Chapter 843

Hearing that the baby seemed fine, Melina felt a wave of relief wash over her. Then, her bright eyes lit up as if struck by sudden curiosity. "Do we know if the baby is a boy or a girl?" Toby smiled, keeping his tone casual. "The baby was lying face down, so it wasn't clear. Melina, don't tell me you're one of those people who prefers boys over girls?" "Of course not!" Melina replied quickly. "I was just curious, that's all. It doesn't really matter—boy or girl, I'll love them either way." She meant it. She didn't dwell on it after that, feeling content either way. Andrew, however, didn't share her interest. He didn't want the baby, so why would he care about its gender? After most of the tests were done, a nurse took Melina to listen to the baby's heartbeat. Andrew stayed behind, his gaze fixed on Toby. "Is there something wrong with the baby?" he asked bluntly. Toby hesitated, glancing toward the hallway to ensure Melina was out of earshot. He stepped closer, shutting the door before answering in a serious tone, "There might be a problem. The baby could have some physical abnormalities. "But don't jump to conclusions yet—it's hard to say for sure right now. The baby's position was awkward, so the scan wasn't clear. Let's wait a few days and check again. It might turn out to be nothing." Andrew's previously tense expression relaxed slightly. "I'm not worried. As long as Melina is fine, that's all that matters." Toby frowned, puzzled. "Andrew, did you even hear what I said? The baby might have a defect." Andrew's tone remained calm, even indifferent. "So what? Even if the baby has issues—even if they're not 'normal'—I don't care." "Andrew, this is your baby!" Toby said, his voice rising slightly. "I never wanted this baby in the first place," Andrew replied, his tone as cold as ever. Toby fell silent, his expression conflicted. At that moment, he truly grasped the depth of Andrew's detachment. His indifference wasn't just a rumor—it was the very essence of who he was. Toby couldn't help but wonder how Melina would react if she ever found out. She loved this baby deeply, while Andrew didn't even seem to acknowledge its existence. Meanwhile, Melina was lying on a small bed in another room, listening to the baby's heartbeat through the monitor. The steady rise and fall of the line on the screen represented the baby's breathing. Watching it filled her with joy and anticipation. For most mothers, the connection with their babies didn't fully form until after birth, as day-to-day bonding strengthened the relationship. But Melina was different. She had already poured all her love into this baby. The love she had missed out on growing up and the warmth and care she never received—she wanted to give all of it to her baby. This baby wasn't just her family; they were her most important connection to the world. When the checkup was over, Melina walked out to find Andrew and Toby waiting for her by the door. Still basking in the happiness of hearing her baby's heartbeat, she didn't notice the tension in the air between the two men. She smiled warmly. "Toby, when will the test results come back?" Snapping out of his thoughts, Toby answered, "Most of them will take about four or five days. I'll bring them to you when they're ready. In the meantime, if you feel the baby moving a lot and think they might've changed position, come back for another scan." Melina nodded. "Got it. Thanks so much for everything." "Don't mention it. It's nothing," Toby replied with a faint smile, though he couldn't help but glance at Andrew's face. Andrew's expression remained unreadable; he was completely unaffected by the earlier conversation. It was as though the potentially devastating news hadn't left a single mark on him. Still cheerful, Melina said goodbye to Toby, then looped her arm through Andrew's as they left the hospital together. She was so bright, so full of hope. Toby watched them walk away, their figures gradually disappearing from view. A heavy sigh escaped him.