Crossroads

It was late at night, and Stephanie was half asleep when a sudden cramp in her right leg jolted her awake.

She tensed up and quickly turned on the bedside lamp, flooding the room with light.

Frowning, she propped herself up with her hands and slowly moved to the edge of the bed. She lifted her numb and tingling right leg and placed it on the floor.

Leg cramps had been a frequent occurrence during her pregnancy..

Before, she didn't know how to handle them and would just lie in bed massaging her leg, but the relief was slow. Fortunately, Molly had taught her to sit up slowly and extend her leg on the floor, which eased the pain in a few minutes.

"Why aren't you asleep yet?"

The silence in the bedroom was broken when the door suddenly opened.

Dominick walked in, displeased by the bright lights. He looked at her and said through clenched teeth, "Stephanie, it's already 2 AM."

"So you do know it's 2 AMI" Stephanie turned to him, her tone sharp.

He had been staying up late every night despite his old fracture not fully healed. As George was absent, no one could keep him in check.

The room fell silent again, neither of them speaking.

Dominick headed to the bathroom and, when he came out, saw her still sitting on the bed, not lying down to rest. He was a bit annoyed.

"Stephanie, you shouldn't stay up late while pregnant," he said, trying to soften his tone.

"I know. I just..."

She looked awkward, staring at him for a couple of seconds before pressing her lips together, deciding not to explain further.

Stephanie sulked, turned away from him, and gently moved her right leg, now free of pain. She slowly pulled it back up and lay down on the bed.

Unexhausted from reviewing financial reports on the computer all night, Dominick didn't want to argue. He lay down on the other side, turned off the light, and closed his eyes to rest.

"Dominick..." Stephanie called his name hesitantly, "Dominick, are you asleep?" Stephanie asked softly, though she knew the answer. She felt conflicted. If Dominick ignored her, she'd pretend to be indifferent too.

He didn't respond but reached out to hold her tender right hand, their fingers interlocking.

Since the car accident, his right shoulder had been injured, so he had to sleep on his back instead of on his side holding her, which he wasn't used to

"There's been a lot going on lately, Stephanie. Don't make things difficult for me," he said in a weary, gentle voice, softer than his usual daytime tone, perhaps due to the late hour.

Stephanie moved closer to him, feeling wide awake after her earlier rest.

Her voice was slightly defiant "I'm not making trouble. Dominick, I want to talk to you. Can you stay awake for a bit longer?"

"Okay." Talking late at night like this was a first for Dominick. Normally, she didn't cling to him.

"I know you're busy, and I have nothing much to do at home. How about Thelp you organize your clothes?" She sounded more energetic as she continued. "Also, the doctor said some exercise before giving birth is good for the baby. I thought about helping in the kitchen, but it's not really suitable for me, Stephanie said, her voice trailing off with a hint of frustration, Dominick chuckled softly.

"What's so funny? I want to be a good wife."

Stephanie was annoyed and stretched out her right leg, kicking him lightly in protest.

Dominick had long realized that the woman he married would never be a traditional, dutiful wife.

Stephanie thought of something and moved closer to him, her volce a bit ingratiating. "Dominick, I want to trim the garden and be the gardener. I'm really good with big scissors."

"No." He refused immediately.

She had expected this, as the family gardener had also turned her down.

Stephanie continued to pester him, her voice soft and coaxing.NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

"I won't be stupid enough to hurt myself. Believe me. I know I have to take care of our sons, Dominick. I just like using big scissors..." She raised her voice at the end, resorting to whining.

"If you want to be a gardener, go pull weeds."

Negotiations failed, Dominick wouldn't budge.

Outside, the night was dark and silent. The distant city lights flickered, and the contrast made the tranquility here seem even better to him.

"Honey, can I sleep now?" Dominick, in a good mood, teased her.

Stephanie blushed slightly at how naturally he called her "Honey".

His injured right shoulder was inconvenient for him to move, so Stephanie dutifully tugged the quilt for him.

"By the e way, Dominick, George has been in Serenburg for almost a month. Maybe you should call him tomorrow..."

Stephanie had been wanting to ask about George. The last time she went to Serenburg Hospital, George had scolded her strangely. It wasn't just that he spoke harshly, but his tone was filled with resentment.

"If it weren't for you, he would have been fine," George had said, his face dark that day.

Stephanie didn't understand what he meant. She had many questions, but they wouldn't let her get involved.

No one dared talk about George ignoring her or Mary slapping her. She had even told Vincent to keep quiet so Dominick wouldn't hear about it and think she was stirring up trouble.

She was too afraid to call George herself. if Dominick called, it would surely please George.

He was silent, which made Stephanie anxious.

udos She tugged his left hand. "Did you does, it's for your own good..."

something to upset him? Old folks can be like children sometimes. You have to coax them. Whatever he Chapter 125

"This isn't your concern, Dominick suddenly said coldly.

Stephanie got annoyed. "Do you have to be at odds with George? Just go along with what he wants..."

"Stephanie, your main task now is to rest and prepare for childbirth. You shouldn't worry about anything elsel The peaceful early morning turned tense with this topic, leaving both of them irritated.

Stephanie turned her back to him, clutching her side of the quilt, feeling a bit sulky.

The next moming, she woke up naturally at seven. As usual, shem reached out her right hand, only to find the space beside her empty. He had already gotten up.

She sat up, glaring at the empty spot next to her for a while, feeling annoyed.

She thought Dominick had gone out for work again. When she went m downstairs, Sandra told her that Vincent and Scott had come over early, and they were in the study.

"Oh." Stephanie sat at the dining table, eating breakfast, and responded nonchalantly.

After a moment, she looked up at Sandra. "By the way, I have something to do today..."

Sandra looked surprised for a moment, then nodded. "Okay, I'll let him know.

Around noon, the housemaid went to the study, knocked lightly on the door, and reminded Dominick and the others to come down for lunch.

"Where is Mrs. Wellington?"

When Dominick and the others arrived at the dining room, Sandra and the maids had already set the table and were waiting for them to sit down.

"Ask Stephanie to join us for lunch," Vincent said, looking around and not seeing her.

Sandra brought the last dish, grilled salmon, and stood by the table. After a moment's hesitation she spoke up reluctantly Mrs. Wellington went to the hospital for a prenatal check-up today. She took a maid with her this morning."

He thought, "A check-up?"

"Why didn't she tell me?" Dominick looked displeased. He just stayed home today.

Sandra felt awkward and wryly smiled, "Mrs. Wellington asked me to tell you that her business is none of your concern."

Dominick's face darkened instantly.

He felt that Stephanie really knew how to hold a grudge.