I Walked Away Seven Years Too Late But Right on Time novel Chapter 228

George was utterly speechless.

"I'm not forcing you to become a chef, but you need to stop causing problems. You complained the last nanny was too slow, and you're complaining this one cooks food that's too bland. If you chase this one off too, you're on your own."

"Are you threatening me?" George puffed out his chest, refusing to back down.

"Yes. I am threatening you. And don't bring up that run-down house back home like I care about it. If you keep acting like this, you can pack your bags and move back there by yourself."

George's mouth opened and closed, but he didn't snap back. He knew better than to bite the hand that fed him.

If his daughter actually kicked him out, he really would be starving on the streets.

In the blink of an eye, November arrived. Seattle's autumn was always fleeting, and a sudden cold front plunged the city straight into winter.

But the weather wasn't what ruined Sophie's mood. It was the punctual arrival of her menstrual cycle.

They had been trying for three months, and she still wasn't pregnant.

An admin assistant at the office had gone on her honeymoon in early October and was already parading around in maternity clothes, bragging about her honeymoon baby.

"They say babies conceived when a couple is most passionately in love turn out to be geniuses. Your kid is going to be a prodigy," an older coworker chimed in.

"I'll hold you to that!" The young bride beamed, immediately texting the compliment to her husband.

Sophie listened from the sidelines, drowning in envy. A honeymoon baby. It sounded like a dream.

When was it going to happen for her?

A nagging anxiety clawed at the back of her mind. She couldn't stop worrying that the abortion from two years ago had permanently ruined her chances.

She remembered signing the consent forms back then. One of the listed risks was potential damage to the uterine lining, which could affect future pregnancies.

When Gavin picked her up from work, he instantly noticed her subdued demeanor.

"What's wrong?" He reached for her hand. It was freezing.

Sophie made up her mind. As soon as her cycle ended, she was going to the hospital for a full fertility checkup.

"Your uterus looks perfectly healthy. It's completely normal not to conceive after three months. Some couples try for a year or longer before it happens. Getting pregnant relies on a lot of variables. Of course, your mental state plays a huge role. You need to stay relaxed and happy."

The doctor was incredibly warm, patiently addressing all of Sophie's concerns.

"Does my age have anything to do with it?"

Sophie couldn't stop thinking about her coworker who was only twenty-six. Sophie was already thirty-one.

Before making the appointment, she had spiraled into a Google rabbit hole, reading horrifying articles about how ovarian function drastically declined with age.

"You're only thirty-one. We don't classify a pregnancy as high-risk until thirty-five. You have plenty of time. Don't put so much pressure on yourself. Go home, eat a balanced diet, stay active, and manage your stress. If you're really that worried, you can have your husband come in for a checkup, too."

Have Gavin get tested? Sophie hesitated.

Wouldn't suggesting something like that bruise his ego?