Chapter 80 : The Headline (2)

More than a month since Midori's last checkup with Dr. Susan Stafford had flown by. During a free day, she arranged for a servant to drive her to Hongo's hospital to consult said doctor, who might also be Minato's ex-girlfriend at this point.

With no immediate emergency demanding her attention, Dr. Stafford's waiting room hummed with the quiet anticipation of expectant mothers. Midori found a seat beside a heavily pregnant woman, whose bubbly cheer seemed to beckon conversation with any stranger within earshot.

"Hi," she said as soon as Midori took her seat.

"Hi," Midori smiled at her in return.

"My name is Marika," the woman introduced herself readily.

"My name is Midori. Nice to meet you."

Marika expelled a sigh, her gaze lingering on Midori with an ache etched onto her features, a longing inexplicably welling within her eyes.

"You are so young. And beautiful. Is it your first?"

"First what?"