Chapter 761

Lily, having decided to keep the baby, needed a thorough checkup to determine if her prior chemical exposure had affected the pregnancy. After reviewing her file, conducting a urine test, and performing an ultrasound, Lily felt reassured. She was ready to embrace motherhood with Alexander by her side.

Then the doctor, holding her file, said, "Lily." Pushing up his glasses, he continued, "You're not pregnant."

Lily, whose smile had been poised to declare her intention to keep the baby, could only stammer, "What?"

"The ultrasound shows you're not pregnant," the doctor said, handing her the report.

Confused, Lily examined the report. While some data was complex, the conclusion was clear: she wasn't pregnant.

"I'm not?" she whispered.

Alexander, remaining calm, said, "She took a home pregnancy test, though."

The doctor explained, "Home pregnancy tests aren't always accurate. A blurry second line can result from hormonal fluctuations or other factors. The ultrasound, however, is definitive. Stress or recent health changes could have caused a delayed period."

Lily felt a dawning understanding. She lost herself in the doctor's further conversation with Alexander, feeling dazed and misled. The elation of her supposed pregnancy quickly turned to disappointment after days of anticipation. The drive home was silent; Lily sat in a trance, her hand resting on her lower abdomen.

"It's not bad news," Alexander said, taking her hand.

He was disappointed, too; he'd been eagerly anticipating their child.

"Good news?" Lily asked, her voice hoarse.

Perhaps it was. Life seemed to return to normal, yet everything felt different. The phantom pregnancy had caused her to seriously contemplate their future.

"Let's go home," Alexander said, patting her hand and smiling.

Meanwhile, the Perfumers' Society launched an investigation into Lily's illegal practices, while Tanner Corporation simultaneously unveiled its new perfume with much fanfare.