The Apple of My Eye
Chapter 394 Rachel's Pregnancy, Edward's Fury (Part Three)

Edward stared at Rachel while recalling his ordeal. "When I was given the news, I went to seek the opinion of several other doctors, going to hospitals here and abroad, asking if there was a way to reverse my condition. But everyone said the same thing. There was still no cure for this medical condition."

His eyes then took on a look of steel. "And then you tell me that your pregnancy test says you're having a baby? Do you really think you can fool me? Not everyone is as stupid as you are!" he spat. Edward drew a long breath and then exhaled deeply. He was beginning to regret not listening to Chris' advice before deciding to marry Rachel. He even defended Rachel in front of his family, hoping to make them see that Rachel was really a kind and wonderful woman and that they simply misunderstood her. Now everything he'd said and done seemed so ridiculous. Everyone, except himself, saw Rachel's true character.

No one was more surprised at the revelations than Chris. And she knew underneath the anger, her father was really just saddened by Rachel's deception. This time, the woman was truly reaping what she had

sown.

But Edward was her main concern. "Dad, you know how too much anger is bad for your health. You need to calm down. Here, have some water," she offered.

Chris handed him a glass, and then assured her father, "No matter what happens, I'm here for you. You will never be alone."

Edward suddenly felt uncomfortable hearing his daughter's reassuring words. He realized he owed the girl so much for everything that had happened in the last twenty years. And if he'd only listened to her warning about Rachel, things may not have gotten worse.

It was true what people said that experience was the best teacher. But it was lucky for Edward who could do something about bad situations.

Seeing that she was not gaining any sympathy, Rachel bawled out loud and clutched her husband's leg. "Edward, I am truly sorry. Please, please forgive me," she begged.

In her heart, she knew Edward would never trust her again, so Rachel decided the best thing to do was grovel. Perhaps, that would soften his heart even just a little.

"For a moment, I lost my mind. I am truly sorry. And I won't ever dare betray you again," she vowed.

She clung to Edward's leg, pleading, "I really regret my behavior and actions. I know I was wrong. But I am sorry for it now. Please give me a chance, Edward."

But her husband would not be pacified. "Get away from me!" he shouted.

He was so disgusted about what she had done and could not contain his rage, even with her apology. He went with his emotions and kicked Rachel hard. The impact caused her to fall, and her head slammed into a teapot.

Everyone was taken aback, and no one moved quickly enough to catch Rachel.

There was a loud thump when the head and teapot collided, and soon Rachel's head started to bleed. She passed out.

The sight of blood spurred Charles into action. He rushed towards her and started to lift Rachel, looking at the others for assistance. Then he barked orders, "We need to get her to the hospital immediately. Move!"

Autumn moved as quickly as her husband and helped him as he carried Rachel into the car. Edward and Chris followed close behind. Arriving at the hospital, Rachel was rushed into the emergency room. She would need surgery. Edward looked stricken as he stood silently, watching doctors and nurses take care of his wife.

As furious as he was with Rachel for her indiscretion, he truly loved the woman. He married her even against the wishes of his family. He envisioned their union to be peaceful and happy. It was only later when he realized that Rachel was not the simple woman he thought her to be. He now saw she was a wolf hidden behind sheep's clothing. Edward now recalled several reports by servants that Rachel would leave at midnight after he fell asleep.

It dawned on him now that she may have been putting sleeping pills in his water, for how could he not be aware that she was always going out as soon as he fell asleep?

He was jolted back to the present by hearing Chris' voice.

"Don't worry, Dad. She'll be all right."

Edward managed a sad smile, and then patted Chris on the arm. "I'll be fine."

He was now worried that if something terrible happened to Rachel, she would use it as an excuse to keep pestering Chris and make more trouble for his daughter.

Chris was his only child and he would do everything to protect her from Rachel or anyone else who would try to harm her, even if he had to pay a heavy price for his actions.

Autumn interrupted the father and daughter. "Chris, let's get your hand treated first," she said pulling her towards the nurse station.

She remembered Chris had cut her hand back at Edward's house and worried it could get infected. "It needs to be cleaned and treated."

But Chris insisted her injury was nothing serious. "Really, I'm okay," she assured Autumn. Inspecting the wound, she said, "It's just a small cut. See, it's already stopped bleeding." Chris ignored her wound and only wanted to stay with her father and comfort him.

Edward felt guilty about hurting Chris, even if it was unintentional. He agreed with Autumn that it needed to be seen by a medical personnel. "Chris, you need to have that treated. It was bleeding a lot earlier. I'll be fine, and Charles is here with me anyway," he gently told his daughter.

Now that she was outnumbered, Chris agreed to be seen by a nurse. She felt pain shoot up her arm as it was being sterilized with antiseptic. Fortunately, the cut wasn't so deep and would not require stitches. After her wound was wrapped in gauze and secured by medical tape, Chris went out with Autumn to buy food. Eating was forgotten since the couple got off the plane and it was already past dinner time. They would most likely stay at the hospital until very late, so food and coffee were necessary. On the way back to the hospital, Chris still looked so unhappy that Autumn tried to assure her.

"Take it easy, Chris. Don't worry too much about Rachel. I'm sure she'll be fine," she said.

Chris frowned and said, "I'm not worried about Rachel. It's my father I'm thinking about. What if he can't get past this storm in his life?"

She snarled, "That shameless woman! Why does she keep causing trouble for our family?"

Autumn hugged Chris to console her. Then she looked her in the eye.

"It may look hopeless now, but things always work out in the end. Just cross the bridge when you get there," she advised Chris.

At the support offered, Chris realized everything that happened only really involved her family. Yet, here was Autumn standing by her. She felt guilty all of a sudden. "I'm so sorry, Autumn, that you've had to be involved in this," Chris said.

Charles and Autumn must be tired after a very long trip and instead of resting, she had to drag them to Edward's house to help deal with her father and his wife. "Forgive me for being inconsiderate. You should be resting instead of witnessing all these drama, "Chris apologized.

But Autumn just waved off the apology. "Chris, we're family so there's nothing to worry about. Stop thinking of me as an outsider."

She knew Chris needed the support so she declared, "I am not leaving you alone here. Charles and I would be worried about you."

It just so coincident that Leila was in the hospital at the same time. She had run out of the ointment needed for her injury and was getting her prescription filled. She had no idea Charles was also there and broke into a wide grin when she ran into him.

"Mr. Lu, you're back!" she said happily. Politely, but without emotion, Charles asked, "Why are you here?"

Although he looked at Leila, he was obviously not pleased to see her there and wanted to get away from her quickly.

"I needed to fill my prescription, "Leila explained while holding up her purchase.

She asked with a big smile, "I heard you and Mrs. Lu went away for your honeymoon. How was your trip? It must have been a wonderful holiday."

Charles spoke briskly to escape Leila. "Uhm, I have an emergency to deal with and have no time to chat. Excuse me," he said with a hint of impatience.

He saw Leila blush in embarrassment at being dismissed but felt no guilt about his behavior. Charles hurried Leila along saying, "If you've finished your business here, you better go on home."

She was about to say something but sensed Charles' cold reception.

She masked her displeasure over his attitude, and after a short pause, she put on an aggrieved look for Charles' sake.

"Well, I'll see you then at work tomorrow, Mr. Lu."

Charles paid her no attention. Just as Leila turned to leave, she passed by Autumn and Chris who were coming back after buying food and coffee. Briefly, there was a twinge of jealousy, but then Autumn felt foolish for being suspicious about her husband and his secretary in the past. The time spent away with Charles erased those doubts and she was further assured after seeing her husband's cold treatment of Leila.

She called out her husband's name.

As Charles turned around, she came forward with a smile and said, "We bought food and coffee. You must be hungry by now."

She walked past Leila without even looking at the other woman.

Autumn finally came around after being convinced there was nothing going on between Charles and Leila. She vowed to stop stressing herself out over nothing.

"Thank you, Autumn, for your concern," he said softly. His manner was in sharp contrast to how he just treated Leila.

Chris handed Edward a cup of coffee. Tired and haggard, he looked at his daughter and said, "It's late. You better go home and get some rest. I'll stay and keep watch."