Chapter 842

Andrew would never share his thoughts with Melina. She had no idea what was going through his mind. When he finally released her from his embrace, Melina noticed Wheat cowering nearby, his fur bristling in fear. She bent down, intending to scoop him up. Before she could, Andrew scooped her up instead, carrying her into the house without a word. Wheat opened his mouth, ready to hiss, but one cold glare from Andrew silenced him immediately. Once inside the room, Melina blinked at Andrew, completely confused. "I was just going to stay outside for a little while. Grandpa said he wanted me to play board games with him tonight." Andrew's tone was dismissive. "How were the two of you going to play with only two people?" "Uncle Damarion and Mr. West said they'd join us." "That's not happening. You're going to bed early. We have to leave for a checkup in the morning, and you'll need to fast beforehand." Melina had been reluctant to sleep since she'd napped earlier in the afternoon. But the mention of a checkup quickly changed her mind. She hadn't been to the hospital in a while, and the lack of reassurance had been weighing on her. She also couldn't help but notice how strange Andrew's mood had been all evening. Maybe rest would help him reset. After they both cleaned up for the night, they lay side by side in bed. Melina let out a contented sigh, murmuring, "You've spoiled me so much. Now I think our bed at home is the only one that feels comfortable." Andrew's voice was steady. "Then I'll take our bed with us whenever we travel." She laughed softly. "No need. I'll always come back home." Andrew didn't respond. He lay awake, his mind still restless, but the familiar comfort of Melina's presence slowly eased his tension. … The next morning, Wallace and Damarion both grumbled at Andrew for canceling the board game session the night before. Andrew ignored their complaints and focused on driving Melina to the hospital. Toby was already waiting for them when they arrived. He greeted them with a smile and led Melina to a private section of the hospital, sparing her from having to wait in line. A nurse came by to take Melina's blood pressure and draw blood. Andrew frowned as one test tube after another filled with Melina's blood. "Why do you need so much?" he demanded, his voice low and cold. Startled, the nurse nearly dropped the needle. Toby stepped in calmly, explaining, "It's the routine. They're testing blood sugar, kidney and liver function, and screening for other conditions." Reluctantly, Andrew fell silent, though his dark expression remained. Once the blood draw was over, Andrew pressed a cotton swab over the puncture site, his movements careful and deliberate. His brow furrowed as if the smallest mistake could cause harm. He pressed firmly but gently, ensuring it didn't hurt Melina but also stopped the bleeding. Toby watched him with mild amusement. This was the same Andrew who once shrugged off injuries as if they didn't matter. Yet here he was, treating a simple needle prick like a battlefield wound. Love really did change people. Afterward, Toby arranged for breakfast to be brought to Melina at the hospital. Once she'd eaten, she underwent a series of tests. She did an EKG, a genetic screening, and a 4D ultrasound. The examinations left Melina feeling drained, and she didn't notice Toby's expression shift as he reviewed the ultrasound results. Pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose, Toby gave her an apologetic smile. "The 4D ultrasound images weren't very clear. The baby's position made it hard to see everything. We might need to do it again later." Melina's eyes widened. "Is something wrong?" "No," Toby said quickly, waving his hand. "The baby was just lying face down. We couldn't get a good look at the details. Let's wait a few days and try again when the baby's in a better position." Being unfamiliar with the specifics of ultrasounds, Melina took his explanation at face value and didn't think much of it. Andrew, however, knew Toby too well. The subtle gravity in his voice didn't escape him. Andrew's brows knitted together as he studied Toby, sensing there was more to the story than he was letting on.