Autumn retired early after having dinner. She hoped that a good night's rest would help her get rid of this discomfort. However, she woke up in the middle of the night with the same heavy feeling. Her throat felt dry so she decided to go downstairs for a glass of water. She frowned as she heard Charles's voice coming from the living room. He was on the phone talking to someone. "I'm uneasy telling Autumn about this, you know how she's been doing lately. She went to bed early, but I guess I have to tell her about it tomorrow," Charles said in a resigned tone.
He was quiet for a while, listening to whoever was on the other line. After a few seconds, he spoke again in a low tone,"Okay, I get it. I will tell her." He hung up the phone with a sigh, not realizing that Autumn was behind him. He was taken aback when he saw her and frowned slightly. "You startled me. What are you doing up?" Charles asked in a concerned tone.
"I woke up feeling thirsty so I came down to get a glass of water," Autumn replied, looking searchingly at her husband. "Who was that just now?" she asked referring to his phone call.
"Just office staff asking something about work," Charles replied not meeting Autumn's eyes. His hand unconsciously tightened on his phone. He already decided that he would wait until the morning before telling Autumn about the phone call.
"Really? But I think I heard you mentioned my name," Autumn insisted, her eyes fixed on her husband's to catch his changing expression.
"Charles, tell me what's going on. You don't have to worry about me. I'm strong, I can take whatever it is," Autumn pleaded, catching Charles's sleeves urgently.
Charles hesitated briefly; he knew it was hard to put off Autumn now that she heard part of the conversation. With a sigh, he led his wife to the sofa, pouring her a glass of water from the pitcher by the table. He made sure she finished her glass before speaking in a gentle tone,"You have to promise me that you will keep calm after hearing what I have to say. You're in the third trimester. If you get too excited, the consequences will be terrifying."
Autumn gently rubbed her tummy and said seriously,"Rest assured that I have my emotions under control. There's nothing more important to me than our babies. I will protect them at all costs."
After hearing Autumn's reassurance, Charles decided to tell her the truth. "I'm sorry for lying to you," he apologized gently, taking his wife's hand. "Actually, it was Grandpa Arthur I was talking to on the phone, not my office staff."
"Grandpa?" Autumn's heart skipped a bit at what she heard. "Why did he call you so late?"
"He called about…" Charles broke off not knowing whether he should continue. With a deep sigh, he continued,"Grandma Emily's condition has worsened. They have brought her to the hospital now."
"What?!" The color drained from Autumn's face as she heard the news. Although she had been trying hard to mentally prepare herself for this day, the reality was still hard to take. Panic gripped her heart at the thought of losing Emily. "How is that possible?" She jumped to her feet, asking Charles in a trembling voice.
"I'm sorry, sweetheart, but it's true." Charles held Autumn in his arms. "Take a deep breath. Think about our babies," he whispered gently.
His reminder about their babies had a calming effect on Autumn. "How is Grandma Emily now?" she asked anxiously.
"Grandpa Arthur told me she seemed unwell after supper so he took her to the hospital. He didn't realize that her condition had worsened and was surprised when the doctor took her straight to the operating room. He wanted to call you but decided to call me instead. We agreed to wait until tomorrow before telling you. I didn't expect..."
Autumn didn't let him finish. "I have to see her now, Charles. Please take me to the hospital now!" Autumn cried, her eyes wild.
"All right, Autumn, calm down." Charles tightened his arms around Autumn, gently massaging her back. "Listen, first, you calm down, and then I will take you to the hospital. You'll only make matters worse if you go to the hospital in your present condition."
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