Chapter 5 - THE BABY HE NEVER EXPECTED
I told Adrian about the baby on a rainy Thursday.
We were sitting in the conservatory.
He was listening to a recording of Bach.
I had been sick all morning.
Rosa had noticed.
She asked whether I wanted a doctor.
I said no.
But Adrian heard the conversation.
That evening, he asked:
“Evelyn, are you ill?”
I looked down.
“No.”
He waited.
Then I whispered:
“I'm pregnant.”
Silence.
Adrian didn't move.
I swallowed.
“The baby isn't yours.”
His expression remained unreadable.
“I know.”
I stared.
“What?”
He nodded slowly.
“Rosa suspected.”
My face burned.
“I should have told you before the wedding.”
Adrian shook his head.
“You weren't required to disclose your private medical information to a stranger.”
Tears filled my eyes.
I looked away.
“The father left.”
Adrian was quiet.
Then asked:
“Do you want to keep the baby?”
I nodded immediately.
“Yes.”
He smiled faintly.
“Then we'll make sure you have everything you need.”
My eyes filled.
I whispered:
“You don't have to do that.”
Adrian turned toward me.
“Evelyn.”
His voice softened.
May you like
“Children aren't debts.”
And for the first time since discovering I was pregnant, I cried without fear.
