The Revenge of the Mute Wife by Melanie Paulson novel Chapter 3

At the hospital, Caroline spoke with the doctor, asking for a thorough examination of her friend because Deborah wasn't feeling well and had been vomiting.

The doctor, noticing how pale the young brunette looked, immediately ordered a complete exam to identify the potential causes.

[Carrie, I’m scared.] Deborah was terrified that something might be seriously wrong with her body and her anxiety grew with each test they conducted.

“Calm down, no matter what, I’m here for you, okay?” Caroline reassured her, holding Deborah’s hands to try to ease her worries.

Deborah nodded. After a few minutes, a nurse arrived with the test results.

“Thanks, darling,” the doctor said flirtatiously as he winked at the nurse who smiled and slowly left the room. The friends chuckled at the interaction they just witnessed.

The doctor began reading the results and his expression turned more serious as he flipped through the pages.

“So, what’s wrong with my friend?” Caroline asked, unnerved by the doctor’s continued silence.

“Relax, Caroline. Your friend is healthy,” the doctor clarified.

“Healthy? Then why has she been vomiting and looking unwell—?”

“Because she’s two months pregnant. Congratulations,” the doctor interrupted, surprising both women.

“Two months…” Caroline turned to Deborah, who was in shock.

“You seem a bit surprised,” the doctor remarked at Deborah’s lack of reaction.

[Very…] Deborah was struggling to digest what she just heard.

“She says ‘Very’, but are you sure?” Caroline pressed.

“Yes, we did a thorough examination and now that we have these results, the symptoms make sense. The dizziness and vomiting are early signs of pregnancy,” the doctor explained to the incredulous friends. “I see you still have doubts. Here,” he said, pulling out a card and tearing out a page from his notepad. “This is the name of a good gynecologist for your follow-up and care. If you choose otherwise, this is the address of a clinic for an abortion.”

[What... no, no, no.] Deborah signed frantically.

“I don’t think she liked the idea of an abortion,” Caroline said, trying to calm Deborah down.

“Sorry for suggesting it,” the doctor apologized after seeing how horrified Deborah looked. “It’s just that you didn’t look too happy upon hearing the news so I thought I should at least mention it.”

“Thank you, Doctor. But she’s not happy because she just fought with her partner,” Caroline explained, trying to change the subject.

“I understand. But remember, communication is key, and I’m sure your husband will be thrilled about becoming a father.”

Deborah made a face and nodded, not wanting to explain everything to a stranger.

“Doctor, is there something my friend can take to relieve her symptoms?” Caroline asked.

“Of course,” he said, quickly writing a prescription. “These vitamins will help with the lethargy. Avoid anything that makes you feel worse and increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. Understood?”

Deborah nodded, taking the prescription.