Chapter 74 Pleasant pleasant surprise
“What do you think we should give, Mom and Dad? “
Stephen inquired. Eva, who was lying on his chest
“I don’t know. I think you know better about this
“Understood. I will proceed with a search. I have an additional question for you, Eva. For the last few days, I have noticed that you are eating very little food. Are you okay, wife? It would be better if we could see a doctor tomorrow itself
“No… I mean, there is no need. I am fine, just a little worn out of work.
“That’s something I never appreciated. Why don’t you take leave for a few days?? “
Why don’t you tell that moron to take off your work for some days?”
“Whom are you calling a moron?”
"Harry Hudson, who else?
“Stephen, Harry, is my sole familial connection, given that I refuse to accept his father. He is the only individual I have apart from my father. Although I understand your dislike for him, could you kindly refrain from speaking negatively about him? “
“Ok, but I know he must do the same thing behind my back."
“What?”
“Bad-mouthing about me, cursing me, what else?’ “
"Ooh, please Stephen, drop this topic and just sleep, “Eva complained, and Stephen sighed. He just kissed her forehead, and soon he dozed off.
Eva was so excited that the sleep was hard for her, as she got her test result today and they confirm she is pregnant.
Eva was eager to share the news with her family and Stephen, but then she wished to break this news on a special day.
So tomorrow she decided for this special news to be announced at the anniversary party.
Eva was eager to see the delighted faces of the family members, but she was skeptical about Stephen‘s response too, as they never discussed having kids.
Eva closed her eyes in a wish to get some sleep, and her eyes started dropping on their own accord and soon she was asleep
The next morning, the smith family discussed and decided on having a small dinner party at one of the famous Terrace Garden restaurant
After agreeing on the small guest list, they all retire for their respective works.
Upon reaching the office, Eva received notification about a meeting of the board of directors.
This unexpected meeting plan shocked Eva, but still she has to attend it.
When she arrived in the hall, something took aback when she spotted the . board members present in the conference room and welcomed her with a round of applause. Soon after, she started receiving many flower bouquets for the achievement of the company.
Eva received the compliments and flowers with a smile, and she was glad that she didn’t disappoint them as the MD of the company.
Harry also congratulated her by passing her bouquet. That’s when Eva noticed about Liam’s absence
Harry told her, “Dad is out of town for a day, but he extended his wishes to you. “ Harry lied, as Liam didn’t even acknowledge Eva’s hard work.
Eva gave a nod at him as Iiam Hudson. I already expected it. She felt some dizziness, and she held the chair for support. Harry noticed this and gave her support
“Are you ok, Eva?”
Yes, just feeling a little tired."
then I think you should leave for home. I will manage the work."“
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, of course, and to be truthful, I am scared about even the thought something bad happens to you, as your devil husband will not waste a minute to slit my throat."
Eva smacked on his, and Harry chuckled. Eva was feeling exhausted, so she agreed to harry’s suggestion and soon started for home
After reaching home, she hides about her health from Rose instead. She made the excuse that she returned early for doing some pending arrangement of the party
Rose believed her, and the moment Eva entered the room, she rushed to the washroom to vomit. Later, she slumped on the bed and fell asleep.
It was evening when Stephen entered the house and rose told him about Eva
“I think she is not well. Why didn’t you visit a doctor?” “
“I told her the same thing, but you know how stubborn she acts sometimes. We will visit the doctor tomorrow, for sure.
The moment Stephen entered, the roommate found Eva busy in wrapping a small box in a beautiful gift paper
“Eva “
His voice startled Eva, and she got irritated by Stephen‘s wrong timing. Still, she completed the remaining packing quickly, then turned to face Stephen. Who already reached to her and held her close?
“How are you feeling now? And what is this? I already purchased some gifts for mom and dad from our side.”
“Oh, this is just a small gift. Don’t worry, I know you must have chosen the best gift for them."
ok."
Stephen didn’t“ argue further as they have to get ready and reach the party venue
After reaching the party, the complete Smith family got busy welcoming the guests.
A sudden appearance made Steve frown; he muttered, “Who invited her?
“Me, do you have any problem with that?” Eva retorted
.” sure after all, she is your dear friend.“ Steve commented
Samantha reached to them and took Eva in a hug. She just gave a nod at Steve. And both the friends reached out to Rose and William. Samantha congratulated the couple, along with passing some gifts.
The party was in full swing, and shortly thereafter, the restaurant staff placed the cake at the center. All the family members and guests reached near the table for the cake-cutting ceremony
William and Rose cut the cake together. Applause greeted them and cheered.
Stephen, Steve, and Michael Richard all made the couple eat some pieces of cake
Eva ribbed her sweaty palms and reached to them, holding the small box in her hand
First Stephen, then Steve passed them some expensive gifts. Eva was excitedly waiting for her turn.
When her turn came, she reached to William and Rose and passed the box to them
Rose gaped at the gift and then told her,
“What was the need for another gift? You don’t have to do that."
“Mom. You are right, I didn’t need to give you both anything, as no matter whatever I choose to give you, I will never repay the love and affection you both gave to me from the moment I entered your home. But I am sure you both will like this gift. Could you please open this now?.
Now.. Ok." Rose opened the gift paper, then the small box. Soon their eyes landed on a pair of small baby socks with a slight note attached to them.
“Happy anniversary to the best grandparents in the world."
A sequel escaped from Rose’s mouth. She started jumping up and down. William smiled in tears listening to this news.
Rose took Eva in a warm hug
“ This is the best gift, dear; thank you so much.”
William interrupted, “Rose dear, you are troubling her in a tight hug. “
"Oh yes, and why are you standing?" Come, take a seat first."
“ Mom.. I am fine."
Whereas Steve was busy inspecting the socks, “did it mean I am going to be an uncle soon? “
“ Certainly, “Michael told him with a smile
“Ooh God, we are going to have a tiny baby in our house. That’s the best news.“
Steve reached for Eva and took her in a hug
“Congratulations to you dear,” “
Eva smiled warmly at him and offered her congratulations to the soon-to-be uncle as well.
“Ooh yes! Wait and where is the soon-to-b father, Stephen? “ Steve called for him at that moment. Eva realized she didn’t notice Stephen‘s reaction to this.
Steve reached out to Stephen, who got still in his place from the moment the good news broke. He was just kept gazing at Eva
Eva also looked at his state and got worried
“congratsbrother."
Steve took Stephen in a big hug, but Stephen didn’t reply to his words and left from the hall towards the garden.
“ What happened to him? “Steve inquired, raising his eyebrow.
"I will just check on him, “Eva stated and left behind him
Stephen’s behavior also surprised Rose. “What’s wrong with him?”
William pulled Rose close and told her, “Don’t worry, everything is fine, dear. They both just want some privacy to celebrate this news.” “
Rose got relieved and chuckled at his words
This positive news delighted Michael. He couldn’t believe that his little princess was going to be a mother soon. The family got involved in celebrating this news
In the adjacent corner of the restaurant, the bar counter is in the open terrace space. Eva found Stephen making a drink for himself. She didn’t know why Stephen was looking so upset—he didn’t even congratulate her. Eva gathered her courage and reached for him
“Stephen, I understand that this news has caught you off guard, but don’t you feel joyful about the fact that we will soon become parents? “
Stephen drunk his drink and then turned to face her. It scared Eva to notice his hard face
"Surprising news!!! No, Eva, it’s more like shocking news to me, and why the hell was I not informed about it? Would you not surmise that I must be the initial individual to become acquainted with this news?
Eva was terrified to listen to his bitter tone, still she rubbed her sweating palms and told him
“No.. It’s not like that you are taking it in the wrong way. I just want to give a surprise to our family
.” Surprise!! Really, all the time when I told you to visit the doctor, you know the reason, still acted to be fine.”
Eva’s eyes got wet with tears. She was not expecting this type of reaction
In the following moment, Stephen’s gaze fell upon a red light, appearing no larger than a dot as it traversed Eva’s skin. In the following moment, Stephen swiftly leapt onto Eva, causing both of them to contact the ground, while a bullet had already contacted them.
The next moment, a second bullet hit the wine bottle, shattering it into pieces.
Eva screamed at this unexpected assault. She started breathing heavily, but Stephen was still holding her close in his arms, covering her
Eva observed Stephen remained motionless, prompting her to separate herself from him. Shortly thereafter, she discovered it had stained her gown with blood.
“Stephen….“
Her loud scream echoed the place he held Stephen‘s head in her lap The security team effectively secured the terrace, causing the family to approach. They all became immobile as they gazed at the scene.