The next day, as usual, Frank sent Ava to the airport. Pat carried the luggage and walked onto the plane. After the two kissed goodbye, they separated.
The plane took off into the sky. Frank left after smoking a cigarette, as he always did.
A few hours later, at Turner Manor...
With Pat respectfully carrying the suitcase behind him, Ava strolled. She didnât bounce around as usual but moved steadily and carefully, leaving footprints one step at a time. Seeing movement in the yard, Emma rushed out from inside the house.
Before Ava returned, Natalie had already called Emma and explained the situation. After listening, Emma felt that her daughter was a bit willful this time, and she should tell Frank about it.
However, not knowing her daughterâs thoughts, she hesitated to call Frank before understanding the situation when her daughter returned.
âTired?â Emma gently supported her daughter and walked inside.
Observing her motherâs facial expressions and gestures, Ava discerned with certainty that her sister had likely discussed the matter with their mother. The nuanced details in her momâs demeanor, perhaps a subtle shift or a particular reaction, provided Ava with cues indicating that her sister had, in all probability, already shared the information.
âMom, do you think I did the right thing?â Ava walked to the sofa, holding Emmaâs wrist.
âYou and Frank have been engaged for a long time. Technically, getting married first is also possible. But Frank doesnât want you to be restricted in college. Otherwise, there wouldnât have been such a long time without any accidents. This time it happened because of your actions,â Emma explained.
Ava wanted to surprise Frank with a marriage certificate when she graduated, ensuring that marriage and having a child would happen simultaneously, no longer making her feel like she was lagging behind.
Emma helped her daughter sit down, held her hand, and said, âAva, youâve grown up. Technically, you have a baby now and are about to become a mother. Mom should respect your decision, but you should tell Frank about this. He has the right to know as the childâs father.â
Ava expressed her most significant concerns. âBut what if something happens to the child? What if itâs not healthy? What if I need to protect the pregnancy?â Her voice softened as she spoke, lowering her gaze and playing with her nails.
Emma squinted, sensing a hint of tension in her daughterâs emotions. Not wanting to force her to decide, she gently reassured her, âAva, there arenât as many âwhat ifsâ as you think. Whether the child is good or not, itâs Frankâs child. Frank wonât dislike or reject it. Moreover, this situation never happened; letâs not worry too much. Relax, okay?â
Ava thought to herself. She just wanted the surprise stable for a while and didnât want any disappointment to occur.
Seeing her daughter silent, Emma sighed inwardly. She didnât dare press the child too hard. âMom understands your concerns.
Letâs not think about anything for now since youâre back. Weâll understand the situation after youâve relaxed.â
Ava raised her gaze, making eye contact with her daughter. Emma Turner said, âRest assured, you must tell Frank about this.
Mom wonât do it for you. But Mom hopes youâll share it with Frank soon. Heâll be very happy.â
With her soft-spoken and reassuring manner, Emma skillfully communicated the information, fostering an environment where any potential psychological burdens were alleviated.
In response, Ava acknowledged the conveyed details and exhibited internal contemplation and uncertainty regarding her earlier resolution. Emmaâs delicate and calming approach was a catalyst for Avaâs introspection, prompting her to reevaluate the decisions she had initially made.
Emma also felt that her daughter had grown up. She patted her daughterâs head affectionately, giving various pieces of advice like Natalie did.
Twilight arrived, and the villa was as bright as day.
There were four people sitting on the sofa in the living room. They were Emma, Daniel, Joseph, and Christina.
Ava had already gone to bed early because of her pregnancy. She remembered her sister and motherâs instructions about not staying up late, avoiding strenuous exercise, and following every precaution.
With everyone present except Emma, the other three didnât know about Avaâs pregnancy. The whole family was in pajamas, and the atmosphere was somewhat serious. Christina glanced at Joseph, questioning him with her eyes, but Joseph shook his head.
Five minutes ago, the two had just hidden under the covers and received a message from Emma. It was a brief message. [Living room, we need to talk.]
Daniel spoke first, asking Emma, âEmma, what happened? Do we need to wake up Joseph and the others?â
Emma sat upright, glancing at the three people, and calmly said, âAva is pregnant. Let me explain what we need to be careful about later.â
The three people answered in unison, âAva is pregnant.â
Even Joseph, who was usually calm, was now in turmoil. He looked at Emma with complex emotions, thinking he had misunderstood.
There was a perceived sense of prudence and understanding within the character of Frank. The unexpected news of Avaâs pregnancy, given that she still had a year until graduation, raised questions and uncertainties.
One might have anticipated a more cautious approach, considering the timing and the impact on their plans. The contrast between the expected moderation and the surprising revelation left confusion and curiosity.
Originally, Ava would have graduated in September this year, but she decided to pursue a double degree, leading to a delayed graduation.
Whether it was the Turner family or the Roberts family, they all supported this decision. They even advised Ava not to be anxious and to take her time. Frank could interpret it as he pleased.
Daniel was momentarily lost in thought, unable to understand how his daughter became pregnant. âDidnât Frank say that he wouldnât let Ava get pregnant during her time at school? Now sheâs pregnant, and Avaâs entire pregnancy period is practically during her time at school.â
In the midst of the heavy silence, Joseph and Christina Yamin exchanged perplexed glances, both grappling with a multitude of questions swirling in their minds. The weight of the revelation hung in the room, and the two of them remained locked in contemplative silence, searching for a way to address the unexpected situation that had unfolded before them.
The air was pregnant with unspoken queries, and Christina, in her stunned state, could only manage to briefly part her lips before closing them, struggling to find the right words to express her astonishment.
A sudden, unexpected pregnancy would be normal if it were an ordinary couple. However, for Frank and Ava, this was what puzzled them. Based on Frankâs love for Ava, they found it hard to believe he would let her get pregnant now.
Seeing everyone confused, Emma explained gently, neither hurried nor anxious. âDonât misunderstand, Frank. He doesnât know that Ava is pregnant, and itâs not an accident. Ava did it herself, making herself pregnant.â
âWhat? Ava wanted to get pregnant on her own.â Daniel couldnât believe his ears. His daughterâs actions surprised him.
Joseph and Christina were speechless and didnât know how to react to this statement.
Emma nodded, confirming that it was indeed her daughterâs doing.
After hearing this, Joseph touched his forehead and asked, âIs Ava planning to get married and have a child when she graduates on October 1st?â
âYes, the childâs timing is well calculated. She even had Natalie check her body. This plan has probably been on her mind for a while. She may feel guilty about the sudden one-year delay in graduation and doesnât want Frank to wait any longer,â Emma analyzed.
Ava knew Frank too well. If Frank didnât agree to her getting pregnant, she definitely wouldnât have.
This might be the most outrageous thing Ava has done in her 20-odd years. Itâs because she understood Frank so well that she resorted to such a plan. This child was truly remarkable.
Christina was convinced that Avaâs love for Frank was ingrained in the very core of her being.
The group remained silent for a brief moment. Breaking the silence, Joseph took the initiative to speak. After a few seconds of contemplation, he swiftly reached a decision. âIâll organize someone to accompany Ava to and from school starting tomorrow.â
Christina was aware that the individuals Joseph intended to arrange were not mere companions for school. Their primary role was to ensure Avaâs safety. Their capabilities were undoubtedly top-notch, as evidenced by individuals like Ethan, Pat, and Benjamin. It was evident that they were highly skilled bodyguards.
Daniel did not object. âThe one arranged by Joseph is fine. When does Ava plan to tell Frank? We canât keep it a secret forever.
Itâs not appropriate.â
The entire family was exceptionally insightful and ready to draw connections from subtle changes. Ava wouldnât have returned today if she had wanted to inform Frank. Typically, she wouldnât be due to come home until the last week before school started.
This early return, a half-month ahead of schedule, was an unusual move.
Emma said, âAva wants to tell Frank on October 1st, but I think itâs inappropriate. What do you think?â
Christina calculated the time and realized that Avaâs baby in her belly was almost three months old. At three months, it was about time to register for prenatal care.
Daniel nodded, considering it from a fatherâs perspective. He wanted to inform Frank. After all, it was his child. âDid Ava say why she didnât tell Frank?â
This was a joyous occasion and shouldnât be kept a secret.
Emma sighed, glanced at the others, and then, with a slight concern, asked Christina, âChristina, were you worried about your childâs well-being during the early stages of pregnancy? Concerned about miscarriage or other issues?â
Christina recalled, âYes, there were concerns. When alone, one tends to overthink. However, Joseph always comforted me, and things got better later.â
With the words spoken, Emma nodded. âCurrently, Ava is in this situation. Sheâs afraid that, like the empress in soap operas, she might unexpectedly miscarry. She fears that the joy might turn into shock if she tells Frank.â
The two men pressed their temples, continually deep in thought and unsure of what to do. Father and son mirrored each otherâs actions.
Christina, while understanding, felt that Avaâs situation might be more severe than hers. Her primary concern during that time was the fear of complications due to her age, such as Down syndrome, high blood sugar, etc. Miscarriage was not a thought.
After a moment of silence, Daniel spoke, âThen let Ava take a couple of days to observe her condition. Emma, you encourage her to tell Frank if she feels better and less anxious. Keeping it a secret is not appropriate.â
Emma shared the same sentiment. She also didnât plan to let Ava keep it from Frank until National Day. She nodded in agreement.
After a lengthy discussion in the living room, they went upstairs.
In the room, Christina asked, âJoseph, are you really not planning to tell Frank now?â
Joseph held a corner of the blanket and hesitated. âWait for two more days and see how Avaâs emotions change.â
Joseph heard Christina say this for the first time. âWhy didnât you say this before?â
Christina responded, âMr. Turner, Iâm all grown up now. I canât come to you every time Iâm nervous.â
Joseph hugged her as they lay down, his chin resting on her head, and said slowly, âYou donât need to pretend to be strong with me. You can be a little woman by my side. I can protect you, and I do understand, okay?â
âI understand,â she replied. However, she also felt sorry for his hardships, taking care of this and that and being considerate in every way.
Ava checked her phone. It was already 9 oâclock. At this time, Frank had already started working. New chapter avаilable oÕ¸ Drаmаnovels.com She felt a bit lonely. She absentmindedly touched her belly. This action only started when she got pregnant. In the chat interface, she typed, [Frank, are you awake?]
Frank was already at the company and quickly replied. [Yeah, up so early today?]
The lies of these past few days could already make up for more than twenty years of deceit. Ava continued with her falsehoods, texting, [Yes, I need to get up to do my homework. Are you at work?]
Frank replied, [Yeah, at work.]
Ava replied, [Okay, then, you go to work, and I wonât disturb you. I need to work hard, too. Bye-bye.]
[Bye-bye] Frank replied.
As Ava put away her phone in a daze, Frank sent another message. [For National Day, should I go to Sapphire City, or do you come to Athana?]
After reading the message, Ava sweetly smiled. Deep in her heart, she secretly calculated. It had been almost three months since National Day. She replied, [Frank, you come to Sapphire City.]
Frank readily agreed. [Alright, Iâll listen to you.]
After chatting for a few more minutes and ending the conversation, Ava put down her phone, touched her belly, and murmured, âBaby, you must be strong. Dad said heâd come to Sapphire City for National Day. You canât disappoint Dad, okay?â