Chapter 227: The Twins

Three months later, a grand and elegant wedding concluded amidst the heartfelt blessings of friends and family. 

Lauren Wells pouted, her rounded belly drawing attention as she glared at Roy Lin. "It's all your fault! Now I have to wear maternity dresses and can't be Claire and Lucas's bridesmaid." 

"Sweetheart, how is that my fault?" Roy protested with a furrowed brow. "You're seven months along—you can only wear maternity clothes now." 

"It's because you didn't take precautions back then! That's why I got pregnant and missed my chance to be her bridesmaid." 

Roy clicked his tongue and shook his head, scooping food onto Lauren's plate. "Blame me now if you want. What's so bad about being pregnant? Eat more; your appetite is enormous these days. If you don't eat now, you'll be hungry again in five minutes." 

"I'm not a pig!" Lauren huffed, turning away with a pout. 

"Lauren, being pregnant is a blessing for women," Claire said gently. She envied Lauren—someone who could experience this unique joy. 

"Huh?" Lauren paused, realizing her casual complaint might have touched a sensitive nerve. 

"Um... Claire, I actually like the freedom of life without kids, just like you and Lucas have," Lauren stumbled over her words, growing flustered. "Not that I mean it's better... Ugh, I didn't mean that either—" 

"Lauren, don't worry. I know you didn't mean anything bad," Claire reassured her with a smile. 

"See, you talk too much," Roy teased, feigning anger. 

"Roy, Lauren didn't mean it. I understand," Claire chimed in. 

"Hey, are you here to eat or to debate?" Lucas interrupted with a teasing glance, pulling Claire close. "Honey, you already have me. Isn't that enough?" 

"Yes, yes! You're more than enough for me," Claire replied playfully, winking at him. 

"That's the spirit. Here, I peeled this shrimp for you," Lucas said, dipping the shrimp in sauce and offering it to her. 

As Claire took the shrimp, she noticed Lauren and Roy watching them with amused expressions. She discreetly pinched Lucas's waist, making him wince and glare at their friends. "Are you two full or just enjoying the show?" 

Roy grinned, turning his attention back to peeling shrimp for Lauren. 

"Now, can we eat in peace?" Lucas whispered. Claire giggled and nodded, savoring the shrimp. 

"Ugh! Am I even human?" Blaine Jackson, who had been trying to stay unnoticed, finally blurted out. "You married couples are over the top! Flaunting your love in front of a single guy like me. Ever think how I might feel?" 

"If you have feelings about it, maybe find someone before your trip to Japan," Roy quipped. 

Lucas chuckled but froze when he noticed Claire's expression change. Her face paled as she clutched her stomach. "Claire, are you okay?" 

"Ugh—" She turned to the side, spitting out the shrimp she hadn't managed to chew. Her brows knitted in discomfort. 

"Claire, what's wrong?" Lauren asked, rushing over. 

"Does she not like shrimp?" Roy wondered aloud. 

"Impossible. She loves shrimp, especially with black pepper sauce," Lucas replied, worry etched across his face. 

"Then why is she reacting like this?" Blaine questioned. 

"Sweetheart, are you in pain? What's wrong?" Lucas cradled her close, his hands trembling as he touched her pale cheeks. 

"I feel queasy, like something is stuck in my stomach but won't come up," Claire murmured, suppressing her nausea. 

"We're going home," Lucas decided immediately, scooping her up into his arms. 

"You should take her to the hospital," Lauren advised. "Her symptoms seem similar to what happened last time when we thought she was pregnant." 

Lucas paused, considering her words. 

"I'll drive," Blaine offered, grabbing the car keys. 

---

The hospital waiting room was tense. Lucas paced back and forth, his nerves on edge. 

"Lucas, sit down already. You're making me dizzy," Roy said, pulling him into a chair. 

"It's been too long. Is the doctor even reliable? Should we—" 

"Calm down," Blaine interjected. "She'll be fine." 

Just then, Lauren appeared, helping Claire out of the examination room. The three men rushed forward, Lucas wrapping his arms protectively around her. "What took so long? What did the doctor say?" 

Claire looked up at him, her lips trembling as she buried her face in his chest without a word. 

"Lauren, is she okay?" Lucas demanded, his voice shaking. 

Lauren sighed heavily, shaking her head. "It's serious." 

"What?!" the three men exclaimed in unison. 

Claire's shoulders shook violently. Unable to see her face, Lucas assumed the worst. "Lauren, what's wrong? Tell me!" 

"Claire…" Lauren hesitated, then broke into laughter. 

"Lauren, what's going on?!" Roy exclaimed, alarmed by his wife's reaction. 

"Lucas," Claire finally spoke, her hands cupping his face as a radiant smile broke through her tears. "I'm pregnant!" 

Lucas's eyes widened in disbelief, his mind blank. 

"Are you serious?" Blaine asked, equally shocked. 

Claire nodded vigorously as Lauren chimed in, "It's true! The doctor ran multiple tests to confirm. And get this—it's been 12 weeks already." 

Lauren stepped closer, her grin mischievous. 

"And?" Lucas prompted, his heart racing. 

"You might want to brace yourself," Lauren teased. "You're having twins." 

"WHAT?!" the three men shouted. 

"You heard me—twins!" Lauren repeated, beaming. 

"Claire, this isn't a dream, right?" Lucas murmured, still stunned. 

Claire smiled, pulling his face closer until he winced. "Does this feel like a dream?" 

Lucas chuckled, tears pooling in his eyes. "Honey, if my parents hear about this, they'll be over the moon." 

"You're amazing," he whispered, kissing her forehead. 

"And you're my rock," Claire replied, holding him tightly as tears of joy streamed down her face.