Chapter 7 - The Medical Exam
Dr. Aris Thorne arrived at the hotel suite less than an hour later. He had been Elena's obstetrician since the beginning of her pregnancy, a discreet and highly professional man.
I paced the living room of the suite while Dr. Thorne examined Elena in the bedroom. Every minute felt like an agonizing hour. The horrific image of my mother's foot on Elena's shoulder burned behind my eyelids every time I blinked.
Finally, the bedroom door opened. Dr. Thorne walked out, his expression grave and strictly professional.
"How is she?" I demanded, stopping my pacing. "How is the baby?"
"The fetal heartbeat is strong, which is a massive relief," Dr. Thorne sighed, packing his stethoscope into his black bag. "However, Elena is suffering from severe clinical dehydration. Her blood pressure is dangerously elevated, likely due to chronic, sustained stress."
"And her wrists?" I asked, my jaw clenching.
Dr. Thorne paused, looking at me carefully. "She has significant, deep tissue bruising around both wrists. The contusions are consistent with being forcefully grabbed and held down. Daniel, as a medical professional, I am legally obligated to ask if she is safe."
"She is safe now," I swore, my voice trembling with suppressed rage. "The people who did this to her will never come within a hundred miles of her again."
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"Keep her hydrated and in bed for the next forty-eight hours," the doctor advised, handing me a prescription for blood pressure medication. "If she experiences any cramping, you take her to the emergency room immediately."
After he left, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation I knew we needed to have. I walked into the bedroom.
