Chapter 713 Casting a frigid glance at his former classmates, Garrett was filled with revulsion as he departed with Laney.
He never imagined his peers would become so callous and elitist over the years, particularly Kailee. Once kindhearted, she had morphed into a spiteful individual.
He couldnât stomach spending another second in such a duplicitous and repugnant environment.
As Garrett and Laney exited, the atmosphere at the party turned even more uncomfortable. Gazing at the retreating couple, Kailee seethed with jealousy and rage.
Emerging from the seclusion of the private room, Laneyâs intuition was ablaze, detecting that the history bet**en Garrett and Kailee was far from simple.
The jealousy that sparked in Kaileeâs eyes as Garrett held Laney was undeniable. If envy could manifest as a lethal blade, Laney would have surely perished at Kaileeâs hands.
Upon settling into the car, Laney feigned seriousness, her voice tinged with confusion. âWhy do I get the sense that your connection with Kailee goes beyond just being old classmates?â
Garrett was taken aback by Laneyâs perceptiveness, his pulse quickening. He fumbled for words, explaining, âWe were an item back in our school days. But after graduation, we went our separate ways and havenât really been in touch. I didnât mention it earlier because I didnât want you to feel envious. I swear!â
Witnessing Garrettâs disarray, Laney couldnât supp**ss her laughter any longer, her amusement spilling over. âDonât worry. I donât succumb to jealousy on a whim. But...â Garrettâs anxiety returned.
âWhat?â Laneyâs exp**ssion turned icy. âKaileeâs actions were despicable. Itâs one thing to insult me, but to demean Natalie as well? Thatâs simply unbearable.â
âSweetheart, donât worry!â Garrett patted his ch*st with conviction, promising, âFrom now on. Iâll keep my distance from people like them and never let them harm you!â
âThatâs a relief.â
As the couple conversed, their home neared. Suddenly, Laney experienced a sharp pain in her abdomen, her face drained of color. âI... my stomach doesnât feel right...â
Alarmed, Garrett gathered her into his arms, concern etched on his face. âWhatâs going on? Are you having stomach cramps?â Laney gripped her belly, struggling to catch her breath.
âMy stomach... it hurts...â Fearful for her wellbeing, Garrett barked at the driver, âTo the hospital, now!â
They promptly arrived at the hospitalâs entrance.
Upon examination, the doctor assured them Laneyâs condition wasnât 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, Garrettâs heart lightened Yet, seeing Laneyâs pallid complexion as she lay in bed, he couldnât help but feel remorseful.
âIâm so sorry, honey. I didnât protect you well enough.â
Regret colored Garrettâs face as he gripped Laneyâs hand. I should never have taken you to that class reunion. I had no idea theyâd become so pretentious and two-faced in just a few short years.â
Laney offered him a reassuring smile, gently squeezing his hand. âItâs not your fault. Besides, the doctor says Iâll be fine. I just need some rest.â
âIâm sorry, honey,â Garrett apologized again, guilt-ridden. âOur baby has suffered too...â
âEnough apologies!â Laney interrupted, playfully tousling his hair. âOur little one might just be eager to explore the world outside.â Laneyâs tenderness only intensified Garrettâs 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 Laneyâs 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 he last 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, âHow is Laney? Is she okay?â
âSheâs fine,â Garrett replied, snuffing out the cigarette with a sullen exp**ssion The Double Life of My Billionaire Husband Relieved to hear that Laney was well, they relaxed.
âWhat happened today?â Leo questioned, his tone less than amicable.
As Leoâs interrogation bore down on him, Garrett struggled to find the words to defend himself.
Leoâs rage intensified upon seeing Garrettâs crestfallen exp**ssion. âYouâre nearly thirty, for heavenâs sake! Show some maturity! How can you ever hope to be a decent father and protector for your family?â
Garrett found himself at a loss for words for the first time in his life, rendered speechless by Leoâs 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, âYou canât place all the blame on Garrett! Laney must bear some responsibility too. Her own carelessness nearly resulted in disaster.â
Garrettâs protective instincts kicked in, and he quickly jumped to Laneyâs defense. âItâs all my fault. I should never have brought Laney to the class reunion. If I hadnât, this calamity wouldnât have occurred. I promise to be more vigilant in the future.â
Seeing Garrettâs genuine remorse, Leoâs anger finally began to dissipate. âIâm glad you understand the gravity of the situation. You may return to work tomorrow. Lola will tend to Laney.â
âNo!â Garrett protested, anxiety mounting. âWith Laney in this state, I canât concentrate on work.â Leo frowned.
âItâs crucial that you sort out your work affairs, so you can be there for Laney when she needs you most â during childbirth.â Vera chimed in, âYou donât want to be absent when Laney gives birth, do you?â
Garrett knew that Leo was right but couldnât shake his concern. âBut what about Laney...â
âDonât fret, Mr. Harding. Iâll take excellent care of Mrs. Harding,â Lola, who had been quietly trailing Vera, promptly assured him.
âAlright, but you must keep a close eye on Laney.â
After issuing a final reminder to Lola and casting a lingering glance at the slumbering Laney in her hospital bed, Garrett reluctantly took his leave.
ï¤Chapter 712 The Return Of His Unrivaled Ex-Wife (Joanna)
ï¤Chapter 1329 Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen ï¤Chapter 1187