Beyond the Divorce

Unexpected Joy



When I woke up, the sharp scent of hospital disinfectant filled my nose. Groggily turning over, I collided with a warm body.

I quickly opened my eyes to find Atlas lying beside me. Staring at him in confusion, I struggled to grasp what was happening.

He looked at me with a tender smile and gently kissed me. "Good morning, sleepyhead. Are you finally awake?"

Still dazed, I mumbled, "What time is it?"

"It's 7," he replied softly.

"7?" I blinked, suddenly realizing it was evening. But why did it still seem like dawn outside?

"7 p.m.," Atlas clarified.

I gasped, glancing outside and then back at him.

"It's 7 p.m.? Then... where's Dad?" Uncertain, I asked, trying to make sense of it all.

"He woke up briefly, then dozed off again. The doctor says he's finally getting some real rest," Atlas informed me in a gentle tone.

Relief flooded through me. So, it was all real-my biological father was truly back.

With a surge of happiness, I sat up abruptly, ready to get out of bed. Atlas's hand shot out to stop me. "Careful there, don't rush."

"I need to see my Dad," I exclaimed eagerly.

He gazed at me with affection and warmth in his eyes. Maybe there was even a little lust in them.

I playfully slapped his arm. "Hey. We're in the hospital, remember? Watch your expression."

Then, I attempted to get out of bed again, but he held me back. "Hold on, you can see your dad later, but let's get something straight first. Don't get too worked up. Get up, grab a bite, then go see him."

"Oh. I'll just take a peek at him and come back to eat." I bargained. "I'm not even hungry."NôvelDrama.Org holds text © rights.

I was lying. I woke up starving, and the last meal I had was yesterday morning. That meal made me feel like I was chewing wax.

Now, I was famished.

"No bargaining with me. Eat first.

The doctor says he might sleep for a while longer this time." Atlas got up and helped me. "You need to eat properly, or else our baby won't get enough nutrients."

"B-Baby?" I looked at him in astonishment, feeling a bit dazed. "What baby?"

He smiled brightly and gently rubbed my abdomen. "You're pregnant. We're going to have a baby."

"What?" I was taken aback, staring at him in disbelief, stuttering, "W-Who said that?"

This news was quite sudden, leaving me unsure how to react.

I was pregnant with Atlas's child? Our child was on the way?

He was going to be a father? No wonder his expression was so gentle, and he was unable to hide his pride.

My mind raced, recalling the last time I had my period. I had completely forgotten about this.

"Of course it was the doctor who

said it, but the baby's position is a bit

unstable. You need to be careful, avoid getting too emotional, eat on time, and..."

"I can't do anything, and I can only lie in bed, I, right?" I retorted, looking at him. He had said too many things I couldn't do.

He kissed my lips. "Exactly."

"Is what you said true?" My hand instinctively rested on my abdomen as I looked at him seriously. "Are we really having a baby?"

He nodded contentedly. "It's my fault. I almost made a big mistake. Arnold was right, I shouldn't have let you go to Cirencester." "You just realized?"

As Atlas's words trailed off, Arnold swaggered in through the door.