Chapter 1
“Hey, Ms. Wilson, you’re seven weeks along, the doctor said, handing over the blood test results. “Take it easy, eat right, and don’t forget your folic acid. See you at the next check–up,”
Natalie Wilson’s hand instinctively went to her belly. She was blown away–she was growing a tiny human.
Lately, she’d been queasy and her appetite was MIA. She figured it was a bug and was about to hit the pharmacy for some meds. Finding out she was expecting was the last thing on her mind.
Stepping out of the hospital, she was torn about telling Shawn Guzman, her husband. She whipped out her phone, stared at his contact number, her heart pounding, and then slipped it back in her pocket.
She was all over the place, pacing like crazy. In the end, she plopped down on a bench by the entrance’s flowerbed.
Flashback to three years ago when her grandfather got real sick. She took him to the city for treatment and that was where they bumped into Shawn’s grandfather, Henry Guzman.
The old guys had been war buddies, with her grandfather even saving Henry’s bacon. It was a tear–jerker of a reunion. especially after so many years apart.
Back then, her grandfather was worried about leaving her high and dry. He asked Henry to watch out for her, and the moment Henry laid eyes on her, he was like, “This girl’s gonna be my grandson’s wife.”
Henry pushed Shawn to tie the knot, pronto. Shawn and Natalie got their marriage certificate, and soon after, her grandfather kicked the bucket.
That day, when Henry asked if she’d marry Shawn, Natalie blushed and nodded, all shy–like. Yeah, she had a thing for
Shawn.
She just didn’t know when it started. Maybe it was their first hospital meet–up when he strolled into her grandpa’s room, all lit up by the sun. He was like a Greek god, with chiseled features and eyes that could cut through steel–totally swoon- worthy.
about
Natalie thought Shawn wanted to marry her because he was feeling it too. But later, she got the 411–it was more al Henry’s arm–twisting, and Shawn didn’t have much say in the matter. So their marriage was like a contract.
The night before the big day, Shawn slid Natalie some papers. “My grandpa’s dead set on us getting hitched, and since you’re cool with it, you’ll be Mrs. Guzman. But that’s about it. We’re talking divorce in three years.”
According to the fine print, they were on the clock for three years, with a no–kids clause. Post–divorce, Natalie would get the villa they lived in and a sweet “parting gift.”
The second Natalie got the marriage contract, she knew she was the only one gung–ho about tying the knot. She skimmed. right over the small print, not wanting to show her cards or make things weird. So, she scribbled her signature and passed the papers back to Shawn.
The next day, they snagged their marriage certificate–no big ceremony.
“Nat, sorry for the mess. No wedding for now, Henry told Natalie. Even though Shawn was on board with the marriage, he wasn’t budging on the wedding, which left Natalie feeling a bit let down.
“It’s all good, Grandpa Henry. I get it,” she said softly, her voice a gentle as a whisper when she talked to Henry.
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Chapter 1
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After the legal stuff, they moved into Shawn’s pad. Since Shawn wasn’t down with having strangers around, they decided to skip the hired help.
Natalie wasn’t working, so she spent her days at home, whipping up meals and waiting for Shawn to roll in. Most nights, he was a no–show, and she ended up eating solo.
The first year was a quiet one, with them crashing in different rooms. They only hung out on weekends for dinner at the Guzman mansion, where Henry lived.
Shawn’s folks had bought it in a plane crash when he was just a kid, leaving Henry to raise him. Losing his only kid hit Henry hard; he was a mess of grief.
Back then, Shawn was just starting middle school. He’d grown up fast, and his once playful vibe turned serious. Thankfully, Henry was there for him, and after Shawn graduated, he became a hotshot entrepreneur, making his grandpa beam with pride.
As the head honcho, Shawn was always swamped. Natalie would often drop by to see Henry on her own. Being with Henry felt cozy and familiar, like hanging with her own grandpa.
About a year into their marriage, things started to shift
One night, Shawn stumbled in late, totally wasted. When the driver dropped him off, Natalie hustled over to lend a hand, teaming up with the driver to get him to the master bedroom, which she’d been using by herself.
With the driver still there, she didn’t want the world to know what was really going on. Once they got Shawn tucked in, the driver took off.
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As Natalie gazed at Shawn, she began to undo his shirt. She couldn’t help but notice his chest coming into view, which made her cheeks all hot. Just as she was about to get up and split, Shawn suddenly grabbed her hand, yanking her back. She lost her footing and tumbled onto him.
“Don’t leave me, he slurred, clutching her tight.
Natalie was on edge, not knowing what her next move should be. Out of the blue, Shawn rolled over, reversing their positions. He gazed at her with a hint of confusion in his eyes. 1 good looks were slightly enhanced by the alcohol, giving him a boyish charm.
Then, catching her completely off guard, he leaned in and planted a kiss on her. Natalie’s brain went into a tailspin, and she just went with the flow.
The following morning, Natalie was up with the roosters, eager to dodge any awkward encounters. She powered through her discomfort and hopped in the shower. Once she was done and had whipped up breakfast, she heard Shawn finally stir in his
room.
“About last night.” he started.
“Let’s just eat first,” she cut him off. The whole thing had been a surprise, and she wasn’t in the mood for any explanations that might dampen her spirits.
They sat down to a breakfast that was as quiet as a mouse.
“After this, we should grab some medicine, Shawn said, shattering the silence.
Natalie’s head shot up, her heart pounding.
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“We can’t have kids,” he stated, giving a rare explanation.
“I know, I’ll handle it. Despite the ache in her chest, she forced a weak smile.
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From that day forward, their dynamic shifted. They went from being roommates posing as a couple to partners who didn’t need words to express their bond.
Even though they shared a bed and their daily routines, it started to feel like a real marriage. Shawn usually rolled in late but would always pull her close from behind.
He often texted her on WhatsApp to tell her when he would be back. They’d been making more trips to the Guzman manor, especially with Henry, who was itching for å grandkid, always asking when they were planning to start a family, given they’d been hitched for nearly three years.
A WhatsApp alert jolted Natalie out of her thoughts. [Won’t be home for dinner tonight.] It was a message from Shawn.
[Got it] She replied and then recalled he had a delicate stomach and quickly sent a follow–up text: [Don’t overdo the booze.] Without a reply, Natalie was torn about telling Shawn about her pregnancy. Even though they’d grown closer over the two years, she knew in her heart that he’d never uttered, “I love you.” He wasn’t in love with her.
past
So many questions swirled in her mind, but one thing she was certain of was her desire to keep this baby.
Since Shawn was a no–show for the night, Natalie decided to drop in on Henry. She hadn’t seen him in a bit, especially with her recent bouts of feeling under the weather. It was time for a check–in.
