Page 142 of Whispered Sins

“He was at the OB office to meet his friend. I literally ran right into him and then he saw all this.” I motioned to my belly.

“Jesus, Heart.”

“I know,” I said softly.

“What a mess. This is exactly what the doctor told you to avoid. All this stress isn’t good for you.”

“Clearly,” I said, gesturing to the machines and my hospital gown.

Monica took a seat beside me and reached for my hand. We sat there and I told her everything that had happened with Daniel. How I had to tell him the truth and how he had run after the cab.

“Girl, you’re like a walking, talking book just waiting to be written,” she said, wide-eyed.

“Tell me about it,” I muttered.

“Which, by the way, there’s something I want to talk to you about…”

There was a knock at the door and the doctor walked in.

“Hello, I’m Doctor Patel. I realize we don’t have any intake information for you yet, but I will have some sent up. What’s your name, miss?”

“Addison Heartly.”

“And you are…” She eyed my belly. “Seven months pregnant?”

“Yes. Just over,” I said in amazement.

She nodded knowingly.

“It looks like your blood pressure took quite a drastic drop leading to a dizzy spell and the nausea. Have you eaten enough today?”

“Yes, plenty,” I said, before listing off everything I ate.

“Good. And how are your stress levels?”

Monica gave me a pointed look.

“Not so good lately,” I admitted.

“It’s not the first time she’s been in the hospital, doc,” said Monica, crossing her arms.

“I see,” said Doctor Patel. “Well, I’m sure your doctor has already told you, but this stress is not good for you, and especially not good for the baby. You need to get it under control.”

“Yes, doctor.”

“I’d like to keep you here overnight just to be sure everything is okay.”

“Okay,” I said softly.

I felt guilty for the craziness of my life because of how it could be potentially harming the baby. It wasn’t like I asked to lose my job or run into Daniel, but I couldn’t help but feel like everything was my fault.

The doctor gave me a reassuring smile before slipping out of the room.

“Heart…” started Monica.

“I know, okay?” I said, my eyes watering.

I didn’t need another lecture when I was already feeling bad enough.

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