Chapter 4

Bella received extra attention from Julia daily after the embryo transfer into her womb. The woman, who worked as a professional model, even went to great lengths to pay a considerable amount for a nutrition expert.

Julia intentionally did this to determine and create a meal schedule for Bella—her effort aimed to support the embryo's growth in Bella's womb so it could develop nicely.

"Lilia, this is the meal schedule Bella should follow for the next few days. While I'm not at home, you should prepare and pay close attention to all of Bella's needs, no matter how small.

Lilia nodded in understanding. After receiving the schedule from Julia, she briefly read it and agreed to the task. After all, she was paid to assist, fulfill, and ensure that all of Bella's needs were well cared for.

"All right, ma'am. I'll make sure Miss Bella consumes all the food you've specified."

"Good," nodded Julia. "Also, don't forget to remind Bella to take the vitamins and medications prescribed by the doctor. If something happens or there's something important you need to report, don't forget to contact Edward or me as soon as possible."

Then, Julia approached Bella in the room. Before leaving for abroad, she deliberately met with the woman who would carry her baby.

"Bella."

Bella immediately stood up when she heard the homeowner call her name.

"Yes, ma'am."

"I'll be traveling abroad for work. While I'm away, Edward will oversee the pregnancy process of our baby. I hope you followed and adhered to Dr. Samuel's advice the other day. So, don't do anything or take any actions that could endanger your pregnancy."

Bella nodded in understanding. She already knew, even memorized, what she needed to do.

"All right, ma'am. I'll do everything according to the procedure."

"And..." Julia continued. "I've already scheduled everything you need to consume. Everything will be taken care of and prepared by Lilia. I hope you comply without any objections."

Then Julia walked away, returning to her room to meet Edward, who had just returned from the office. The man was sitting on one of the beds, unbuttoning his jacket and shirt.

"Can't your trip to Milan be postponed?"

Julia smiled. Approaching Edward, she sat right next to him. Julia knew her husband would probably complain. That's why she needed to calm and win Edward's heart first to make him agree to leave tomorrow.

"You know my schedule, don't you?"

Edward sighed softly. From his facial expression, he was reluctant about Julia's schedule for a series of fashion shows this time.

"But, two days from now, it coincides with the woman checking her pregnancy at the hospital."

"Bella," Julia interrupted quickly. "Her name is Bella, Ed. Bella Stone," Julia deliberately spelled out. She wondered why her husband was allergic to mentioning the name or meeting the woman who would carry their baby.

"Well, it's up to you. What's certain is, can't your trip be postponed until the examination process is complete?"

Julia shook her head. Then she tried to speak softly.

"Dear... If postponed, I'm sure Andrew will be angry, especially since this appearance coincides with the Versace anniversary. I could be sued for breach of contract I've already agreed to."

"No problem. Let me pay the compensation," Edward replied casually. He thought being rich and having extra money wasn't a big deal.

"And let your wife be labeled as an unprofessional model?"

Julia argued. Feeling that this was a responsibility and professionalism that needed to be done, she insisted on leaving according to the given schedule.

"You know, from the beginning, I've always been dedicated to my work. Moreover, this has been my dream since becoming a professional model. I don't want to ruin the career I've built so hard."

Edward stayed silent for a moment before asking again.

"So, how long will your trip be this time?"

"About four weeks. Two weeks in Milan, two weeks in Paris."

"You're crazy!"

Edward exclaimed. Having tried hard to persuade Julia to postpone her departure, he found out that his wife would be abroad more extended than usual.

"Four weeks is a very long time, Julia. Why don't you move and live at your agency?"

Julia sighed and pouted. She was aware that Edward would probably protest.

Throughout, Julia often traveled abroad to attend fashion show schedules. However, this was the first time her departure would last for weeks.

"Oh, come on, darling. Please allow me to go. There's a series of events I have to attend. New products are launched from Bottega Veneta and Salvatore Ferragamo in the first and second weeks. Then, it continues with Prada and Roberto Cavalli. Moreover, I also received an invitation to attend an event hosted by Dior. You should be proud that your wife is an exclusive model for these renowned brands."

Edward rubbed his forehead repeatedly. From his face alone, he seemed uninterested in what Julia was describing.

"And what about the ongoing IVF process? You seem busy with yourself like this."

"There's you, Edward. There's you to help supervise. Besides, you were the one enthusiastic about having a child from the beginning, right?"

Edward didn't argue. The man nodded while staring intently at his wife.

"Yeah. You're right. From the beginning, I've wanted to have offspring. But, I want a baby born directly from your womb, not from another woman's womb."

Julia rolled her eyes. She was tired of debating with Edward about pregnancy and childbirth issues.

"Edward..." Julia lowered her voice to sound softer and calm. She put both hands on Edward's neck, then looked into her husband's eyes closely while occasionally kissing him gently.

"Earlier, I apologize if any of my words hurt your feelings. We've discussed this issue dozens or hundreds of times. Please do not bring it up again. Besides, we both agreed to undergo the IVF process using another woman's womb. Regarding my somewhat lengthy absence, I also apologize. But this is a job that I can't leave. So, I seek your understanding and cooperation."

Seeing Julia speak with a sad tone and looking pleading, Edward reluctantly gave in. He couldn't bear to stay angry with his wife for too long.

"Fine. This time, I'll allow you to go."

The sadness reflected on Julia's face now turned into joyful radiance.

"You are indeed the best husband, Ed. I'm always grateful to be your wife."

Julia then planted a deep kiss on Edward's lips. She intentionally flirted, inviting Edward to have some fun before she left for quite a long time.

***

"Lilia, tell Bella to get ready. We'll be heading to the hospital soon."

Exactly two days after Julia's departure to Milan, according to Edward's schedule, he took Bella to the hospital for an examination.

Feeling awkward going alone, Edward purposely asked Lilia to accompany Bella and care for her needs.

Arriving at St. Thomas Hospital, Samuel welcomed them immediately. Knowing what to do, the young doctor examined Bella.

"Miss Bella, before we begin the examination, have you felt anything lately? Or any complaints disrupting your activities?"

Bella shook her head softly.

"No, doctor. Initially, my stomach felt crampy. But after taking the medicine you prescribed, the cramping gradually disappeared, and now I don't feel it anymore."

Samuel nodded in understanding. He then began a series of examinations to check the embryo's development transferred a while ago.

"Ed..." Samuel called out when he finished the examination. Turning, he looked at Edward while approaching. "There's a slight issue," he revealed.

"An issue?"

Samuel sat back in his chair and nodded.

"The embryo I transferred into Miss Bella's womb did not develop."

Edward fell silent for a moment. Digesting Samuel's words, he reacted shortly afterward. He was a bit puzzled by this statement.

"What do you mean?"

"Yes," Samuel nodded. "The embryo inside Bella's womb failed to develop."

"Does this have to do with Bella—"

"No," Samuel cut in quickly. He clarified before Edward could jump to conclusions. "The issue is not with Bella."

"Then?"

"But, it seems to be with Julia's egg cells that apparently couldn't survive."

Edward was taken aback. He listened carefully to Samuel's recent statement.

"So, what's the next step? Does this mean the IVF process we chose is a total failure?"

Bella, sitting beside Edward, also felt anxious. She worried that if the IVF process she underwent didn't succeed, she would be asked to return the money that had been used for her mother's treatment.

Meanwhile, Samuel seemed calm and usual. The man smiled while trying to calm Edward.

"No need to worry. I still have your egg cells and sperm. We can repeat the fertilization process and embryo transfer. But before doing that..." Samuel then turned to Bella. This time, he spoke to the woman sitting next to Edward. "I want Miss Bella to stop taking the hormone medication I gave initially. After this, I will provide fertility drugs first. Please take them for three full days."

"Then, when should we return and repeat the embryo transfer process?"

Samuel seemed to think for a moment before answering.

"In two weeks, you can bring Bella here for an examination and repeat the transfer process as before."

Meanwhile, that evening in Milan, Julia was immediately contacted by Edward. Because this was important, Edward wanted his wife to know what had happened.

"Why have you been so hard to reach since this afternoon?"

Just as she picked up the phone, Edward's grumbling could be heard. He protested because Julia ignored many of his phone calls.

"Oh my God, Edward. You know I'm working. Besides, what's going on?"

"If I call you multiple times, it means there's something important."

"What important thing?" Julia inquired.

"The embryo in Bella's womb didn't develop. Samuel said the pregnancy process failed."

"Hehmm... In that case, ask Samuel to redo the process. Doesn't he have frozen reserves of my egg cells and sperm?"

"Samuel also said that. He asked me to bring Bella back in two weeks."

"Well, just do what Samuel instructs," Julia responded casually.

"Aren't you worried or concerned at all?"

Julia chuckled.

"Oh, Edward. Why worry or be concerned? I've anticipated this. That's why, from the beginning, I asked Samuel to store your egg cells and sperm because I was afraid the first attempt would fail. Moreover, I still believe this method will succeed. Many women have successfully become pregnant under Samuel's care. So, why should I be worried?"

"But, Julia—"

"Edward, I have to get back to work," Julia said hurriedly. "Just leave everything to Samuel. Just follow what he asks. I'm sure you can handle all of this."

Julia ended the phone call with Edward. Sighing, she walked towards the bed, approaching someone waiting for her.

"Darling... can we continue having sex that was momentarily postponed earlier?"

Julia threw a smile at the man who was on the bed. Ignoring Edward, who was far away in London, she had fun with another man.