Chapter 4
Caroline quickly knocked over the water glass on her bedside table.
The shattering sound immediately drew Aiden’s attention away from the doctor. He rushed to her bedside, his face full of concern.
“Caroline, you’re awake. Are you hurting anywhere?”
She shook her head slightly, looking past him at the doctor’s hesitant expression.
Relieved she was conscious, Aiden turned back to the doctor. “Sorry, what were you saying? I missed it.”
He couldn’t shake the feeling he’d missed something important.
As the doctor began to speak, Caroline gave an almost imperceptible head shake.
The doctor caught the signal and sighed quietly, “The patient needs rest.” Then just left the room.
The VIP hospital room held only the two of them now.
Aiden’s eyes filled with remorse as he reached for her face, but she turned away.
“I’m so sorry, Caroline,” realizing there’s something wrong, he immediately coaxed. “This is all my fault. I didn’t notice you’d fallen too. I thought-”
“Thank God you and our little one are okay. I’d never forgive myself if anything happened to you
two.”
‘I promise nothing like this will ever happen again. Please don’t be angry with me, okay?”
Caroline studied his expression–the genuine fear in his eyes seemed real.
The irony of it hit her.
Every word from his mouth sounded so sincere. But she couldn’t tell which one was true.
“I’m tired,” she said, pulling her hand away and closing her eyes. She had no energy for this charade.
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Done Playing My Uncle Hubby’s Forbidden Backup Doll
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Chapter 4
During her hospital stay, Aiden never left her side.
He made her homemade soup, feeding her himself. He attended every medical check–up, writing down each instruction from the doctors. At night, if she so much as stirred, he’d wake instantly to
ask what she needed.
The nurses commented they’d never seen such a devoted husband.
But Caroline remained withdrawn, often staring out the window lost in thought.
Aiden assumed it was pregnancy hormones causing her mood swings, which only made him more
attentive.
On discharge day, he planned an elaborate surprise.
He took her to the most expensive rooftop restaurant in Manhattan, renting an entire floor so they could dine in peace.
Afterward, he accompanied her through luxury boutiques, immediately purchasing anything she
glanced at.
As evening fell, spectacular fireworks exploded above the Hudson River, spelling out “I LOVE YOU”
across the sky.
“Do you like it?” Aiden wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her head. “Arranged it just for you.”
Caroline watched the fireworks, she almost believed she was back in the past for a moment.
Back when Aiden would go to these lengths to make her smile, making her feel like the luckiest
woman alive.
But as her hand unconsciously touched her flat stomach, the illusion shattered.
“What’s wrong?” Aiden noticed her tension and turned her to face him. “You’ve been so down lately.
I’m worried.”
He cupped her face, his thumbs gently stroking her cheeks. “Would you consider seeing a therapist?
Prenatal depression is common. You don’t have to deal with this alone. You can tell me anything.”
Caroline looked into his sincere eyes and asked quietly, “If I’m honest with you… can you be completely honest with me?”
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Chapter 4
Aiden paused, then smiled. “Of course, babe. We’re married. Honesty is everything.”
Caroline took a deep breath. “Then tell me this–I heard you had a first love you were crazy about.
That even years after breaking up, you never got over her.”
She looked directly into his eyes. “Have you moved on now?”
Aiden’s smile froze instantly.
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