Casting a frigid glance at his former classmates, Garrett was filled with revulsion as he departed with Laney.
He never imagined his peers would become so callous and elitist over the years, particularly Kailee. Once kindhearted, she had morphed into a spiteful individual.
He couldn’t stomach spending another second in such a duplicitous and repugnant environment.
As Garrett and Laney exited, the atmosphere at the party turned even more uncomfortable. Gazing at the retreating couple, Kailee seethed with jealousy and rage.
Emerging from the seclusion of the private room, Laney’s intuition was ablaze, detecting that the history bet**en Garrett and Kailee was far from simple.
The jealousy that sparked in Kailee’s eyes as Garrett held Laney was undeniable. If envy could manifest as a lethal blade, Laney would have surely perished at Kailee’s hands.
Upon settling into the car, Laney feigned seriousness, her voice tinged with confusion. “Why do I get the sense that your connection with Kailee goes beyond just being old classmates?”
Garrett was taken aback by Laney’s perceptiveness, his pulse quickening. He fumbled for words, explaining, “We were an item back in our school days. But after graduation, we went our separate ways and haven’t really been in touch. I didn’t mention it earlier because I didn’t want you to feel envious. I swear!”
Witnessing Garrett’s disarray, Laney couldn’t supp**ss her laughter any longer, her amusement spilling over. “Don’t worry. I don’t succumb to jealousy on a whim. But…” Garrett’s anxiety returned.
“What?” Laney’s exp**ssion turned icy. “Kailee’s actions were despicable. It’s one thing to insult me, but to demean Natalie as well? That’s simply unbearable.”
“Sweetheart, don’t worry!” Garrett patted his ch*st with conviction, promising, “From now on. I’ll keep my distance from people like them and never let them harm you!”
“That’s a relief.”
As the couple conversed, their home neared. Suddenly, Laney experienced a sharp pain in her abdomen, her face drained of color. “I… my stomach doesn’t feel right…”
Alarmed, Garrett gathered her into his arms, concern etched on his face. “What’s going on? Are you having stomach cramps?” Laney gripped her belly, struggling to catch her breath.
“My stomach… it hurts…” Fearful for her wellbeing, Garrett barked at the driver, “To the hospital, now!”
They promptly arrived at the hospital’s entrance.
Upon examination, the doctor assured them Laney’s condition wasn’t severe. Emotional upheaval had merely induced fetal movement. With proper care, all would be well.
However, on the side of caution, the doctor advised Laney to remain in the hospital before delivery just in case.
Relieved, Garrett’s heart lightened Yet, seeing Laney’s pallid complexion as she lay in bed, he couldn’t help but feel remorseful.
“I’m so sorry, honey. I didn’t protect you well enough.”
Regret colored Garrett’s face as he gripped Laney’s hand. I should never have taken you to that class reunion. I had no idea they’d become so pretentious and two-faced in just a few short years.”
Laney offered him a reassuring smile, gently squeezing his hand. ‘It’s not your fault. Besides, the doctor says I’ll be fine. I just need some rest.”
“I’m sorry, honey,” Garrett apologized again, guilt-ridden. “Our baby has suffered too…”
“Enough apologies!” Laney interrupted, playfully tousling his hair. “Our little one might just be eager to explore the world outside.” Laney’s tenderness only intensified Garrett’s self-condemnation. He berated himself internally for causing such a wonderful wife to endure so much pain. He felt utterly wretched. After conversing a while longer, Laney drifted off to sleep.
Gazing upon Laney’s slumbering visage,
Garrett recalled the indignities she had suffered at the gathering and the tense car ride. Consumed by guilt and frustration, he retreated to the corridor for a smoke.
It had been quite a while since he last smoked, having quit when Laney became pregnant. Nevertheless, just as he ignited his cigarette, he noticed Leo and Vera hastily emerging from the elevator. Catching sight of him, they inquired with concern, “How is Laney? Is she okay?”
“She’s fine,” Garrett replied, snuffing out the cigarette with a sullen exp**ssion
Relieved to hear that Laney was well, they relaxed.
“What happened today?” Leo questioned, his tone less than amicable.
As Leo’s interrogation bore down on him, Garrett struggled to find the words to defend himself.
Leo’s rage intensified upon seeing Garrett’s crestfallen exp**ssion. “You’re nearly thirty, for heaven’s sake! Show some maturity! How can you ever hope to be a decent father and protector for your family?”
Garrett found himself at a loss for words for the first time in his life, rendered speechless by Leo’s scathing rebuke.
Deep down, he knew Leo was right. His own negligence had caused harm to Laney.
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Vera, witnessing the harsh chastisement Garrett was enduring, felt a wave of sympathy and immediately intervened, “You can’t place all the blame on Garrett! Laney must bear some responsibility too. Her own carelessness nearly resulted in disaster.”
Garrett’s protective instincts kicked in, and he quickly jumped to Laney’s defense. “It’s all my fault. I should never have brought Laney to the class reunion. If I hadn’t, this calamity wouldn’t have occurred. I promise to be more vigilant in the future.”
Seeing Garrett’s genuine remorse, Leo’s anger finally began to dissipate. “I’m glad you understand the gravity of the situation. You may return to work tomorrow. Lola will tend to Laney.”
“No!” Garrett protested, anxiety mounting. “With Laney in this state, I can’t concentrate on work.” Leo frowned.
“It’s crucial that you sort out your work affairs, so you can be there for Laney when she needs you most – during childbirth.” Vera chimed in, “You don’t want to be absent when Laney gives birth, do you?”
Garrett knew that Leo was right but couldn’t shake his concern. “But what about Laney…”
“Don’t fret, Mr. Harding. I’ll take excellent care of Mrs. Harding,” Lola, who had been quietly trailing Vera, promptly assured him.
“Alright, but you must keep a close eye on Laney.”
After issuing a final reminder to Lola and casting a lingering glance at the slumbering Laney in her hospital bed, Garrett reluctantly took his leave.