Chelsea, not wanting to be blamed. He would be really embarrassed if Vano found out that he was the one who was so aggressive towards Carlos.
"It's the same, if Mama and Daddy didn't both follow their heart's desires, it certainly wouldn't have ended like that. It's quite chilling when I hear your sighs this early in the morning."
"Later, you will also experience it because in a little while, you and Celine will get married," Carlos said.
Vano simply laughed in response to Carlos's last words. Getting married? What kind of marriage would he have with Celine, especially since their relationship had already fallen apart last night.
"Don't talk about that for now," Vano replied, changing the subject. "Go ahead, Dad, take a shower first, then we can have breakfast. You can also help Mom with her bath and cleaning up. It's not appropriate to welcome the medical team with a dirty body like this." Vano walked away and settled down on the couch. "Oh, by the way, Dad, I didn't come home last night, is that okay? And it seems like I'll be staying in the apartment for the next few days."
"Why is that?" Carlos raised his eyebrows. "Is there something bothering you at home to the point where you're staying in that darn apartment?"
Vano chuckled slightly. "Dad, I'm not running away from home. You don't need to worry. I left not because something was bothering me, but because I needed some time alone to reconsider whether I want to marry Celine or not. Because suddenly, I feel lazy to continue the relationship with her."
"Why? Weren't you deeply in love with Celine?"
"I was in love, yes. But if it's too controlling, I don't like it, especially since she's so jealous of Mom, even though I've told her that Mom is your wife, so it's impossible for me to have a relationship with Mom. I even clarified once again that it was Mom who had been seeking your blessing for our relationship. But despite all that, she remained stubborn, thinking that Mom is a third party. I don't like being accused like that, so our relationship ended last night."
"That shouldn't be the case," Chelsea interjected as she was now being helped by Carlos to get out of bed. "As I told you yesterday, it's understandable that Celine is jealous because you're too close to me. If your dad saw, he might also get jealous when we joke and chat on campus."
"How could I be jealous of both of you when I already have you entirely, and I know how much you love me," Carlos defended himself, continuing to blame Vano for deciding to end his relationship with Celine.
"Yes, that's because your dad knows me, but he doesn't know us," Chelsea kept defending Celine's actions.
"But she knows that I love her so much. So why is she acting like this?" Vano interrupted, not wanting to hear Chelsea defend his ex-girlfriend any longer.
"Well, maybe you should reconsider it once or twice more. Your relationship with Celine has been going on for a long time, so it's not fair to end it just because she's jealous of your mom. It's better to give her a chance and also let Celine know that your mom is pregnant. Soon, you'll have a sibling, so she can be truly convinced that there's no special relationship between you and Chelsea, except for the stepmother and stepson relationship."
“Whatever, I'll think about it later. For the time being I want to enjoy some time alone. Being alone in the apartment while thinking about the future would certainly be very enjoyable.”
Unfortunately Daddy won't let you live in the apartment anymore. Daddy is afraid that you will get caught up in promiscuity so that you forget yourself and don't know the land."
"That's what Daddy said, but in fact I was never tempted at all. Moreover, touching haram drinks."
"Not touching but, you came home drunk and almost slept with your mother," Carlos protested before going into the bathroom with Chelsea. "Daddy doesn't accept objections, basically you can't live in the apartment," concluded Carlos as he closed the bathroom door.
Vano chuckled when he heard his father's words. I was just annoyed because all this time Carlos had not given his blessing but now he was adamant about asking him to improve his relationship with his father. It was so unreasonable and upsetting that Vano decided to just go to campus. Preparing for the thesis trial which he will soon go through.
Instead of having a headache thinking about Celine, it would be better for him to focus on his thesis. When Vano left, Margareth came and immediately entered without asking permission from anyone in the room. He knitted his eyebrows when he saw no one there. Neither Chelsea as a patient was in her bed.
However, Margareth heard the sound of gurgling water from the bathroom. He was sure that if Chelsea and Carlos were in the bathroom, he would prepare his mind and heart to see the intimacy of his lover and his adopted daughter.
65Therefore, when Carlos and Chelsea came out, their hair was both wet and Chelsea was in Carlos' arms. Margareth tried to keep a smile on her lips."Thank you Carlos, you look after Chelsea like your own daughter, it's not even awkward to take a shower with Chelsea." Margareth quipped, approaching Carlos who had just put Chelsea on the bed."Mum thought wrongly, Daddy showered earlier than me. Just now Daddy just…”"No need to argue anymore. Mother has been here for almost half an hour and I very clearly heard that you and your father were taking a shower together. "Are you guys that close that you're not at all embarrassed about having your body touched by a man?" Margareth urged Chelsea to admit that there was a special relationship between them.Chelsea shook her head. "It's not like you thought, Daddy just bathed me. I was wearing clothes earlier.""Ah, I see..." Margareth went to the bathroom. He brought Chelsea and Carlos' dirty clothes. "Look, both of your clothes are dry. So
66Celine had always been a source of disturbance and torment for Vano, constantly questioning his whereabouts. Yet, Vano had consistently informed Celine of his daily activities, whether he was going to campus or returning from it.Celine nodded, fully understanding the meaning and purpose of Carlos' words. She also felt relieved that Carlos had truly accepted her presence in the house. However, the challenge she had to face now was Vano himself. He still had her phone number blocked, claiming that he didn't want to discuss their relationship and needed some time alone.Celine would have to wait for the right moment when Vano was willing to talk to her and provide certainty about the future of their relationship. Even though Vano had openly stated that their relationship was over, Celine still saw it as fine."Chelsea, what are you doing here? It's late; it's time to rest," Margareth interjected as she emerged from her room. She promptly sent Chelsea back to her room since it was alr
67He never expected to have a wife who could think so maturely, even though she was much younger than him. Chelsea was also very different from girls her age. She wasn't selfish at all and could even be a calming influence on his emotions, which had always been uncontrollable. Carlos also admitted that without Chelsea, he might not have been able to make peace with Vano up to this point, let alone give his blessing for his son to marry Celine.Margareth watched with her eyes and head. When Carlos ushered her out, there was a hint of fear in his eyes. Surely there was a disagreement between Chelsea and Carlos at the moment because of the discussion about the diamond earlier. Margareth was very sure that Carlos and Chelsea were currently arguing about the gift Carlos had never given to Chelsea.However, all those thoughts of conflict were only in Margareth's mind. She was standing in front of the bedroom door, but there was no sound coming from inside. As a result, Margareth had to pre
68Margareth continued to gaze at the diamond ring still encircling her ring finger. The memory of Carlos kneeling and proposing to her remained vivid in her mind. Unfortunately, that day, Tomas was still hanging in the balance, and Margareth couldn't give Carlos a definite answer regarding their wedding.If only Margareth had taken that bold step back then, she and Carlos would have been married by now. Instead, it was Chelsea and that man who had woven the bonds of matrimony. You can't imagine the depth of Margareth's regret, even though Kevin and her customers were ready to console her. Carlos remained in her thoughts because he was the only one truly committed to marrying her. Regrettably, Chelsea had cunningly snatched him away, leaving Margareth with no way back to Carlos.Margareth placed the ring on the nightstand, occasionally glancing at it. Thoughts swirled in her mind, picturing Chelsea and Tomas, who had been a part of her life. She remembered how she had cared for and ra
69Chelsea shook her head. "No, Dad. I wanted a bowl of cereal with thick, creamy milk. But I wanted you to make it, not the nanny.""Now?""No, not until Dedek is born," Chelsea's lips pouted."You're something else," Carlos chuckled a bit before heading to the kitchen to prepare Chelsea's order. Before cooking, of course, he needed to shower to feel clean and fresh. Technically, Carlos still had work to finish this morning, but his wife's request was his top priority now. It's better to fulfill the pregnant lady's wishes than risk her having cravings, as the saying goes.While he was busily making cereal for Chelsea, the pregnant woman followed him to the kitchen. She hugged him from behind, resting her head on his back."Why did you take so long, Daddy? I'm hungry and can't wait to have my cereal.""Well, you'll have to wait a bit. Daddy's just about to pour the milk into the cereal.""But why is it taking so long?""It's not that long; it's just that you're impatient. Daddy's only
70Although her relationship with Margareth wasn't good, Carlos still involved the woman in preparing Vano and Celine's wedding. Unfortunately, Margareth didn't want to follow Carlos' invitation. She had started to become disgusted by the intimacy displayed between Chelsea and Carlos in the house, but she also didn't want to leave Carlos's residence because she felt it was still her rightful place to stay.She also wasn't ready to leave before settling all her grudges with Chelsea. Margareth wouldn't leave until she saw Chelsea in tears, which is why, while everyone was busy preparing for Vano and Celine's wedding, Margareth wandered around with Kevin looking for clients to support herself, as Chelsea only allocated her two million per week.Even that money handed over to Margareth was money she requested from Carlos for that woman. If Chelsea had been honest with her husband, she could have still received her monthly allowance, but Chelsea didn't want to deceive Carlos and wasn't ope
71"There's no reason for me to leave you, Darling." Carlos pinched Chelsea's chin. "All the perfection of a woman is in you, so there's no reason for me to waste the perfection of a wife like you. Moreover..." Carlos knelt in front of Chelsea and pressed his ear to her belly. "Soon, we'll be parents. How perfect is this happiness for me.""Of course. Because you're a good man, patient, and you know how to treat a wife.""I'm like this because my wife is an amazing person. So we complement each other, making us a perfectly perfect couple." Chelsea couldn't find words to respond to all of Carlos' sweet words, she could only wipe away the tears that flowed at the corners of her eyes. Carlos responded with a tight hug."Today feels so heavy, my Love. It's as if something will be missing from my life, I don't know what, but it feels like my chest is so tight, and I'm afraid of losing something," Carlos expressed what had been bothering him since he started packing early this morning.He d
72"Daddy, where's Mama?" Vano asked, following Carlos, who stood at the doorway. He scanned the room, looking for his wife among the extended family gathered for Vano and Celine's wedding."Mama, what do you mean? Didn't your mom enter with you and the others earlier?" Carlos responded."Yes, but Auntie said Mama left with Margareth. She said you asked for it, Daddy.""I never asked for anything, I swear! Wait a minute." Carlos paused. "That means Chelsea and Margareth left in a car?""Yes, she said there was...""Margareth, damn it!" Carlos cursed as he rushed out of the room, with Vano following closely behind."Why, Dad?" Vano tried to keep up with Carlos."Why did you let Margareth take Chelsea with her? She's clearly a madwoman, and you all were so careless.""I'm sorry, Dad."Vano and Carlos hurried to the car, chasing after Margareth and Chelsea. They hoped that this foreboding feeling was something only they experienced."Van, why did you leave? What about our wedding!?" Celi
Gibran continued, "As for our divorce, I've already agreed to it. We'll proceed with the legal process, and you'll be free to start a new chapter in your life. I hope you find the happiness you deserve."The conversation between Viska and Gibran marked the beginning of the end of their tumultuous marriage. While their emotions were still raw, they had come to a mutual understanding that it was time to move on and seek happiness elsewhere.Gibran's frustration and pent-up emotions poured out as he defended his actions. He felt betrayed by Viska, who had consistently pushed him away and made unfavorable comparisons with Nicholas. Their relationship had become a battleground of insecurities, and Gibran had sought solace with Shabila.Viska's accusations stung, but Gibran was determined to make her understand the context of his actions. He continued, "Viska, I don't want to justify what I did, but it was a result of our broken marriage. We both contributed to its downfall. I needed someth
190"Also," Bryan paused, kissing Silvi's lips briefly."Don't forget that the night we were together, I can assure you, it's my child."Silvi shook her head. "It's not Devin's child. Do you think after that night, I didn't do anything with other men? Did you really think that night was the only time someone touched me? No, there have been many other nights with so many men because I felt like I wasn't pure anymore. So I was free to do it with anyone since my life was already a mess.""S-so... instead of slightly more ruining myself, and the last time it was done to me was by Devin. That's why he's willing to take responsibility. He's also convinced that this is his child."Bryan let out a bitter laugh, releasing Silvi from his embrace. "Is that so?" He loosened his tie, which had felt suffocating after hearing Silvi's explanation. "Let's prove that what you said is true." He took off the suit jacket that clung to his body.“W-what are you doing?” Silvi stepped back. Hugging her own b
189"No way! I won't leave until I meet Gibran. He has to take responsibility for this child," Shabila insisted, refusing to budge. She held onto Viska and stood her ground."Leave, I said! Go!"Viska couldn't bear Shabila's stubbornness and forcefully pulled her arm, nearly causing Shabila to stumble."What's wrong with you!" Shabila pushed away Viska's hand and fixed her disheveled hair. "Are you afraid your husband's actions will be known to your parents? Or is it that you refuse to accept the truth?" Shabila began to rant."I don't understand what you're saying. Now leave!" Viska demanded."Wait, Viska! Mom wants to ask this woman something." Viska's mother restrained her daughter and turned to Shabila. "Why did you let my granddaughter get pregnant? Don't you know he's already married? What do you want from us? Money?"Shabila seethed with anger. Her dignity felt insulted when the middle-aged woman mentioned money."Do you think I'm a lowly woman who just surrenders her body to a
188Shabila spent the whole day in frustration, angry that she couldn't meet Gibran at his cafe. She paced back and forth in her room, thinking of ways to meet him."Do you think you can avoid me forever? You won't be able to, Gibran. I have to make you take responsibility for the child I'm carrying. You won't be able to escape. Just wait and see."Shabila clenched her fists, planning a thousand ways to meet Gibran. "If I can't find you at the cafe, I'll come to your house. Let's see if you can still avoid me," she muttered to herself.Gibran decided to visit the club where he had met Shabila some time ago. He had a bad feeling about Shabila's visit to his cafe and wanted to find out what had really happened between them that night. Honestly, Gibran didn't remember much because he had been heavily intoxicated that night.Upon arriving at the club, Gibran called one of the waitresses and conveyed his request to meet with the club's owner."I'd like to discuss something important with y
187"What brand would you like, Miss?" The employee asked while displaying several different brands of pregnancy tests.Shabila looked puzzled, which only fueled the employee's suspicions. "Is this your first time buying a pregnancy test?" she guessed with a condescending glance."Y-yes," Shabila replied hesitantly. Seeing the employee looking down on her, Shabila's heart began to boil. "I am already married, just so you know. Here's my ID," she said abruptly, opening her wallet and showing her ID card, which still stated her marital status as MARRIED. Her divorce from Arya was only religious; it wasn't legally recognized yet.Seeing the ID placed on the counter, the pharmacy employee became flustered. She was torn between embarrassment and guilt. "I'm s-sorry, Miss, I didn't mean to—""It's fine, I understand!" Shabila retorted sharply, then pointed towards the pregnancy tests. "So, which one is the best?" she asked.She deliberately didn't want to prolong the issue since she wanted
186Several days had passed, and today was the ceremonial bath event for Silvi. Everything was well-prepared, and the guests were moved by the event, which was expertly guided by the paid organizers, arranged by Silvi's parents. Silvi's large family wore matching light green kebaya, while Devin's family, who were present, wore light blue kebaya. The event was conducted with great solemnity, and Silvi looked beautiful despite wearing makeup that wasn't too flashy.This ceremony included many symbols and motifs that served as lessons or guidelines for the couple, influencing their married life. These symbols or motifs mainly conveyed advice and useful insights for the newlyweds' life together. That's why Mama Silvi insisted on holding the ceremonial bath event, even though Silvi and Devin had been married before.In addition to the food ordered for the guests and relatives, the organizers had prepared specific dishes usually served during this ceremonial bath event. These included tumpe
185Meanwhile, Silvi and Devin listened to the doctor's explanations during the examination. Silvi's pregnancy was already at three weeks. The doctor prescribed vitamins and anti-nausea medication since Silvi mentioned she often felt dizzy and nauseous. Devin didn't ask any questions because it was his first time in a obstetrician's office. He was confused about how to react. Silvi was the one who asked all the questions.Silvi got her next appointment scheduled, and then they left. Devin and Silvi went to the hospital's pharmacy to pick up the prescribed medicines first. Then, Devin asked Silvi where she wanted to go."I don't know. I just feel like lying down in my room.""Why's that? Don't you want to go out together?" Devin asked softly. They were now in the car. "How about having ice cream and buying some new sleepwear for you?""What's the point of buying sleepwear?""Because you're pregnant, and I want you to sleep comfortably. How about it?""I don't want to," Silvi said, maki
184As a father, whose heart wouldn't break upon learning that his daughter is pregnant with no official partner by her side? He felt like a terrible father, willing to do anything as long as the man who impregnated his daughter, Silvi, would take responsibility.Pregnancy is never an easy journey for a woman, especially without a husband by her side. The man Silvi referred to as the father finally decided to find Devin, the man who should be held accountable for what happened to Silvi. He took a taxi to Devin's whereabouts, hoping that he would indeed be there. Impatiently sitting in the taxi, the weary-looking man, no longer in his youth, stared at his phone screen. The journey from the city to the village was quite long, which was why he opted for a taxi. Besides, he didn't want any unpleasant conversations about Silvi if he had brought his driver along.Fortunately, he found out about Silvi's pregnancy before it was too late, or who knows what might have happened. He sighed wearil
183Nicholas didn't want anything to happen to their unborn child. So, he tried his best to grant her wishes. Besides, Alesya's request was relatively easy to fulfill, and it had been quite some time since they had visited her hometown."Are you happy?" Nicholas asked.Alesya turned and nodded. "I've really missed my hometown. As nice as it is to live in the city, the hometown is the number one place to visit," Alesya replied. "Besides, all my childhood memories are buried there."Hearing Alesya's response, Nicholas could only smile. He, who had lived in the city since childhood, never experienced life in the village. So, he didn't fully understand what Alesya meant. In his mind, Alesya might just miss the peaceful atmosphere of the village because the city was quite noisy."Get some rest; I'll wake you up when we arrive," Nicholas said after a moment of silence."Okay."Alesya adjusted her seating position to make herself more comfortable. She also slightly reclined her seat to make