Joe suddenly asked, “Grandma wants you and me to go for a preconception check-up, Skylar. Will you go?”
Skylar knew it was unlikely for her and Joe to ever reach the stage of having a child together. But since Gloria had suggested it, she simply responded with an “Okay.”
She was putting on an act, and she intended to play her part diligently and sincerely. She would strive to make Gloria happy every day for these three years.
Joe studied her response with a thoughtful expression. He absentmindedly held the lit cigarette between his fingers, forgotten in the moment.
When Gloria had suggested the preconception check-up, Joe didn’t feel any resistance. In fact, the idea of having a child with Skylar didn’t seem bad at all. There weren’t many women he didn’t dislike in this world, but Skylar wasn’t one of them. He’d have to discuss this with her once he got back. Thinking about it, he snuffed out the cigarette.
Just then, Rowan called, sounding frantic. “Damn! I almost hooked up with that female celebrity Marcus had been with. My friend from the hospital told me she’s confirmed to have AIDS.
“Fuck! I don’t know if she infected Marcus or if Marcus infected her! I haven’t been able to sleep a wink since yesterday.”
Rowan took a breath before continuing. “Oh, by the way, is Skylar really that amazing? Did she figure this out herself? Have you told her? Ask her to get me a protective item. Money is no issue as long as it works.”
Rowan’s words were rushed, betraying his shock and panic. He realized he had been talking non-stop and hadn’t even let Joe speak.
“If you want to rely on her abilities, then trust her. Otherwise, you can find someone else,” Joe replied calmly, his tone even.
Rowan didn’t dare voice any doubts about Skylar. Since she was someone Joe trusted, expressing skepticism would challenge Joe’s judgment, and that wasn’t something he was willing to do.
“I can’t trust anyone else,” Rowan said, sounding calmer. “Marcus has been fooling around too much lately. He even attended a party at a villa the other day. Luckily, I’m not into that kind of scene. I think I’ll stick to celibacy for now.”
The news about the celebrity and Marcus was bound to stir panic in many households in Jipsburg. The entertainment industry, too, was facing a storm. With so many people potentially exposed to AIDS, the city would be buzzing soon enough.
Skylar had just entered the Gardner Group building when her phone rang.
“Skye, I’ve heard some juicy gossip,” Natalie said, lowering her voice deliberately.
“Oh? What gossip?” Skylar asked, smiling as she leaned against her desk.
“Last night, my husband and his friends were talking on the phone. There’s a person in their circle who contracted AIDS from sleeping around with women. Now, many people are going to the hospital for check-ups. A lot of female celebrities and models are involved.
“If it weren’t for Jeremy being faithful to me and having eyes only for me, I’d be worried about his health. But just to be sure, I had him undergo a check-up too. He finished it and went to work, and I’m waiting for the results.”
Natalie spoke with complete trust in her husband.
“It’s good to have regular check-ups,” Skylar said with a smile, though her mind was elsewhere.
The moment Natalie mentioned the celebrities involved, Skylar thought of the two A-list women she had seen at the club. If Marcus had passed the disease to them as well, the entertainment industry would be in for a huge scandal.
If any paparazzi caught wind of this, Jipsburg would be buzzing with stories.
“I think so too. It just so happens that we’re planning to have a baby. I’ve already had a preconception check-up,” Natalie added eagerly, her tone full of excitement about starting a family.
Skylar recalled what Joe had said yesterday and casually asked, “Is the preconception check-up complicated?”
“Not really. It’s just some routine checks. My husband wants to see the viability of his sperm, and I looked it up. It includes a full range of tests…” Natalie went on, explaining the various check-ups involved.
Skylar nodded as she listened. “So, having a child isn’t as simple as it seems.”
Natalie laughed and replied, “Of course not. When you decide to have a baby and become parents, you need to prepare seriously. It’s important to make sure our bodies are in the best condition.”
Skylar smiled warmly. “I believe you’re ready to be a mother now, Natty.” Time had flown by so quickly. In the blink of an eye, almost a year had passed since their college graduation.
Natalie laughed along, her voice light. “I can’t imagine myself as a mother just yet. Oh, the report’s ready. I need to talk to the doctor. After that, I’ll grab some takeout and surprise Jeremy at his office!”
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