Chapter 3 - The Warning
At thirty-six weeks, Elena attended an appointment with Dr. Vivian Morgan, the hospital’s senior obstetrician.
Preston had promised to attend.
He did not.
Khloe had asked him to help with a presentation, and he decided Elena’s appointment was routine.
It was not.
Dr. Morgan studied the test results for several minutes before speaking.
“Elena, I don’t want to frighten you, but we need to be careful during delivery.”
Elena placed both hands over her stomach.
“What’s wrong?”
“There are signs that labor may become difficult. It does not mean something terrible will happen, but we need to be prepared to perform emergency surgery if your condition changes.”
Elena nodded, trying to remain calm.
“Will my baby be safe?”
“That is our goal. The safest choice will depend on what happens during labor.”
Dr. Morgan printed the notes and sent copies to the hospital system. She also asked Elena to make certain Preston understood the plan.
That evening, Elena placed the documents on the kitchen table.
Preston arrived nearly two hours late.
Khloe had come with him.
She claimed they needed to finish a hospital report, but Elena noticed the way Khloe stood close to Preston and wore his spare jacket over her cream sweater.
Elena waited until Khloe left before showing Preston the documents.
He barely glanced at them.
“Vivian is overly cautious,” he said.
“She said surgery might save us if something goes wrong.”
“Doctors list every possible risk.”
“You are a doctor.”
“Exactly. I know how these things work.”
Elena stared at him. “Did you even read the report?”
Preston’s jaw tightened.
“You’ve been expecting disaster throughout this pregnancy.”
“I’m trying to prepare.”
“No, you’re panicking.”
Elena quietly gathered the papers.
For the first time in their marriage, she looked at him as though she did not recognize him.
“I’m not asking you to be my doctor, Preston. I’m asking you to be my husband.”
He could have apologized.
He could have read every page.
Instead, he walked away.
Later that night, Khloe sent him a message.
She is going to use that surgery recommendation to control the delivery.
Preston stared at the words.
May you like
Then he replied.
I won’t let that happen.
