After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 290

"Dad, let me come over and take you to the hospital for a check-up," Catherine said, her voice laced with concern.

"Shirley and Waldo’s engagement is tomorrow. Let’s wait until that’s over," Nestor replied. He didn’t want to disrupt the celebration or give everyone something else to worry about.

"Dad, you really need to look after your health," Catherine pressed, genuinely worried.

"I know. Just come home early tonight, and don’t bother bringing anything. Your presence is enough."

"Alright, I will," Catherine promised.

By five in the evening, Catherine and Lawrence arrived at the house. The villa was glowing with landscape lights, the yard bright and welcoming. Festive decorations were everywhere. It was obvious Alice had put in a lot of effort for Shirley’s engagement.

Alice was busy directing the staff when she noticed Catherine walking in with Lawrence. Her smile faltered for a moment before she put on a polite, practiced expression. "Catherine, Lawrence, you’re here. Come in, have a seat."

Catherine greeted her with a nod, her tone cool. Lawrence gave a small nod as well.

Nestor heard their voices and came out from his study on the first floor. "Lawrence, Catherine, you’re here."

"Dad," Lawrence greeted, offering a gentle smile.

Catherine looked at her father and felt a jolt. It had only been a week since she last saw him, but he looked so tired, his color much worse than before. She made a mental note to insist he see a doctor next Monday.

Nestor motioned for them to join him. "Lawrence, come have some tea with me. Let’s talk about work for a bit."

Catherine joined them, settling in. They had just finished their second cup of tea when a car pulled up outside. Soon, Waldo and Shirley walked in together, arm in arm.

Then Shirley spoke up, her tone deliberate. "Dad, I can’t have tea."

Her words carried a clear meaning. From the start, Shirley had insisted on no protection with Waldo. She was eager to have his baby as soon as possible.

Catherine glanced at her, reading between the lines. Waldo caught on, taking Shirley’s hand with a gentle, doting look. "Then just have warm water," he said softly.

Nestor got it right away. Shirley was pregnant.

Catherine kept her calm, sipping her tea as she shared a look with Lawrence. Sensing an opportunity, Shirley decided to push further. "Catherine, you and Lawrence have been married for three months now, right? What’s up? Don’t you want kids?"

The meaning behind her words was obvious. Was Catherine having trouble getting pregnant?