Chapter 169 - Promise

Lu Fang and Andrea never learned about Patricia coming to their room as they always had a daily turndown service. The room was clean every time they arrived, and the sheets were changed. What was obvious to them, however, were the missing shirts of Lu Fang. 

They made a complaint at the front desk on their way out one time and was reported to the General Manager. W Hotel immediately compensated knowing that the couple was associated with the Yeongs and promised a thorough investigation. 

The news did not escape the Reservations Manager and because he had an inkling feeling that this was his fault; he volunteered to check on the surveillance. 

He confirmed it was Patricia Smith. Knowing he took part in the crime, he went to Lu Fang and Andrea's hotel suite, offered them a free stay for an entire week. He pinned the mistake on the laundry service saying the man's clothes were mixed up with the other guests'. Later on, he made sure that Patricia's card was deactivated permanently. 

Lu Fang could not fret. He got new shirts and a free stay. They never suspected otherwise since their valuables were intact. Only the man's shirts had gone missing. 

Harold Smith had phoned Lu Fang the following week, letting them know of Patricia's condition and said they would visit them in China instead. The man concurred, not minding another meeting. 

Time flew so fast and Andrea realize she was due for another prenatal check-up. Since they were in Korea, she had no choice but to go with another doctor temporarily.

Yeong Soon, was excited to see the babies and joined them for the sonogram. 

Lu Fang felt tensed. This was another day to find out if he was going to have a girl or another boy. 

The doctor in charge was a younger obstetrician, but equally capable as Doctor Qi. Andrea made sure to choose wisely.

The doctor gently placed the ultrasound gel on Andrea's belly and started to move the probe and check on the babies. 

"The babies' heads are normal."

"Their hearts are beating regularly at an expected rate."

"Their body measurements are normal as well, though this little guy here is smaller than the other  - Oh, he is a boy."

Yeong Soon was so happy to see the babies in the monitor that her smiles were from ear to ear. Now and then, she'd compliment on how cute they were, especially their movements. 

"Oh, how adorable!"

"I'm going to be seeing you two soon enough!"

She turned to Andrea and said, "I already asked Jae-won to prepare a nursery so every time you visit, you don't have to worry about accommodation!"

Andrea gulped. The couple starred at each other, silently agreeing on the same thought. They knew they had to act soon, finding Yeong a girlfriend. 

As the doctor continued to check on the babies' development, the man asked about the other baby, "Doctor, we already found out that one is a boy. Can you tell if the other one is a girl?"

The doctor grinned and moved the ultrasound probe in different directions. "Hmmm… I think it's a girl."

The man's eyes lit up, and he blurted, "Huh! It's a  -"

"No… no wait… maybe it's a boy," corrected the doctor as she looked closer to the monitor. "It's hard to tell, he, or she is hiding it well, clamping the legs together."

She then turned to Andrea and added, "You see this, there is a difference in their amniotic fluid. Mommy, it is imperative that you drink more fluid. This baby is cramped in there so you'll need to help him... or her, get more water."

Andrea nodded to her recommendation, worried that the other baby would not have enough water to float comfortably.

The man's face showed a hint of dismay. He could not get it out of his system, he had to inquire, "So doctor, you can't tell exactly the gender of the other baby?"

She shook her head and said, "No, but I'm leaning towards a girl… I guess, you are going to have to wait until birth!"

After the check-up, they went back to the hotel. 

Yeong had given them a day off as Lu Fang's body was completely sore. The man needed a good rest, and it was a perfect time to do so considering Andrea's prenatal needs. 

BANG!

The moment the couple entered the room, the door slammed loudly behind them. It was the man's wife who pushed back the door with much force. 

"Tell me Mr. Lu, what is the deal with asking for girls? What if they turned out to be all boys? Will they receive less love from their father?"

Andrea avoided having a confrontation with her husband about the babies' gender since last month, but seeing the man's earlier expression made her wonder, 'Will he truly become disappointed if they turn out to be boys?'

Lu Fang became alarmed at the sight of Andrea's fierce look. He had never seen her upset this way, at least, not towards him. 

"Babe, I'm sorry. My bad," he said as he approached the lady on fire standing behind the door with her arms folded. 

Her eyes grew even wider as he neared, her breathing became louder as if getting ready to charge at him. 

"Babe, calm down… I love boys or girls. It doesn't matter."

When the man got close enough, he slowly wrapped her in his arms and declared, "I love our children even before they were conceived."

His hands found her face, and he started to caress her cheeks, "I'm sorry if I made you and the babies feel that way. I love you and the babies... I won't bring this up wanting a girl again."

Sensing his touch, her face softened. She asked the man to swear, "Promise me, you will love me and the children more than anything else, regardless of their sexuality."

"Babe, even if they turn gay, I will love them - Ahhh!"

He was punched in the chest. Lu Fang fell on his knees while massaging his chest. His torso had already been bruised by Yeong, his wife had to add to his injury. 

"Although true, it is our responsibility to raise them in a normal environment so they don't turn out to be gay. So... remember always this day and your promise."

"Yes, babe. Anything you say."

"Babe, since I've already been punished, am I forgiven?" He looked up to her pleading. 

"Buy me first more praline ice cream and your offenses will be forgotten."