Love That Hurts

Moments later, the door opened and the doctor entered, a warm smile on his face. He was tall, with neatly combed dark hair that was beginning to show flecks of gray at the temples. His friendly brown eyes sparkled with kindness, framed by a pair of thin, round glasses resting on the bridge of his nose. He wore a crisp white lab coat that contrasted against the blue scrubs beneath, giving him an air of professionalism mixed with approachability.

“Welcome back, Natalie. How are you feeling?” he asked, his voice soothing and calm, but it did little to ease the unease gnawing at me.

I forced a smile, my heart racing. “I feel… okay. But where’s my husband? Zane?”

The doctor’s expression shifted, a flicker of hesitation crossing his features. “I’m afraid he hasn’t been here since you were admitted.”

A cold knot formed in my chest. This didn’t sound like the Zane I knew. “What do you mean? He hasn’t called? He hasn’t visited?’”

The doctor shook his head. “I’m sorry, but no. However, I do have some good news.” He paused, clearly aware of my growing anxiety.

“What good news?” I asked, my voice trembling slightly with a mix of hope and fear.

The doctor smiled softly, studying my expression before continuing. “You’re pregnant.”

I froze, the weight of his words sinking in slowly. “Pregnant? Really?” I could barely process it. It was what we had wanted, what we had been hoping for, but my excitement was clouded by the nagging feeling that something wasn’t right.

I forced a smile. “I can’t wait to tell Zane.”

The doctor nodded, maintaining his calm demeanor. “Congratulations. I suggest you tell him as soon as possible.” He paused, studying me closely. “This pregnancy may have contributed to your fainting spell in the elevator. It’s important to get plenty of rest. Your body is going through a lot, and you’ll need support.”

He stepped closer, his tone gentle yet firm. “Your husband should play a crucial role in ensuring you have adequate rest. Make sure he understands how important it is for you right now. Communication is key, especially during this time.”

I nodded, feeling a mix of emotions—joy, excitement, but also a strange discomfort. “Can I have my phone? I need to tell him.”

The doctor gestured for the nurse, who was standing by the door. She nodded and left to retrieve my phone. I couldn’t help but wonder why Zane wasn’t here. Why wasn’t he the first to be by my side?

Moments later, the nurse returned, holding my phone. She handed it over with a reassuring smile. “Here you go. Just take it easy, alright?”

I reached for the phone, my pulse quickening with eagerness. I dialed Zane’s number, anticipation bubbling inside me. The call rang, and I held my breath, hoping he would pick up.

“Come on, pick up,” I murmured, a sense of urgency growing. Finally, I heard his voice on the other end.

“Hey, I’m busy. I’ll call you back later,” Zane said, cutting me off before I could even speak.

My heart stopped. “Later?” His words felt cold and distant. No concern. No curiosity about my well-being.

“Zane, wait!” I tried to call back, but it was too late.

I stared at the phone in disbelief. Did he just hang up on me? No concern for my health? Why didn’t he care? Why hadn’t he been there for me? I couldn’t shake the feeling that something had shifted, something I couldn’t yet understand.