Chapter 11 She Couldn’t Even Wash a Sheet Without Getting His Attention
“I just started fertility supplements. Even if it worked, it wouldn’t show up on a test this soon. Besides, I don’t feel any different,” Stella said
Usually, Stella wouldn’t argue. But after the hell she went through last night, her body felt like it had been hit by a truck. She really didn’t want to be dragged arend that day.
“You’re that desperate for cash, and you don’t want to get pregnant as fast as possible?” Martha’s tone was condescending, confident that Stella would cave for the
It was a million dollars, enough to cover Alison’s treatment and guarantee both of them comfortable life.
Stella’s eyes flickered with hesitation. In the end, she gave in.
They went to the OB–GYN for a discreet exam. The results weren’t saved in the hospital system, and everything was handlest quietly
The doctor, nry Tanner, adjusted his glasses and scanned the report. “According to the tests, Ms. Irwin is not pregnant.”
Martha grabbed the report. It read, “Blood HCG level below reference range“, in bold letters, Stella wasn’t pregnant.
The room went quiet, and Sidney smiled. “Are you trying to conceive, sweetle?”
Right after graduation, Stella had been roped into sleeping with Jeremy by Bernice and Martha. Now she was standing in Sidney’s office, talking openly about getting pregnant. Her cheeks thashed with embarrassment.
“Yeah.. I’d like to get pregnant as soon as possible,” Stellasaid.
She wouldn’t have to keep pretending to be Martha if she had a baby. She could leave the Parker family and focus on her pregnancy.
Sydney said, “Natural–conception’s mostly about timing, but there are ways to improve your chances. Ovulation is your best window. You can grab some ovulation testides and-”
Martha cut him off, clearly impatient. “Just give her a few boxes of those.”
Sidney started writing the prescription and added, “It’s best to test daily a few days after your period ends. That’s whenovilation starts”
Stella picked up the medicine and headed downstairs with Mamba trailing beside her.
“When’s your next period?” Martha asked suddenly.
Stella blinked. “Next week”
*Start testing every day atter that. Get it? Martha instructed
Stella didn’t respond, walling halt a step behind her.
As they walked through the hallway, bits of conversation dritted by.
“How many IVF rounds did you do?”
“Just one! I got pregnant on the first try. I’m here to pick up prenatal meds now.
Martha turned and spotted two women chatting, all saniles. Above them was the big, dear sign, “Reproductive Medicine Department.”
They got into their Bentley and settled into the backseat. Martha cleared her throat as she said, “If you really can’t get pregnant naturally, IVF’s still an option. Sounds like the success rate’siderent.”
She actually didn’t know anything about medicine, she’d just overheard those two women talidng and can with the idea.
Stella didn’t respond. IVF wasn’t a sure thing, and it took a serious toll on a woman’s body. Unless it was absolutely necessary, natural pregnancy had always been the better option.
Martha thought it through and figured it wasn’t a bad idea. It could get Stella pregnant without the two of them having to be in contact as much.
Martha turned to Stella. “Are you even listening to me? Next time, make sure Jeremy uses protection and give me whatever he used afterward.”
That would take care of the most important part of the IVT process.
“I’m not doing that,” Stella’s voice was firm. She didn’t leave any room for negotiation
Martha nearly choked. “What did you say?
Stella didn’t look at her. A flush crept up her cheeks. “I’m not saying that to him. If you want him to wear one, go ask him yourself.”
Martha wanted to; God knew she did. But Jeremy always kept his distance, dodging her at every turn, she didn’t even have a chance to be alone with him, let alone suggest something like that,
Still, Stella was stubborn as hell. If she wasn’t on board; Martha couldn’t force it. “You’ve got some nerve.”
The car pulled to a stop in front of the Parker residence.
Matha got out first. Stella followed herin and up to the bedroom.
Martha stared at the face that looked so much like her own and felt a spike of jealousy. She pointed to the laundry basket in the comer
maid just stripped the sheets, Go wash them.” She added sharply, “By hand.”
It was a peily power play, and they both knew it.
tella didn’t acquor. She grabbed the basket and walked out. Compared to dealing with Martha’s constant moods, doing lady actually sounded like a bırakı But the basket was parkeit diets, pillowcases the whole four–piece set. And it was all slik
