Julia Got Pregnant. Her Husband George Never Left Her Side Throughout the Pregnancy, Catering to Her Every Whim. Finally, the Big Day Arrived—George Rushed Julia to the Maternity Ward.

Julia found herself with child. Her husband, George, never left her side throughout the pregnancy, indulging her every whim and desire. At last, the moment arrived, and George took Julia to the maternity ward. When a healthy baby girl came into the world, he breathed a sigh of relief. Overjoyed, the new father returned home to rest. The next day, he hurried back to visit his wife and daughteronly to be met with a nurses sharp words.

Your wife isnt here, she said plainly.

Thats impossible! George protested. She must have stepped outlook for her!

No, shes gone. Left this note. The nurse handed him a folded slip of paper. George unfolded it and turned pale at the words written there.

Years earlier, George, the head of sales, had been unmarried when young and lovely Julia joined his department. He fell for her at once. On her first day, he approached her with a warm smile.

Good morning, colleague, he said, his voice kind.

Good morning, she replied softly, returning his smile.

Ours is a busy office, but youll settle in. Martha here will show you the ropes. He gestured to the senior employee. Familiarise yourself with the handbook. Best of luckI hope well work well together.

The other women in the office exchanged glances when he left. Martha leaned toward Vera and whispered, Since when does George take such an interest in new hires?

Julia kept to herself at first, observing the dynamics of the workplace. Though only twenty-two, she had already left a trail of broken marriages behind hereven as a student, she had entangled herself with a much older lecturer before he ended things, fearing his wifes suspicions.

In time, George invited her to a café after work.

Why not? she said with an innocent smile. One should always stay on good terms with the boss.

He had thought she was teasing, but her agreement delighted him. At thirty, George had never marriedhis previous relationships never reaching that stage. With Julia, things moved swiftly. Before long, they were engaged, and the office buzzed with surprise when wedding invitations appeared.

George denied her nothing. He even accepted her one condition: no childrennot yet.

I want to live for myself, she insisted. When Im ready to be a mother, Ill tell you. Until then, no nappies, no cots.

George believed time would change her mindthat shed see a family was incomplete without children. But the years passed, and Julia held firm. Each time he broached the subject, she cut him short.

I warned you from the start, she snapped. Dont pester me about it.

Then, one evening, he found her distraught in the bathroom, clutching a positive pregnancy test.

Juliayoure expecting?

She nodded, tears in her eyes.

He swept her into his arms, overjoyed, but she sobbed against his shoulder.

I dont want this. I dont want to grow fat. Fix it.

He kissed her damp cheeks. Dont be angry, dont crythis is happiness! I love you. Were going to have a child!

But Julia was resolute. She made an appointment to end the pregnancy. George raced to the clinic just in time, pulling her away before she could enter the procedure room.

Please, he begged. Let our child live. Ill do everythingI swear it.

Reluctantly, she agreedon one condition: he would handle all the nappies, the night feedings. Every demand, every mood, he attended to throughout her pregnancy. When the day came, he drove her to the hospital, relief flooding him as their healthy daughter took her first breath.

Exhausted but elated, he went home to rest. The next morning, he returned to the maternity wardonly to be told his wife was gone.

She left, the nurse said flatly. The babys still here.

That cant beshe must have just stepped out!

No. Shes gone. The nurse held out a folded note.

George opened it. Three words: Dont look for me.

Julia vanishedno word at the office, no answer to his calls. She changed her number. A month and a half later, she rang him.

Pack my things. My friend Arthur will collect them. File for divorce yourselfI wont be there.

Not a word about their daughter. She wanted neither the child nor George. So he became both mother and father to little Alice, with only his own mother nearby to help.

Years passed.

One day, Sophias phone rang. It was Mrs. Hart, the teacher of her son, Daniel, a second-grader.

Come to the school at once, the woman said sharply. Your son has caused quite a scene.

Sophia rushed over, bewildered. Daniel was a quiet, well-mannered boywhat could he have done?

At the school, she found Daniel sitting outside the headmasters office, a red mark on his cheek, beside a man and a girlAlice, the top student in his class.

Mum, I didnt start it! Daniel protested. She called me names, said I had no fatherthen she hit me!

Alices father, George, sighed. Alice, apologise.

The children mumbled reluctant sorries, still glaring.

Mrs. Hart sighed. Perhaps you parents can settle this?

Sophia and George exchanged glancesthen laughed.

Im George, Alices father.

Sophia, Daniels mother.

The children, seeing their parents ease, softened. Soon they were chattering like friends.

We should celebrate this peace, George said. How about pizza?

The children cheered.

Alice leaned toward Daniel. If anyone bothers you again, tell me.

The parents shared a smile. This quarrel had brought them together.

More meetings followedcinema trips, park strolls, shared meals. The children noticed their parents growing fondness and rejoiced in it.

Time passed.

Sophia, expecting a child, laughed with George as they recalled that first meeting.

No harm came of it, he said, resting a hand on her rounding belly.

Daniel and Alice had already chosen a name for their little brother.

They would call him Benjamin.