After the Split-up, I Spurned His Third Try

Emma gave me a shrimp, telling me to eat more.

Erasmo knew I was allergic to seafood, and he had told his parents.

So, she was doing this on purpose.

When I hesitated to pick up the shrimp, Erasmo nudged me.

He whispered, "My mom gave it to you, just eat it. Why are you being so difficult?"

I said, "Sorry, I'm allergic to seafood. I can't eat it."

Emma stared at me like I'd committed some terrible crime.

Erasmo furrowed his brow.

He whispered angrily, "It's just an allergy. Eat it already. Everyone's watching."

I refused, "No, I can't. I had shrimp once as a kid, had a severe reaction, couldn't breathe, and had to be rushed to the hospital."

Erasmo's face turned red with anger.

He snapped, "It's just a shrimp. Why are you so dramatic? Are you gonna die?"

I remembered that hospital visit. I could have died.

The doctor said I was lucky to get there in time. Otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable. He said I could never eat seafood again.

Erasmo's attitude made me feel cold. I didn't know why my usually gentle and considerate boyfriend acted so differently around his family.

Maybe it was the smell of the seafood, but I suddenly felt nauseous.

Emma watched me intently.

Then, she pulled Erasmo aside, and they whispered for a while.

I sipped some water and felt a little better.

Emma came over with a woman whose face was covered in freckles.

Emma said, "Lisa, take a look. Do you think Madeline is pregnant?"

Erasmo leaned over.

He whispered in my ear, "Lisa was a doctor in our village for a few years. Her medicinal skills are great. She can tell if you're pregnant or not."

Lisa closed her eyes and touched my wrist.

Then she confidently told Emma, "Congratulations, she's pregnant."

Emma was ecstatic.

She enthused, "Great. Can you tell if it's a boy or a girl?"

They whispered mysteriously on the side, not even bothering to ask me.

But I was confused. How could I be pregnant when we'd always used protection?