Chapter 10
I sat with my fingers beating nervously on the armrest in the sterile waiting area of Dr. Amelia Chen’s office. As Joan and I continued to investigate Liam’s lies, the last several days had been a blur of emotions and discoveries. But my health was the only thing on my mind today.
The continuous nausea and weariness had finally prompted me to seek medical assistance. I had chalked it up to stress from the divorce process, but a niggling voice in the back of my mind suggested other possibilities.
“Diane Ashton?” My mind was abruptly interrupted when a nurse shouted my name.
With my heart pounding, I followed her down the corridor. When I entered Dr. Chen’s office, she smiled warmly at me.
“Diane, nice to see you again. “How are you feeling?”
I fell back on the chair across from her desk. “Are you serious? Bad. I’m always tired, my emotions are all over the place, and I suffer from chronic nausea. Even though I know I’m going through a difficult divorce, this feels… different.
Dr. Chen nodded with a thoughtful gaze. “I’ve reviewed your test results, Diane, and I think I can explain what’s going on.”
She hesitated, and my gut tightened with anxiety.
“Diane, you’re pregnant.” The Earth appeared to tilt on its axis. “I’m… what?”
Dr. Chen’s voice was compassionate. “You are pregnant. And the hormone levels and ultrasound show it’s twins.”
Twins. The word rang in my head, echoing throughout my being. I felt tears build up and pour out before I could stop them.
“Oh, Diane,” Dr. Chen replied quietly, putting a box of tissue toward me. “I know this must be overwhelming, especially given your current situation.”
I nodded, unable to speak as sobs erupted in my body. All of the stress, anger, and terror of the previous weeks spilled out in a torrent of tears.
Dr. Chen gave me a moment to calm myself before proceeding. “You’re approximately eight weeks along. The twins appear to be healthy, but because it is a twin pregnancy, we will closely follow you up.”
Eight weeks. My thoughts raced back, calculating the days. It must have occurred just before I discovered Liam’s extramarital affair with Sophie. The irony was almost too much to take.
“What… what are my options?” I managed to ask, just above a whisper.
Dr. Chen leaned closer, her gaze warm yet stern. “At this point, you have a few possibilities. If you choose, we may go over everything in detail. But, Diane, this is all your decision. Whatever you choose, my responsibility is to support you and keep you well.”
I nodded, feeling a strange peace settle over me. “I need some time to think.”
“Of course,” Dr. Chen replied, passing me some pamphlets. “Take your time. Here’s some information that may be helpful. And Diane, If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call.
I exited the office in a daze, my mind racing with the implications of this news. Twins. Liam’s kids. Our kids. The thought brought tears to my eyes.
I found myself walking down the beach near Joan’s house, the sound of breaking waves providing a pleasant background to my agitated thoughts. My hand involuntarily moved to my still flat stomach. There was life blossoming inside me, two small individuals who were oblivious to the commotion around them.
I felt something shift within me. The initial shock and panic gave way to something else: intense, protecting love. These babies were innocent, regardless of the circumstances surrounding their creation. They deserved a chance at life and happiness.
With instant clarity, I recognized that this pregnancy was a blessing rather than a complication. A cause to fight harder and be stronger. Liam had betrayed me and attempted to break me, but in doing so, he had unintentionally given me the most precious gift of all.
I walked back to Joan’s house, my steps lighter than they’d been in weeks. Joan was in the kitchen making dinner when I arrived.
“Diane!” she exclaimed noticing my tear-stained face. “What happened?” “What did the doctor say?
I took a deep breath, a faint smile spreading over the corners of my mouth. “Joan, I’m pregnant.” With twins.
Joan’s eyes widened in surprise. “Oh my god, Diane. Are you alright? “How do you feel about this?
I settled into a chair at the kitchen island. “Honestly? I’m petrified. But I’m also excited. Even happier. It’s funny, but learning about these babies feels like the entire world has transformed. “Everything seems different now.”
Joan walked around the island, embracing me with a gentle hug. “Oh, Honey. This is enormous news. Whatever you chose, I’ll be here for you. You are aware of this, right?
Nodded against her shoulder, fresh tears streaming down my cheeks. “I know. I’ve already made my decision. Joan, I’m keeping them. These are my babies. They’re completely innocent in all of this, and I love them so much”.
Joan drew back, her eyes streaming with unshed tears. “Diane, you’re going to be an incredible mother. “Those kids are fortunate to have you.”
We spent the remainder of the evening discussing, planning, and daydreaming. For the first time since learning of Liam’s betrayal, I felt honestly optimistic about the future.
As I laid in bed that night, my hands protectively resting on my stomach, I considered the next battle. Liam was still out there, preparing to abandon me with nothing. However, he was unaware of the two precious lives I was now carrying.
I made a quiet vow to my unborn children. “I promise you,” I spoke quietly into the darkness, “that I will fight for you.” I’ll give you the life and love you deserve. Your father may have betrayed us, but I will never fail you.”
The path ahead would be difficult, with legal battles and emotional turmoil. But suddenly I felt a fresh sense of purpose. I wasn’t only battling for myself anymore; I was fighting for my children and our future.
My final thoughts before falling asleep were of the future – a future full with children’s joy, love, and hope. A future that I would create with my own two hands, regardless of the difficulties Liam set in my way. The twins growing inside me were more than just babies; they were my reason, purpose, and power. And with them by my side, I can face anything.