Chapter 4 - The Consent Form
The doctor didn't waste a second asking for proof or marriage certificates. He slapped a thick yellow clipboard onto Adrian’s chest, handing him a ballpoint pen.
"Sign at the bottom, Mr. Ashford," the doctor ordered grimly. "Her blood pressure is spiking to lethal levels. If we don't open her up in the next three minutes, we will lose both her and the child."
Adrian took the pen with steady fingers, signing his legal name in sweeping, decisive cursive across the medical release lines. "Save them both," Adrian said, his dark eyes fixed on the doctor's face. "If anything happens to either of them, I will tear this hospital apart."
"We're doing everything we can," the doctor promised, snatching the clipboard back and turning on his heel to sprint back into the operating wing.
The double doors closed once again, leaving Adrian standing alone under the harsh fluorescent lights.
Madison walked up beside him, her face tight with resentment. She clutched her luxury purse like a shield, her voice dropping into a sharp, bitter edge. "So that's it? You're throwing away our engagement announcement tonight for a woman who kept a secret from you for nine months?"
Adrian slowly turned his head to look at her. The beige wool blazer sat square on his shoulders, his expression devoid of any warmth or affection toward her.
"She was carrying my bloodline in secret while living in silence," Adrian replied quietly. "And you care about a dinner reservation."
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"I care about us, Adrian!" Madison yelled, her composure completely breaking. "I've built a life with you for the past year! She abandoned you!"
"She left because my family drove her away, Madison," Adrian said softly, a dark realization dawning in his eyes. "And I was too blind to see it until tonight."
