Chapter 38 - An Issue

Ava

It has been four months since Ace and I discussed trying for a baby. But still, there was no sign of it.

I was well aware that it wasn't that easy to get pregnant. But for God's sake, I was getting so impatient.

As I watched Vayden grow bigger and healthier over the course of the last few months, my chest swelled with warmth, and my desire to have a child of my own kept increasing.

I had just woken up and checked my underwear. I hadn't gotten my periods yet. It had been forty days. My periods were always somewhat irregular.

However, that fact made me feel hopeful.

I went into the bathroom and grabbed one of the pregnancy kits from the cabinet. I tested it and sat on the sink counter while waiting.

This time, I really had a good feeling. I was already excited to tell Ace about it. Imagine his surprise if he wakes up to find that he's going to be a fa—

Nope, never mind. It's still negative.

I frowned and threw the pregnancy kit in the trash can. I went back into the bedroom and snuggled beside Ace to sulk.

Ace moved around a bit, indicating his awakening.

"Good morning, baby," he said with a smile.

I raised my head from his chest with teary eyes.

"What's wrong, baby?" he asked in concern.

"It's still negative," I murmured.

Ace gave me a sympathetic look and wrapped his arm around my waist. "It's alright. Maybe it's taking some time for us."

I buried my face in his chest, feeling so disappointed. Every time I get excited while doing a pregnancy test, I always get disappointed. Each time I felt like someone stabbed me with a knife.

"Do you think we are not doing it right?" I whispered.

Ace chuckled. "I highly doubt that."

"Then, what's wrong? Why won't I get pregnant? Is there something wrong with me?" I let out in frustration. I couldn't help but think negative things, but those thoughts were really scary.

He didn't say anything for a long moment before sighing. "No, there's nothing with you, baby. Every couple has different timing. Even our family doctor said so."

I looked up at him again. "Don't you think we should see another doctor?"

His eyes widened a bit before he shook his head. "Why would we do that? Mr. Nathan is one of the best doctors in the state."

"Still..." I couldn't help but feel like Mr. Nathan was hiding something from me.

Ace kissed my forehead. "You're overthinking, Ava."

I sighed. Maybe I was. Since I was so frustrated, I was starting to feel like everything around me was a lie. Sometimes, I felt like even Ace was lying to me, which was ridiculous.

Ace would never lie to me or hide anything anymore. He had promised me after I had found his hidden truth.

"You're right. Sorry." I smiled at him and gave him a sweet kiss. "You should get ready for office now."

He grinned and tightened his hold on me. "Let's cuddle for a little longer."

###

Later, that evening, I got my periods.

My periods always made me do something reckless and made my mind go into dark places. Therefore, I booked an appointment with another doctor in a hospital. I gave some tests, and the doctor there informed me that the results should be out in two days. I didn't tell Ace about it at all.

After two days, I was literally over the edge of my seat.

It was afternoon. Vayden was playing on the carpet with some toys in the living room while I sat on the couch with my iPad to design.

I couldn't focus on my work as I anxiously stared at Vayden.

I almost jumped out of my skin when my phone rang. I quickly picked it up from the coffee table. For the first time in my life, I was disappointed to see that it was just Ace.

I managed to pull up a smile and received the call.

"Hey, baby," I greeted, keeping my tone upbeat.

"Hey. Just wanted to check up on you. How are you feeling?" Ace asked, and my heart fluttered.

Since I had my periods, he was worried about me as I tend to get hella cranky during these times. He was so sweet to ask. Now, I felt kinda guilty for going behind his back to get the tests done at another hospital.

"I'm fine, thanks for checking up. Aren't you busy, though?" I inquired.

"Like I always say, I am never too busy for you." I chuckled at his response. "So anyway, do you have any special cravings? I can bring it for you before I get home."

I hummed thoughtfully, then chuckled a little more. "I don't think you need to bring anything. There's everything at home, even a chocolate cake."

He chortled. "Well, I know that. It's different if I bring them, especially for you, isn't it?"

"No need, mister. You just focus on your work. I'll eat the chocolate cake and think that you brought it for me, okay?"

"Alright, that sounds good enough." I could hear the grin in his voice.

"Anyway, I'm hanging up now. You get back to your work, I'll get back to mine."

"You're designing right now?"

"And babysitting Vayden," I added, a fond smile coming over my face as I glanced at Vayden on the carpet. He was giving me a toothless grin, which was so adorable.

"Where is Lily?" Ace asked.

"She had some work, so it's just me in the mansion."

"Are you bored?"

"No, not at all. It's pretty fun to look after Vayden and play with him, so don't worry. I'm fine by myself here," I assured him.

"Okay, you guys have fun then. I have to go now."

"Love you, Ace."

"Love you too." With that, he hung up.

I called for a maid to bring a piece of chocolate cake since I didn't want to leave Vayden unattended here. Once she had brought it to me, I was about to take a bite when my phone rang again.

This time, it was the doctor.

Even though I felt guilty for hiding it from Ace, I just had to get it confirmed.

I put down my fork and took a deep breath before picking up the call.

"Hello, Dr. Ronald," I greeted politely.

"Hello, Mrs. Valentino. I hope you are well." Something about his tone sounded like it was a piece of bad news.

"I'm well, thank you for asking. Have my reports come out yet?" I inquired anxiously.

"Yes, they have."

There was a long pause after that, so I had to ask, "What does it say?"

Dr. Ronald let out a deep sigh and uttered, "I'm sorry, Mrs. Valentino, but you can never conceive."