The Best Revenge It Wasn't Even Your Child novel Chapter 174

Aaron wished he could smack himself for whatever blunder he’d made. He spent half the day replaying every word, trying to figure out where he went wrong, but he kept coming up empty.

The next morning, when he showed up at SilverLeaf Industries, he got a last-minute message. Lance wasn't coming in either. Relief washed over him. So he hadn’t annoyed Lance after all. Lance just finished his work early and decided to take the day off. That was it.

***

Weekday or not, the hospital was packed. Catherine followed the doctor’s instructions for her 4D ultrasound, and thankfully, everything looked good.

“You’re too thin. You really need to eat better,” the doctor said, glancing from the report to Catherine. “Your belly’s a lot smaller than other women this far along. Are you still having bad morning sickness?”

Catherine shook her head slowly. “No morning sickness. I’ve just been busy with work, and my meals are all over the place. I’ll try to do better.”

“You’re still working?” The doctor remembered Catherine’s sharp outfit from her first visit—she looked every bit the high-powered professional. “When are you planning to start your maternity leave?”

“I haven’t decided yet.” Catherine managed a faint smile. “Is there anything else I should know about?”

The doctor handed her the report. “No other issues. Come back in a month for your next check-up.”

Catherine stepped out of the office with her report and almost immediately bumped into someone.

“Sorry...” she started to apologize, but the words caught in her throat when she saw who it was.

“Catherine?” Amanda’s eyes went wide with surprise.

Amanda glanced quickly at the sign on the door Catherine had just exited. Obstetrics and Gynecology. Then she looked at the report in Catherine’s hand.

Amanda’s voice was endless, buzzing in Catherine’s ear. Catherine picked up her pace, cutting her off. “I have my own plans. Please don’t worry about me. Just take care of Patty. We’ll find a donor.”

Amanda’s tone softened, but she kept going. “I’m just saying this for your own good. You’re amazing. You’ll find a really great guy someday, but don’t rush into marriage on a whim. When you’re young, it’s easy to make mistakes.”

She sighed. “Marriage is a cage, for love and especially for women. Once you’re married, you lose your freedom.”

Catherine’s answer was flat. “I know.”

Amanda pressed on. “And about having kids—don’t do it just because. Once you have them, you’re responsible for them, and it’s expensive...”

Even as she spoke, her expression made it clear. She was hoping Catherine wouldn’t have children at all.