**Chapter 21: The Unspoken Truth**

As Noah sat there, trying to process the revelation that had just shaken him to his core, he heard the shower turn off in the bathroom. Jacquie would be out soon, and he knew he had to be ready. He carefully returned the tests to their hiding place, his heart still pounding with excitement and anticipation. He couldn't wait to talk to Jacquie, to share in her joy, and to start this new chapter in their lives together. Just as Noah was about to compose himself, the bathroom door swung open, and Jacquie stepped out, her hair dripping wet and her skin smelling of soap. She smiled weakly at Noah, and he could see the fatigue etched on her face. "Hey," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm done." Noah got up and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. "How are you feeling?" he asked, trying to sound casual despite the turmoil brewing inside him. Jacquie shrugged, her eyes avoiding his. "I'm okay, I guess. Just a bit tired." Noah held her at arm's length and studied her face. He could see the faint circles under her eyes, and her skin looked pale. "You don't look okay," he said, his voice laced with concern. "You've been feeling off all day. What's going on, Jacquie?" Jacquie sighed and leaned against the sink, her eyes drifting to the floor. "I don't know, Noah. I just feel...off. My body aches, and I'm so tired. I think I might have picked up a bug or something." Noah's mind was racing. He knew what he had found, and he couldn't shake off the feeling that Jacquie's illness was more than just a simple bug. But he didn't want to jump to conclusions or accuse her of anything without being sure. As they stood there, the tension between them was palpable. Noah could feel the weight of his discovery pressing down on him, and he knew he had to tread carefully. "Let's get you into bed," he said finally, making a decision. "You can rest, and I'll take care of everything else." Jacquie nodded, her eyes still downcast, and Noah helped her into bed. As he tucked her under the blankets, he couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them. He knew that their lives were about to change in ways he couldn't even imagine, and he was both excited and terrified at the prospect. As he sat beside her, stroking her hair, Noah knew that he had to be patient. He had to wait for Jacquie to tell him the truth, to share her secrets with him. And he was willing to wait, to support her and love her, no matter what lay ahead. But as he looked into her eyes, he saw something there, something that made his heart skip a beat. It was a glimmer of fear, of uncertainty, and Noah knew that he was right. Jacquie was hiding something from him, and he was determined to find out what it was.