Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains into the bedroom. Jenna Roland rubbed her sleepy eyes and picked up her phone to call Stella Laurent.

"Wait for me at home. I'll be there in half an hour." She hung up after the brief message.

After freshening up, Jenna drove her white sedan toward Stella's place. The streets were quiet at dawn, and she arrived quickly.

Stella stood at the gated community entrance in an oversized hoodie. She hurried over when she spotted Jenna's car.

"Why the sudden check-up?" Stella asked, buckling her seatbelt.

Jenna turned the wheel toward the hospital. "I've been so busy lately. Only noticed yesterday that my period is two weeks late."

Stella's eyes widened. "Two weeks? You're so careless! I'd panic after just three days."

"The orchard keeps me swamped." Jenna kept her eyes on the road. "I completely forgot until I checked my schedule last night."

Stella leaned closer. "Could it be... you're pregnant?"

"Impossible." Jenna's tone was firm. "Ethan and I are always careful. And it's not like we do it often."

"Don't be so sure." Stella pursed her lips. "Last time, I found out after just five days. Two weeks means higher chances."

Jenna's grip on the wheel tightened slightly. "I hadn't considered that."

"Understandable. It's your first relationship." Stella patted her shoulder. "Ask me anytime if you're unsure."

After a pause, Stella suddenly asked, "If you really are pregnant, what will you do?"

Jenna frowned. "It's not the right time. I just took over the orchard. There's too much to handle."

"Don't be silly!" Stella exclaimed. "Ethan's loaded! He could hire ten nannies. A baby matters more than some orchard!"

"It was my parents' life work." Jenna's voice lowered. "I have to make it thrive."

"Pregnancy won't stop you from managing it." Stella persisted. "Besides, it's a life. Such a waste to terminate!"

Jenna stayed silent, but her resolve wavered. She did love children. A baby with Ethan...

They reached the hospital quickly. Blood tests, ultrasounds—by the time the exams finished, Jenna's palms were damp with sweat.

"Results are in!" Stella snatched the ultrasound report. After one glance, she shrieked, "Oh my God! You're really pregnant!"

Jenna stood frozen, mind blank. Mechanically, she took the paper. The words were unmistakable: Early pregnancy, approximately 6 weeks.

"Congratulations, mama-to-be!" Stella hugged her excitedly. "This is incredible news!"

Jenna's fingers trembled as she instinctively touched her flat abdomen. A new life was growing there.