Chapter 87: A New Life
Seeing the pregnancy test on the sink, Ethan's heart raced uncontrollably.
Though he had firmly said "no children" before, without a hint of hesitation or regret, it was at this moment he realized his hidden desire had never truly faded.
But when Emily uttered the words "ectopic pregnancy," Ethan's face turned pale.
His mind was overwhelmed by a dull roar, driving away all hope and fantasy.
Forget about any child, any possibility, any treatment—he didn't want any of it. All he wanted was for Emily to be okay.
The risk of an ectopic pregnancy was one of the concerns Dr. Gu had mentioned regarding the fallopian tube surgery, and he had specifically researched it.
An ectopic pregnancy, if not managed promptly, could lead to abdominal bleeding, shock, fainting, and, in severe cases, even...
Ethan quickly cut off these thoughts, his dark eyes flashing with the intensity of a scald. He gently closed his eyelids, his gaze clouded with worry.
The bathroom was eerily quiet until a faint sob broke the silence.
Emily leaned against him, like a cat seeking warmth and comfort. She pitifully clutched his sleeve with her pale fingers, pressing her forehead against his chest. Ethan immediately felt the warmth seeping into the fabric of his shirt.
He quickly wrapped his arms around her, his movements cautious, his expression filled with heartache.
"It's all my fault," he said in a hoarse voice. "I'm sorry…"
During their pre-conception preparations, Ethan hadn't used any of the things in the bedside drawer. Even though he had later abandoned the idea of having a baby, the once-intense feelings had left him unwilling to return to the situation.
Now, it had all gone wrong.
Emily shook her head without looking up, her head buried in his chest. Her voice was heavy with nasal tones. "It's not your fault."
She sobbed, "I'm just scared…"
Ethan stroked her long hair, his fingers delving into the soft roots.
"Don't be afraid," he whispered, kissing her gently. "I'm here."
"Shall we go to the hospital?"
Emily finally lifted her red eyes, nodding with a look of pleading. Her nod was decisive and brave, but as soon as she agreed, her lips quivered, and she looked like she was about to cry again.
She had been trying to stay calm and strong, telling herself that they hadn't even been to the hospital yet and to remain optimistic.
But when she saw Ethan enter… all her calmness and strength were gone!
She just wanted to snuggle into his arms and cry.
Since he was being calm, optimistic, and strong for her, all she wanted to do was be pampered and held.
Ethan held her, comforting her with kisses and reassurances for a long time, while she cried and cuddled. Then, he pulled out his phone.
"Should I call the doctor to come to the house?"
Emily shook her head. "I want to go to the hospital."
They had a family doctor at their private clinic who usually came for minor ailments like headaches or colds.
Zhu Xing Pavilion even had a reasonably equipped consultation room.
But Emily knew that the consultation room wouldn't have the necessary facilities to diagnose her current condition.
And she had no patience to wait or endure any longer.
"Okay," Ethan agreed without hesitation. "I'll go with you."
Emily looked at the man in his formal attire and suddenly remembered something.
"Aren't you supposed to be on a business trip?"
Ethan shook his head. "Not anymore."
He picked her up in a bridal carry, saying, "Don't move, I'll carry you to the hospital."
At this moment, he only wanted to stay by her side.
**
The people at Zhu Xing Pavilion were startled to see the master carrying his wife out and instructing the driver to head to the private clinic.
Emily felt a bit embarrassed. She got down from his lap and tapped the driver's seat, asking him to head to the Chinese medicine clinic instead.
Ethan held her raised arm and pulled her back into his embrace.
He was now treating his little wife like a fragile glass doll.
Today, Dr. Chen was on duty. Seeing the richest man carrying his wife in, the old doctor thought something serious had happened and hurried out to meet them.
Emily took out the three pregnancy tests, looking nervously at the old doctor.
The old doctor glanced at them and smiled.
"Congratulations, your wish has come true."
The couple was taken aback.
Seeing the princess carry style, Dr. Chen was a bit amused. "Pregnancy isn't an illness; let your wife walk on her own."
The word "pregnancy" made Ethan's breath catch. His dark eyes widened in shock as he stared at the doctor, unable to speak.
Emily's lips parted in disbelief. Her words were hesitant as she said, "No, it's not… with one dark line and one light line, isn't it… ectopic pregnancy?"
Dr. Chen was surprised. "Who told you it's an ectopic pregnancy?"
Emily whispered, "A friend said her sister-in-law had one…"
"A friend said?" Dr. Chen frowned, his authority questioned, showing sensitivity and dissatisfaction.
"You young people, instead of seeing a doctor or going to the hospital, you ask friends online first when you're uncomfortable…"
Ethan and Emily exchanged bewildered looks.
Seeing their confusion, Dr. Chen shook his head, returned to his seat, and quickly wrote out a prescription.
"In your case, it's mostly due to early pregnancy, so the HCG levels are low, making the test lines faint. Ectopic pregnancy is a possibility, but it's very small. I told you before to stay calm; your mood is important."
Ethan frowned sharply. "What medication?"
The doctor handed them the prescription. "Go get a blood test."
Emily bit her lip and signaled Ethan to put her down. The two went outside, where the nurse was already waiting.
Emily was afraid of pain and needles, often being dramatic about them, but today she didn't react at all as the nurse inserted the needle into her arm.
All her thoughts and heartbeats were focused on praying, and the slight pain in her arm was forgotten.
After a short wait, which felt like ages, the nurse returned with the test results.
"Ethan, Ethan's wife." The nurse smiled and handed them the results. "Congratulations!"
Emily's pupils dilated, completely stunned.
Ethan's Adam's apple bobbed heavily as he slowly reached for the results.
He stared at the paper for a long time, gripping it tightly.
When the nurse gently closed the door and left, he turned to Emily.
Emily gazed at him intently, her bright almond eyes sparkling, her cheeks flushed with excitement, looking radiant.
Ethan found his little wife extraordinarily beautiful at this moment.
When overwhelmed by immense joy, it seemed one could lose the ability to speak.
Emily's words were stuck in her throat. She wanted to laugh loudly and hug him, to confirm if she was really pregnant… but she couldn't say anything.
Feeling helpless, Ethan's strong and warm embrace wrapped around her.
Emily couldn't see his expression but clearly heard the sound of his throat moving, the deep, restrained, yet intensely strong emotions.
She could even hear his heartbeat.
"Emily," Ethan whispered in her ear. His voice was husky, his tone filled with a sincerity and gentleness she had never heard before.
"Thank you."
Emily smiled in surprise.
How silly.
She had no idea she had found such a silly dad for their baby.
Emily chuckled, "Thank me for what?"
The silly dad didn't answer, but his strong arms held her even tighter.
He had thought having her in his life was a blessing beyond his wildest dreams.
To find something even more incredible was beyond belief.
So, of course, he had to thank his little woman.
Her existence was a beauty beyond what he had ever imagined or hoped for.
Emily smiled again, hugging his back tightly. "Darling, are you happy?"
The response was a series of delicate kisses on her temples. "Happy."
She grinned playfully. "Then from now on, you need to treat me even better!"
Without hesitation, he replied, "Okay."
He had already given her everything he had.
His heart was laid bare for her.
But Ethan now felt it wasn't enough, not enough.
He could, of course, treat her even better.
Giving her the whole world would be nothing compared to his love.
Emily didn't want the whole world. She tugged at his sleeve, softening her voice as she started to coquettishly ask, "Darling, kiss me~"
Ethan released her from his embrace, leaning in to press his lips against hers.
Unlike their usual intense kisses, this one was more tender and soothing.
His warm, soft lips lightly brushed against hers, then delicately and urgently touched her eyelashes, cheeks, and forehead, until her face was flushed with color and joy.
After kissing her, Ethan suddenly squatted down. His tall frame aligned with her waist, and he gently lifted her shirt.
Emily gasped, instinctively trying to hold his hand. "What are you doing!"
Ethan looked up at her, his gaze unusually gentle from this angle, and his squatting posture conveyed a sense of submission.
"I want to kiss the baby too."
Emily's heart fluttered, and she released his hand.
She was a typical hourglass figure, with a slender waist and clearly defined lines. Her abdomen was perfectly flat and showed no signs of a baby. Yet inside, there was a small, tiny person.
How amazing.
Ethan tilted his head and kissed the invisible embryo, his long lashes fluttering.
He suddenly embraced her, bury
ing his face in her abdomen. His breath was warm and soft, sending tingling sensations through Emily.
The atmosphere was filled with love and tenderness.
Ethan buried his face, feeling like he was kissing a beautiful miracle.
**
He was a strong man with a powerful aura and an even stronger, deeply-rooted character.
But Emily's next words made him even more vulnerable.
Her voice was sweet and clear, "Darling, let's make a deal."
"What deal?"
"I want a son."
A son.
Ethan's heart raced even faster. The joy in his eyes was unmistakable.
"Sure," he said firmly, kissing her abdomen again. "Whatever you want."
Emily burst into laughter.
**
It was a long, colorful night.
Ethan took her back home, leaving her to rest. He was eager to share the news with their parents.
In his eyes, this child was their shared blessing.
Ethan couldn't wait to tell his own parents and his mother-in-law.
He went to the first family, where the elders were having dinner, just in time to receive the good news.
His mother was delighted.
His father, though surprised, quickly caught on.
"Ethan, a child is a blessing."
When they returned home, Ethan asked the driver to go to Emily's parents' house.
The news had already reached her parents through various means.
When Ethan arrived with Emily, their parents were happily waiting.
They congratulated them warmly.
Ethan glanced at Emily, whose face was filled with happiness. He saw her bright smile and knew that no matter what had happened, this moment made it all worthwhile.
**
When they returned home, the house felt even warmer and more loving.
Their home was now filled with anticipation and joy.
The days were filled with laughter, happiness, and dreams of their future family.
Ethan and Emily felt an indescribable joy and anticipation for their new life as parents.
Their love was further strengthened, and their future was even more promising.