What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 381

"What am I mad about? If you and Rafael can have a child, I'll only be happy for you," Finnian Sanders said, his voice softening as he met her gaze.

The light in Noelle Lawrence's eyes dimmed. She lowered her lashes, letting out a self-deprecating scoff. "As long as you're not mad. I was afraid you'd yell at me for making decisions on my own."

"If you knew you were pregnant, why didn't you rest? If Mrs. Wagner hadn't called me right away, what if something happened to you? Do you have a death wish?" When Finnian had rushed to the apartment earlier, he found Noelle collapsed on the bedroom rug. Mrs. Wagner hadn't dared to move her, leaving her there for over twenty minutes.

"I couldn't worry about all that. And... I never expected pregnancy to be this agonizing. My morning sickness seems worse than most. I've barely eaten anything lately, just surviving on a few sips of iced milk and orange juice. I probably passed out from malnutrition." Noelle's eyes reddened with grievance. "Why is it so hard for women to carry a child?"

Seeing her like this, Finnian suddenly thought of Kaia Chavez. Four months into her pregnancy, Kaia had also thrown up relentlessly, losing ten pounds in just two months.

"Noelle, we should tell Mom about this. Elaine has experience; she might know how to take better care of you," Finnian said, reaching for his phone.

Noelle reached out, gently tugging at his shirt. "Don't tell Mom yet, Finnian. I've heard it's bad luck to announce a pregnancy before the second trimester. If too many people know, the baby might slip away."

"Is that a real thing?" Finnian frowned.

"Yes. If you don't believe me, look it up. I've been reading so much about early pregnancy lately, and a lot of expecting mothers talk about it. I'd rather be safe than sorry." Noelle looked at him with nervous, pleading eyes. "Finnian, please just trust me this once. Help me. I'm already on bed rest to save the pregnancy. What if... this is Rafael's final bloodline."

Finnian vaguely remembered Kaia mentioning something similar once, though she had only said it in passing.

"Alright. Then stay in the hospital and rest. No running around. Let Dr. Gordon Hayes handle your work for now," Finnian finally relented.

"Okay. I just feel like I've let you down. You trusted me with Aethelstan Biopharma, and now I'm completely useless," Noelle murmured, blaming herself.

"It's fine. Your health is more important. Work can wait." Finnian honestly didn't care who managed the projects; they would move forward steadily regardless. Looking at Noelle's state, she probably couldn't even get out of bed.

She needed an IV in the back of her hand. Watching the nurse approach with the needle, Noelle frowned, her body trembling slightly. "That looks like it hurts. Please be gentle."

Seeing the fragile, stunning woman, the nurse felt a twinge of sympathy. "Don't worry, it'll just be a quick pinch."

Finnian walked over, frowning at the needle as well.

As the nurse inserted the IV, Noelle gripped the sheets tightly, her face pale with pain.

Seeing how much she feared pain, Finnian suddenly realized that giving birth must be excruciating. When Kaia had Brynlee, she had been in labor for an entire night, completely exhausted to the point of passing out.

Once the IV was set, Finnian checked the time. He gave a few quick instructions to Mrs. Wagner and Dexter outside the door, then grabbed his keys and rushed downstairs.