NICHOLAS POV
"How is she doing, doctor? Is she okay?" I asked, worry etched on my face as I stood beside Monica's hospital bed, watching her pale, unconscious form.
"She is fine," the doctor assured me, removing the stethoscope from his ears and placing it around his neck. "She just needs to eat and rest more. Pregnancy can be taxing, and it appears the stress she's been under isn't helping."
I sighed in relief, though the doctor's words about stress hit a nerve. I knew I had been too harsh on her, pushing her too hard. But with everything at stake, I didn't see any other way. I needed her to be strong, and yet, seeing her like this made me question my approach.
"Thank you, Doctor," I said, trying to regain my composure. "Is there anything else I should know or do to help her?"
"Make sure she follows a nutritious diet and avoids stressful situations as much as possible," the doctor replied. "Her health and the baby's well-being depend on it."
I nodded, absorbing the information. The doctor gave me a reassuring pat on the shoulder before leaving the room. I turned back to Monica, feeling a pang of guilt. She had been through so much, and now, my relentless demands had landed her in the hospital.
I sat down next to her bed, taking her hand in mine. "I'm sorry, Monica," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "I promise I'll try to do better. We'll get through this together." I frowned instantly after realizing what I just uttered. I smirked as I couldn't believe what I said.
As I sat there, lost in thought, the door to the room opened. I looked up, expecting the nurse, but instead, I was met with a sight that sent a jolt through me.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't my dear stepbrother playing the concerned fiancé," Greg said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"What are you doing here, Greg?" I asked, standing up to face him, my tone wary and defensive.
Greg strolled into the room, his eyes flicking over to Monica before settling back on me. "I brought Luke for a checkup and heard about an incident involving a pregnant woman being rushed to the hospital. Imagine my surprise when I found out it was you who rushed in with her."
My jaw clenched. Greg had always had a knack for showing up at the worst possible times, and his interest in the company had only made our relationship more strained. "What do you want, Greg?" I asked, not in the mood for his games.
He smirked, crossing his arms over his chest. "Just checking on the family. It's not every day I find out my stepbrother is about to become a father. Congratulations, by the way. Or should I say, congratulations on keeping this little secret hidden so well from me?"
I narrowed my eyes on him. "It's none of your business, Greg. Stay out of it."
"Oh, but it is my business," he said, stepping closer. "You see, Nicholas, the board is very interested in the stability of our family's leadership. And suddenly a strange lady and pregnancy? It raises questions."
"Questions you have no right to ask," I shot back. "Monica and I are fine. The baby is fine. My plans to remain the CEO are unchanged ."
Greg raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Unchanged, huh? We'll see about that. The board might not be so convinced yet. They're going to want assurances, Nicholas. Assurances that everything is as true as you claim and if all these isn't true, I'll be the first to know and tell them."
I felt a surge of anger but forced myself to stay calm. "Is that a threat, Greg?"
He chuckled, shaking his head. "Not at all, dear brother. Just a friendly reminder. Make sure everything stays perfect. Because if it doesn't, the board might start looking for new leadership."
Before I could respond, Monica stirred, her eyes fluttering open. She looked around, confused, then focused on me. "Nicholas?" she murmured, her voice weak.
I immediately turned my attention to her, leaning down to take her hand again. "I'm here, Monica. You're okay. The doctor said you need rest." I said, trying to act like a perfect fiance and not raise any suspicion from Greg.
She nodded slightly, her gaze shifting to Greg. "Who's that?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
I glanced back at Greg, who was watching the scene with a calculating expression. "This is my stepbrother, Greg," I said, my voice tight. "He was just leaving."
Greg's smile widened as he stepped closer to the bed. "Nice to meet you. Congratulations on the baby. I'm sure we'll be seeing more of each other. What's your name?"
Monica looked at me, confusion and concern in her eyes. I gave her a reassuring smile, though inside I was seething. "Get some rest, Monica. I'll handle everything."
Greg finally turned to leave, but not before giving me a pointed look. "You don't want me to know her name?" Greg asked but got no response from me. Resigning, he turned around as he walked to the door "Take care, Nicholas. Remember what I said."
As the door closed behind him, I felt a heavy weight settle on my shoulders. Greg's appearance had complicated things even more. Now, not only did I have to deal with convincing the directors but also Greg's meddling. I looked back at Monica, who had already drifted back to sleep.
I brushed a strand of hair from her face, my gaze list on her spotless white skin and this was the first time I was looking her up this close. She looked so peaceful with her perfect pink lips. My eyes instantly widened at the realization of my thought but as I sat there, watching over her, I couldn't shake the feeling that the walls were closing in. The fight for the company was heating up, and I had to be ready for whatever came next. This was harder than I thought.