Chapter 345: Embracing Change

**Thelma Zane’s Perspective** Dorothy was the first to react to the doctor’s news. She lunged forward, enveloping me in a tight hug as she exclaimed, “You’re pregnant, Thelma! A baby! You’re going to have a baby!” I sat motionless, staring blankly as the reality of her words began to sink in. Slowly, I turned to look at Aldrich, who stood a few steps away. His mouth hung slightly open in surprise, his eyes wide with disbelief and overwhelming joy. His hands were crossed in an awkward gesture, as if he didn’t quite know what to do with them. “Pregnant...” he murmured after what felt like an eternity. Then, as if a switch had flipped, his entire demeanor changed. With a sudden burst of energy, Aldrich rushed toward me, swept me off my feet, and spun me around in circles. His voice was filled with pure, unrestrained excitement as he cheered, “You’re pregnant, Thelma! You’re really pregnant!” The world spun around me, and I barely managed to gasp out, “Aldrich, stop!” Tha