Chapter 23
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Sharon didn’t go to the hospital. Steven had a bright future ahead of him, and this child was her ticket to marrying him. There was no way she would get rid of it.
She went to Steven’s family home and told Iona about the pregnancy.
The moment Iona heard the news, she immediately thought of Yvonne–how her body had been damaged, how conceiving would be nearly impossible for her, and how Steven refused to even discuss the matter.
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She had been holding in her dissatisfaction for a long time. She never expected that Sharon would be the one to give Steven a child. Her face lit up with joy, and without hesitation, she called Steven.
Steven woke up from his hangover, only half–aware of what Iona was saying. It took a while for him to process that Sharon had gone to his house.
He sneered, had his assistant make some preparations, and then headed home.
“Sharon, listen carefully. The first three months of pregnancy are the most critical. You must be extra careful,” Iona said warmly. “If you have any cravings, just let me know–I’ll make it for you. And don’t overwork yourself.”
Iona beamed as she held Sharon’s hand, her voice filled with warmth. She treated Sharon with such enthusiasm, as if she had already acknowledged‘ her as her daughter–in–law.
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Sharon lowered her head slightly, a hint of shyness mixed with triumph appearing on her face. She said softly, “Thank you, Mrs. Chapin. I’ll be
careful.”
Deep inside, she was thrilled that she had played her move right–now that she had Iona’s support, her position in the Chapin family was more
secure than ever.
At that moment, Steven arrived home. Iona immediately turned to him. “Steven, once the baby grows bigger, the wedding dress won’t look as good. You need to start preparing now and marry Sharon as soon as possible.”
Sharon’s face lit up with joy, and she stole a glance at Steven. “Mrs. Chapin, I don’t care about things like a wedding dress,” she said.
“How can you say so?” Iona said. “A woman only gets to wear a wedding dress once in her life–it has to be beautiful. And the wedding ring, Steven, make sure to get her a big one.”
A pang of bitterness surged in Steven’s heart. When Yvonne married him, he had been in the early stages of building his business. Her wedding dress was a rental, and the ring was a cheap platinum band. Yet, she had smiled so happily.
He had been so blind. He thought Yvonne had stayed with him only out of gratitude, wanting to repay him. That was why he kept hurting her over and over again–to force her to prove her love for him.
But in the end, he had become addicted–like a drug–falling deeper and deeper, unable to resist the thrill and intoxication of it all.
“Steven, you better take good care of Sharon. Do you hear me?” Iona warned. “If anything happens to my grandchild, I won’t forgive you.”
A sharp pain stabbed through Steven’s heart, spreading outward like ripples in water. He forced a small, bitter smile. “Got it, Mom.”
Hearing this, Sharon lifted her head, a flash of triumph flickering in her eyes. The corners of her lips curved up slightly. “Then apologize to me,” she said. “If you apologize, I’ll forgive you.”
“Fine. I’m sorry,” Steven said perfunctorily.
His gaze darkened. Staring at Sharon’s abdomen, he asked, “Have you done a prenatal checkup?”
Sharon was momentarily stunned, but quickly answered, “Not yet. I just found out a few days ago.”
Steven raised his wrist and glanced at the time. “Go today. I happen to be free. I’ll be busy in a couple of days.”
Iona chimed in, “That’s right. The sooner, the better. It’s still early–go on.”
Steven grabbed Sharon’s hand, holding it tightly as he walked straight toward the door. Sharon stumbled slightly from the force but quickly followed his steps.
Behind them, Iona called out, “Be sure to come back early for dinner.”
“Okay,” Steven responded.
Steven led Sharon outside. He remained silent the entire way, his face darkening the moment they stepped out of the house.
