Between Love and Medicine

Surprise

"Congratulations, Dr. Lockwood! You're pregnant! Irene can finally have a companion now!" Dr. Collins from the obstetrics and gynecology department said with a smile after looking through my blood test report.

Since I had lost my appetite recently, my sleep quality had become poor, and I felt tired all the time, I decided to go for a health check-up.

But little did I know that I would be in for a big surprise, for my test result actually showed that I was pregnant.

"Dr. Collins, are you sure the results are correct?" My voice trembled with excitement, almost unable to believe the sudden news.

"Dr. Lockwood, you're a doctor yourself! Don't tell me you doubt the accuracy of our hospital. They do say baby brain is real, though." She giggled at my astonished expression.

After getting the affirmative answer, I couldn't help but feel elated.

During our five years of marriage, my husband, Samuel Harding, constantly talked about wanting another baby. He said he didn't want to see our daughter, Irene Harding, feel too lonely growing up without siblings.

Now that I was finally pregnant with our second baby, his wish would finally come true.

After finishing my shift, I drove directly to the hotel Samuel had booked.

Besides eagerly wanting him to be the first person I shared this good news with, today also happened to be Irene's third birthday.

In our culture, a child's third birthday was considered a significant celebration.

Upon arriving at the hotel, an attendant led me to a private dining room. The door was slightly ajar, and inside, I could hear cheerful conversation.

"Mr. Harding, it's almost 7 PM. Where's Dr. Lockwood? Why isn't she here yet?"

"That's just like her—always the last to show up, stealing the attention."

Standing at the door, I listened as the man I had loved for over 10 years spoke these words coldly. His tone was full of dissatisfaction and contempt for me.

As guilt for my lateness weighed on me, the next exchange shattered any lingering joy.

"Mr. Harding, you've been with Dr. Lockwood for over 10 years. Aren't you tired of her by now?

"Besides, I heard that she is known as the 'Master of Fixing Male's Private Parts' among the doctors in the hospital. Doesn't that bother you?" The casual cruelty of his companion's joke hit me like a blow, mocking both my profession and my marriage.

"Tch! After sleeping together for over 10 years, you can bet your boots that I'm tired of her.

"And don't even get me started on her job—examining dozens of men's private parts every day isn't exactly glamorous. Could you stand it if it were your wife?" Samuel responded, his tone full of disgust and disdain.

"To be honest, the thought of it makes me sick."

As if the mention of my profession was enough to irritate him, Samuel pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket.

He knew how much I despised the smell of cigarettes, and after all these years together, he had never smoked in front of me.

"Calm down, Samuel. I think Hannah's just trying to prove herself," a young woman in a white skirt and black stockings chimed in.

Well, to be precise, it was a miniskirt paired with black stockings.

Her style was nothing like mine.

If I remembered correctly, her name was Julie Gardner, and she was our junior in college.

At that time, she clearly knew that Samuel had a girlfriend. Yet, she still stuck to Samuel like glue. 'Why is she here?' I wondered.

As his agitation peaked, little footsteps padded toward him.

"Dad, Mom said no smoking. If she knows, she won't want you." Irene, who had been playing nearby, immediately trotted over and reminded Samuel in her little girl's voice upon seeing him take out the cigarette case.

"Sweetheart, you're quite the little supervisor for your mom."