### Chapter 66 In the dim light of a small, unfamiliar county hospital, Avery lay on the examination table, her heart racing with anticipation. The rhythmic sound of the ultrasound machine filled the air, a soundtrack to this pivotal moment in her life. “The babies are developing beautifully,” the doctor said, her voice warm and reassuring. “Make sure to return for an anomaly scan once you hit your five-month mark.” Avery exhaled deeply, a wave of relief washing over her. “Thank you, Doctor,” her voice barely a whisper. The doctor handed Avery a black-and-white printout of the ultrasound. “I used to be quite close with your mother back in our school days,” she reminisced, a soft smile playing on her lips. “I hear the father isn’t keen on having children. It’s commendable that you’ve made this journey alone for your checkup. Avery, raising two little ones by yourself will be quite the challenge!” Avery clutched the ultrasound in her hands, her smile steadfast. “I can manage. I’m ready for it!” The doctor nodded, her expression serious now. “Just be sure to prepare yourself.” “I won’t take up any more of your time. I'll call before our next visit,” Avery replied, stepping out of the examination room, her feet heavy but her spirit lightened by the news. As soon as she emerged, Laura rushed to her side, her eyes filled with concern. “How are the babies? Is everything alright?” “Everything’s normal,” Avery replied, stifling a yawn that betrayed her exhaustion. “Are you feeling tired, Mom? Because I’m completely wiped out!” The previous night had been a sleepless one, and after departing from the Foster mansion at six that morning, Avery and Laura had endured a grueling three-hour bus ride to get here. Every bump had jolted her awake, but she’d held on, determined to hear good news. Now, with the checkup behind her, she craved nothing more than a blissful nap. “What do you say we grab a room at a motel and catch some rest?” Laura suggested gently, her heart aching at the sight of her daughter’s weary face. Avery shook her head firmly. “It’ll take us another three hours to get back! We need to just head home now.” “Let’s grab a bite first. You’ve hardly eaten all day. Aren’t you hungry?” Laura insisted, reaching for Avery’s hand and guiding her out of the building. “I guess I am pretty hungry,” Avery admitted, her hand instinctively going to her lower belly. “It feels different now. I might not be showing yet, but there’s a firmness here.” She placed her mother’s hand on her abdomen, a moment of shared connection blooming between them. “This is just the beginning. Just wait until you really start to show, especially as you enter the later stages of your pregnancy…” Laura mused, a hint of nostalgia in her voice. “It’s astounding how quickly time flies. They’re already four months along.” “Can you believe it? It won’t be long before they arrive,” Avery replied, exhilaration and worry flickering in her gaze as she envisioned the future. Laura shifted the conversation, her voice more serious. “How is the divorce situation with Elliot going?” Avery sighed, her expression dimming. “He’s as stubborn as they come. The more I mention the divorce, the more resistant he becomes. So, I’ve decided not to bring it up again.” “Thinking back, I don’t believe I’ve ever truly met him,” Laura reflected with longing, a hint of uncertainty creeping into her tone. “What’s there really to meet? He’s as cold as ice to everyone around him. Getting acquainted would be more of an annoyance for you than anything else,” Avery replied quietly. “Don’t be too harsh. He’s young and wealthy; it’s not surprising he has a certain spirit about him. You can’t hold that against him.” Laura tried to defend the man who held a complicated role in their lives. “Is that why we are here right now, Mom? Why are you defending him?” Avery pouted, her frustration spilling over. Laura chuckled awkwardly, sensing the tension. “Let’s just eat. We’ll head home afterward.” As they journeyed back to the city, exhaustion enveloped Avery like a comforting blanket, and before long, her head had found refuge on Laura’s lap. With each pass of her fingers through her daughter’s hair, Laura felt a sense of calm wash over her. But then, as her fingers brushed over Avery’s cheek, she felt something amiss. “Avery,” she exclaimed, a sudden alarm coursing through her. “What happened to your face?” Avery stirred awake, confusion clouding her eyes. “What is it, Mom?” Laura’s heart raced as she examined her daughter’s cheek more closely, noticing the faint traces of makeup failing to conceal a bruise. “What happened to your face? Who did this? Was it Elliot?” Panic gripped Laura's chest. “No, it wasn’t him… I had a run-in with his mom last night. I should have thought about using her to push for the divorce. Obviously, that plan backfired too,” Avery said, a nonchalant tone cloaking her sorrow. “Are you out of your mind? You can’t resort to crazy tactics just to force him to divorce you!” Laura exclaimed, frustration evident in her voice. “Didn’t you think to pick up some medicine when we got to the hospital this morning?” Avery simply shrugged, a world of complexity behind her tired eyes, as they continued their journey home—the weight of her struggles bearing down heavily on her heart.