Casting a frigid nce at his former ssmates, Garrett was filled with revulsion as he departed with


    Laney.


    He never imagined his peers would be so callous and elitist over the years, particrly Kailee.


    Once kindhearted, she had morphed into a spiteful individual.


    He couldn’t stomach spending another second in such a duplicitous and repugnant environment.


    As Garrett and Laney exited, the atmosphere at the party turned even more ufortable. Gazing at


    the retreating couple, Kailee seethed with jealousy and rage.


    Emerging from the seclusion of the private room, Laney’s intuition was aze, detecting that the


    history bet**en Garrett and Kailee was far from simple.


    The jealousy that sparked in Kailee’s eyes as Garrett held Laney was undeniable. If envy could


    manifest as a lethal de, Laney would have surely perished at Kailee’s hands.


    Upon settling into the car, Laney feigned seriousness, her voice tinged with confusion. “Why do I get


    the sense that your connection with Kailee goes beyond just being old ssmates?”


    Garrett was taken aback by Laney’s perceptiveness, his pulse quickening. He fumbled for words,


    exining, “We were an item back in our school days. But after graduation, we went our separate ways


    and haven’t really been in touch. I didn’t mention it earlier because I didn’t want you to feel envious. I


    swear!”


    Witnessing Garrett’s disarray, Laney couldn’t supp**ss herughter any longer, her amusement spilling


    over. “Don’t worry. I don’t sumb to jealousy on a whim. But…” Garrett’s anxiety returned.


    “What?” Laney’s exp**ssion turned icy. “Kailee’s actions were despicable. It’s one thing to insult me, but


    to demean Natalie as well? That’s simply unbearable.”


    “Sweetheart, don’t worry!” Garrett patted his ch*st with conviction, promising, “From now on. I’ll keep


    my distance from people like them and never let them harm you!”


    “That’s a relief.”


    As the couple conversed, their home neared. Suddenly, Laney experienced a sharp pain in her


    abdomen, her face drained of color. “I… my stomach doesn’t feel right…”


    Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    rmed, Garrett gathered her into his arms, concern etched on his face. “What’s going on? Are you


    having stomach cramps?” Laney gripped her belly, struggling to catch her breath.


    “My stomach… it hurts…” Fearful for her wellbeing, Garrett barked at the driver, “To the hospital, now!”


    They promptly arrived at the hospital’s entrance.


    Upon examination, the doctor assured them Laney’s condition wasn’t severe. Emotional upheaval had


    merely induced fetal movement. With proper care, all would be well.


    However, on the side of caution, the doctor advised Laney to remain in the hospital before delivery just


    in case.


    Relieved, Garrett’s heart lightened Yet, seeing Laney’s pallidplexion as shey in bed, he couldn’t


    help but feel remorseful.


    “I’m so sorry, honey. I didn’t protect you well enough.”


    Regret colored Garrett’s face as he gripped Laney’s hand. I should never have taken you to that ss


    reunion. I had no idea they’d be so pretentious and two-faced in just a few short years.”


    Laney offered him a reassuring smile, gently squeezing his hand. ‘It’s not your fault. Besides, the


    doctor says I’ll be fine. I just need some rest.”


    “I’m sorry, honey,” Garrett apologized again, guilt-ridden. “Our baby has suffered too…”


    “Enough apologies!” Laney interrupted, yfully tousling his hair. “Our little one might just be eager to


    explore the world outside.” Laney’s tenderness only intensified Garrett’s self-condemnation. He berated


    himself internally for causing such a wonderful wife to endure so much pain. He felt utterly wretched.


    After conversing a while longer, Laney drifted off to sleep.


    Gazing upon Laney’s slumbering visage,


    Garrett recalled the indignities she had suffered at the gathering and the tense car ride. Consumed by


    guilt and frustration, he retreated to the corridor for a smoke.


    It had been quite a while since hest smoked, having quit when Laney became pregnant.


    Nevertheless, just as he ignited his cigarette, he noticed Leo and Vera hastily emerging from the


    elevator. Catching sight of him, they inquired with concern, “How is Laney? Is she okay?”


    “She’s fine,” Garrett replied, snuffing out the cigarette with a sullen exp**ssion


    Relieved to hear that Laney was well, they rxed.


    “What happened today?” Leo questioned, his tone less than amicable.


    As Leo’s interrogation bore down on him, Garrett struggled to find the words to defend himself.


    Leo’s rage intensified upon seeing Garrett’s crestfallen exp**ssion. “You’re nearly thirty, for heaven’s


    sake! Show some maturity! How can you ever hope to be a decent father and protector for your


    family?”


    Garrett found himself at a loss for words for the first time in his life, rendered speechless by Leo’s


    scathing rebuke.


    Deep down, he knew Leo was right. His own negligence had caused harm to Laney.


    Vera, witnessing the harsh chastisement Garrett was enduring, felt a wave of sympathy and


    immediately intervened, “You can’t ce all the me on Garrett! Laney must bear some responsibility


    too. Her own carelessness nearly resulted in disaster.”


    Garrett’s protective instincts kicked in, and he quickly jumped to Laney’s defense. “It’s all my fault. I


    should never have brought Laney to the ss reunion. If I hadn’t, this cmity wouldn’t have urred.


    I promise to be more vignt in the future.”


    Seeing Garrett’s genuine remorse, Leo’s anger finally began to dissipate. “I’m d you understand the


    gravity of the situation. You may return to work tomorrow. L will tend to Laney.”


    “No!” Garrett protested, anxiety mounting. “With Laney in this state, I can’t concentrate on work.” Leo


    frowned.


    “It’s crucial that you sort out your work affairs, so you can be there for Laney when she needs you most


    – during childbirth.” Vera chimed in, “You don’t want to be absent when Laney gives birth, do you?”


    Garrett knew that Leo was right but couldn’t shake his concern. “But what about Laney…”


    “Don’t fret, Mr. Harding. I’ll take excellent care of Mrs. Harding,” L, who had been quietly trailing


    Vera, promptly assured him.


    “Alright, but you must keep a close eye on Laney.”


    After issuing a final reminder to L and casting a lingering nce at the slumbering Laney in her


    hospital bed, Garrett reluctantly took his leave.