Because of what her mother had told her a week ago, Rhea finally gathered the courage to schedule a check-up today.
Why only now?
She wasn’t entirely sure. Maybe it was fear. The unknown had always terrified her. A part of her was deeply afraid of what the results might reveal. Another part of her had been swamped with work, using it as a distraction. And then there was Lucas. According to her mother, he had been visiting their house often, never arriving empty-handed. Flowers, fruit baskets, home-cooked meals, and even simple handwritten notes. He never asked to see her. He only left gifts, like quiet offerings of apology. Mama was the one who always received him at the door. What used to be a plain family home had now turned into a sanctuary of fresh blooms. Her mother never declined the gifts, often saying it would be a shame to waste them. But Rhea knew better. Lucas had slowly and surely charmed his way back into her mother’s good graces.
But not into hers. Not yet.
Their relationship remained suspended in an uncomfortable in-between. Every time he came to visit, she was conveniently elsewhere. Whether that was a coincidence or her subconscious design, even she couldn't tell anymore. But the truth remained: she wasn’t ready. The pain he had left behind still felt too fresh, like a wound that refused to scab over. She wasn’t brave enough to look at him without breaking.
And now, here she was, sitting alone in the cozy, softly lit office of Doctor Rachelle, her OB-GYN. The walls were painted in a tranquil pale blue that was meant to soothe nerves, but nothing could quiet the thudding of her heart. The check-up was complete. All that remained was the result of the pregnancy test the doctor had asked her to take earlier.
Her palms were damp. Her legs bounced anxiously. Her thoughts moved too fast, then too slow. Was she ready to be a mother? Was she ready to face what this meant, especially with Lucas back in her orbit?
“Doctor, how’s the result?” she asked nervously, rising from her seat the moment Dr. Rachelle entered, holding the test kit. The doctor gave her a calm, reassuring smile and motioned for her to sit back down.
“Please, relax first, Mrs. Villareal,” the doctor said gently.
Rhea sank back into her chair, her fingers knotting together in her lap.
The doctor exhaled slowly and then smiled.
“Congratulations,” she said warmly. “You are two weeks pregnant. You’re going to be a mother.”
The words hit Rhea like a gentle but unstoppable wave. She blinked rapidly. Her mouth opened slightly, and her hand instinctively flew to her abdomen. Her belly was still flat, untouched by the visible signs of pregnancy, but she felt something stir there anyway. Something unexplainable and powerful.
“I’m really pregnant?” she whispered, her voice cracking. “There’s a baby. I’m carrying a baby.”
The doctor nodded. “Yes, and I’m sure your husband will be thrilled.”
Her husband.
Lucas.
Rhea stared down at her stomach. In that moment, nothing else seemed to exist but the soft thrum of new life inside her.
Hi, baby, she thought. I’m your mom. I will protect you. I will love you with everything I have.
Dr. Rachelle handed her a small bottle of prenatal vitamins. “Take one capsule daily. We’ll need to monitor your sugar and check for any UTIs as well. Come back monthly for your check-ups. Also, cut back on caffeine. No heels. No lifting heavy objects. Prioritize rest and nourishment.”
The doctor went on with her detailed instructions, but Rhea absorbed only parts of them. Her mind was somewhere else entirely.
She left the clinic with one hand on her stomach, a protective gesture that already felt second nature. She didn’t know why, but the contact soothed her, anchoring her in this surreal moment. Was this maternal instinct already blooming within her?
As she walked down the hallway, a familiar face stopped her in her tracks. The older woman had paused, too, her eyes scanning Rhea curiously before flicking to her stomach. Recognition dawned in both their eyes at the same time.
It was Lucas’s grandmother, Lola Amanda. Elegant and poised as always, she looked genuinely delighted.
“Rhea, dear,” She greeted with a soft smile. “Are you pregnant?”
“I… uhmm…” Rhea fumbled, uncertain what to say. In the end, she just nodded.
“That’s wonderful news. I’ve been hoping for this day,” Lola Amanda said. “So, you had your check-up with Rachelle. Good choice. I am so glad we bumped into each other. I was hoping to talk to you. Are you free?"
Rhea hesitated, but then slowly shook her head. She couldn’t bring herself to say no. Lola Amanda’s warmth was disarming, and her kindness reminded Rhea of her grandmother.
"Perfect. Then come, let’s sit and talk. I’ll visit Rachelle later," The older woman said, gently looping her arm through Rhea’s. They ended up at a quaint little tea shop nearby, seated in a quiet corner far from the chatter of other patrons. The scent of jasmine and chamomile filled the air.
“Lola, how do you know Dr. Rachelle?” Rhea asked, curious. Based on how familiar they seemed, there had to be a deeper connection.
Lola Amanda smiled before setting down her teacup. Rachelle Ong is the daughter of my dearest friend. She’s like a daughter to me. Once upon a time, she almost married Adam if it weren’t for Lucianda, of course.” She jokingly reminisced and leaned forward. “Kidding aside, I heard about what happened between you and Lucas.”
Rhea dropped her gaze to the table. When she didn’t speak, Lola Amanda reached across and gently took both of her hands.
"Rhea, I’m not here to justify his actions. I just want you to know that I see how hard he’s trying to change. He’s hurting, Rhea. Lucas is everything to me. And I know this situation has been painful for you. But can you find it in your heart to forgive him? Please give him another chance. I know I have no right to meddle, but I can't bear seeing him this way. Every time he returns to the mansion, he looks so lost. His shoulders are slumped, and he walks like the world is on his back."
Rhea lowered her gaze, her throat tightening.
“The mansion? He's staying there now? What about his unit?” She asked, startled. Lucas had always insisted on living alone.
“His friends brought him back to the mansion. The condo was a wreck after you left. He destroyed almost everything.”
The elder sighed, her voice filled with quiet sorrow. “I know Lucas made mistakes. But I believe he’s trying to change. You’re the only woman he’s ever truly loved, and I think that scared him. Please, Rhea. For his sake, and for your child as well.”
She paused, then gently added, “I know you’ll do everything you can to provide for your baby. You’re strong, and you’ve always had a good heart. But no matter how capable you are, it’s still best for a child to grow up with a complete family. With a mother and a father who love them.”
Amanda’s eyes softened as she looked at Rhea. “Just think about it, anak. Not for Lucas. Not even for yourself. But for your baby.”
Those words cracked something inside her.
Before she knew it, tears were streaming down her cheeks.