Chapter 5

Kathryn’s POV

I kept my lips closed and left without looking back, despite Wilhelm’s incessant protests of telling me to stop walking and face him instead. 

Ignoring him, I reminded myself that I was only here to drop off his lunch. Now, refocusing on my priority I headed back inside the car for my monthly prenatal check-up.

As I arrived at the hospital with worry in my heart, the check-up and ultrasound surprisingly went well, but I barely felt my excitement as my mind was still on the events that had happened a while ago. 

Taking a deep breath, I tried my best to remove them from my mind when Dr. Miller began to inspect my belly. 

“Let’s see here,” Dr. Miller nodded her head several times as her eyes alight with a sparkle of curious wonder. “Oh, I have great news for you, Mrs. Reinhardt!” She placed down the sonogram, and faced me with a grin on her face. 

My breath caught in anticipation, unsure if this was something worth celebrating as she made it sound to be. 

“Congratulations! You’re pregnant with twins! Although we’ve yet to see what gender they’re having, still, this is joyous news!”

I didn’t move at first, my body frozen in shock from her unexpected words.

“Twins?” I repeated. “That’s—I mean, oh, goodness!” Tears welled up at the corners of my eyes, a jumble of emotions making it impossible to pick just one. “I never knew a day like this would come. Thank you for telling me, Dr. Miller,” I said, after wiping one of my cheeks.

Dr. Miller inclined her head and smiled at me. “How do you feel about it, learning that you’re having not one, but two babies instead?” 

“After trying for years, I never really expected that I’d get to be pregnant, let alone with twins,” my hand went on to rub my bulging belly. “I can’t wait to meet them,” and I meant every word of it. 

These children, although I haven’t seen their faces yet, were something that brought light to my already dimming world.

“I’m happy to share this news with you, Mrs. Reinhardt. However, moving forward, it’s crucial that you prioritize your well-being as well,” she started. “Maintaining a stress-free environment is particularly important as twins are more susceptible to premature birth,” and I nodded my head in agreement, listening intently to her every word. “It’s best that you prioritize your health. Always take a deep breath; relax your above all else, because this will significantly contribute to the development of your babies,” Dr. Miller stressed. 

“I understand,” I said, sitting upright. “I’ll make sure to get rid of all the stress that I feel.”

“If things are affecting your mental health…” She hesitated for a moment when she caught the grim expression on my face, but I signaled for her to continue, “...well, it’s best that you avoid it at all cost.” 

I didn’t take my eyes off her as I said, “I will take your every word, doctor.” 

“Alright then. I guess we’re done here,” she grinned. And just when she was about to escort me out of the door, I spoke again. 

“Dr. Miller, I know you’re well acquainted with my husband and his family,” I began, “however, if you could, I’d like to keep between us the fact that I’m having twins—” I smiled, and she didn’t seem to mind it, “—at least for now.”

Dr. Miller looked at the part confused, but she still agreed with my request. “Of course, Mrs. Reinhardt. Patient confidentiality is part of our oath.” 

With that said, I felt even more determined to stay away from my husband’s family. All the things I had been through with them were making my pregnancy even harder, which made me all the more certain that I needed to get a divorce right now unless I wanted to put my babies in danger.

Dr. Miller assisted me as we made our way out the door and exchanged our goodbyes. 

Once I got into the car, the driver looked at me from his seat and asked, “Where to, Mrs. Reinhardt?”

I wouldn’t have to hear that name any longer after Wilhelm and I separated. So, I pulled out my phone, and dialed my attorney’s number in haste. “Let’s visit my attorney’s office.”