Chapter 3

2.

The next morning, Liam took me for my prenatal checkup.

He was incredibly attentive, asking the doctor a million questions. The doctor smiled and remarked, "Your husband is so sweet. Men with this much responsibility are hard to find these days. "

He held my hand, his eyes shining with fake warmth. "This baby is the result of so much hope. Of course, I have to take care of them. "

As we walked out of the exam room, we ran right into Lauren.

She was wearing a loose sundress. When she saw us, a glint of triumph flashed in her eyes.

I looked at her belly, which was padded high. I sneered inwardly.

No wonder she claimed it was a coincidence that we got pregnant at the same time. She was just waiting for me.

She approached us with a bright smile and a light tone. "Hey, sis. When is your due date again? "

As she spoke, she reached out to touch my stomach.

My gaze turned icy. I slapped her hand away.

"What are you doing? " Lauren's face darkened instantly, anger flashing in her eyes.

Just as she was about to snap, I lowered my head and pressed my hand against my lower abdomen, my voice weak. "My stomach... it hurts a little... "

Her words got stuck in her throat, and her smug expression froze.

Liam immediately supported me, his voice tense. "Did the exam take too long? Do you need to go back and lie down? "

He sounded worried, but I saw it clearly. His eyes were on Lauren, offering her a silent look of reassurance.

I lowered my lashes and whispered, "I need to use the restroom. "

He frowned and tried to follow, but I waved him off. "No, just wait for me here. "

He hesitated for a second before nodding. "Okay. Be careful. "

I turned into the restroom, but as soon as the door closed, I saw him rush off.

As expected, he went to comfort Lauren.

I followed him quietly and stood a short distance away. I watched him coaxing her in a patient, gentle voice.

Lauren pouted, her tone full of fake grievance. "Are you catching feelings for her? She was so rude to me just now, and you didn't even take my side. Are you starting to care about her? "

Liam sighed helplessly and lowered his voice to soothe her. "I'm only doing this for the baby. You know her condition... "

He didn't finish the sentence. Instead, he pulled a small, elegant jewelry box from his pocket. He took out a brand-new bracelet and slid it onto her wrist. "The new model you wanted. I got it for you. "

Lauren's expression softened. She smirked with pride. "That stock you recommended last time made me a ton of money. Got any more tips? "

I stood there, watching the scene. It was pathetic.

Liam Lucas was taking everything I gave him and using it to please her.

I turned and walked away, pulling out my phone to make a call. "Hello, I'm calling to confirm my surgery time. "

"Great. I'll be there tomorrow. "

Behind me, familiar footsteps suddenly stopped.

"Tomorrow? " Liam's voice sounded confused. "Where are you going? "

I turned around to meet his gaze, offering a faint, pleasant smile. "I booked a maternity photo shoot. I want to have a family portrait as a keepsake. "

His expression shifted slightly, showing a hint of hesitation.

I arched an eyebrow and asked playfully, "What? You don't want to come with me? "

He opened his mouth, his gaze wandering. "It's not that... I'm just worried you'll get too tired. Plus, I have a big meeting at the office tomorrow. Can we reschedule? "

I looked at him and let out a soft laugh, sounding sweet and understanding. "It's okay. Work comes first. I can go by myself. "

He seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. He smiled and ruffled my hair affectionately. "You're so thoughtful. What would I do without you? "