Chapter 91

Dominic held Ava's hand as they walked into the high-security medical facility. The gleaming white walls and the scent of antiseptic filled the air, a stark contrast to the warmth and chaos of their lives. Ava’s heart pounded with anxiety, each step feeling heavier as they approached the reception desk.

"Dominic and Ava Callahan," Dominic said to the receptionist, his voice steady but his grip on Ava’s hand tightening slightly. "We have an appointment with Dr. Martinez."

The receptionist nodded, her fingers flying over the keyboard. "Yes, Mr. Callahan. Dr. Martinez is expecting you. Please take a seat, and she'll be with you shortly."

They moved to the waiting area, and Dominic guided Ava to a chair, sitting beside her. The room was designed to be calming, with soft chairs and muted colors, but Ava couldn’t shake the tension coiled in her stomach. Dominic squeezed her hand reassuringly.

"You’re going to be fine, Ava," he said, his voice low and soothing. "The babies are going to be fine. Dr. Martinez is the best."

Ava nodded, but the fear was still there, gnawing at her. "I know. It’s just… I can’t help but worry. After everything that’s happened… what if something’s wrong?"

Dominic kissed her forehead. "We’ll face it together, no matter what. But I believe our babies are strong, just like their mother."

Before Ava could respond, a nurse called her name. "Ava Callahan?"

Ava and Dominic stood, following the nurse down a pristine corridor to an examination room. Dr. Martinez, a middle-aged woman with a kind smile and an air of confidence, greeted them.

"Hello, Ava, Dominic," Dr. Martinez said warmly. "How are we doing today?"

Ava tried to smile, but it felt weak. "Nervous, to be honest."

"That’s perfectly normal," Dr. Martinez assured her. "Let’s get started with the ultrasound and see how the little ones are doing, okay?"

Ava lay down on the examination table, and Dominic stood beside her, holding her hand. Dr. Martinez applied the gel to Ava’s belly and began the ultrasound. The room was filled with the rhythmic thump-thump-thump of the babies' heartbeats.

"Well, everything looks good here," Dr. Martinez said, her eyes on the monitor. "The heartbeats are strong, and they’re growing right on schedule."

Ava let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding, tears of relief filling her eyes. "Thank God," she whispered, squeezing Dominic’s hand.

Dominic’s eyes were also bright with unshed tears. "See? I told you they’re strong, just like you."

Dr. Martinez smiled but then turned serious. "However, Ava, we do need to talk about some concerns."

Ava’s heart skipped a beat. "What concerns?"

Dr. Martinez turned off the ultrasound and wiped the gel from Ava’s belly. "Given your recent trauma and the physical toll it’s taken on your body, we need to be extra cautious. Your body has been through a lot, and carrying twins is already a higher-risk pregnancy."

Dominic’s grip on Ava’s hand tightened. "What does that mean, exactly?"

"It means we need to monitor you very closely," Dr. Martinez explained. "You need to avoid stress as much as possible, get plenty of rest, and follow a strict nutrition and hydration plan. Any signs of complications, no matter how minor, need to be reported immediately."

Ava nodded, her fear creeping back. "I understand. I’ll do whatever it takes."

Dr. Martinez looked at her kindly. "I know you will, Ava. And we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Just take it one day at a time."

After the appointment, Dominic and Ava left the medical facility in a pensive silence. As they walked to the car, Dominic finally spoke. "We’ll do everything the doctor said. We’ll take every precaution."

Ava nodded, but her mind was racing. "What if it’s not enough, Dominic? What if something happens to the babies? What if I lose them?"

Dominic stopped and turned to her, placing his hands on her shoulders. "Ava, look at me. We’re going to do everything we can to keep you and the babies safe. We’re not alone in this. We have the best doctors, and we have each other. We’re going to make it through this."

Ava looked into his eyes, seeing the determination and love there. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "You’re right. We have to stay positive."

Dominic pulled her into a tight hug. "That’s my girl. We’ll get through this, one step at a time."

The drive back to the penthouse was quiet, both of them lost in their thoughts. Ava stared out the window, her hand resting protectively on her belly. The city passed by in a blur, her mind filled with worries and what-ifs.

When they arrived home, Dominic helped Ava out of the car and led her upstairs. Once inside, he gently guided her to the couch and sat beside her. "How about we make a plan? We’ll go over everything Dr. Martinez said, and we’ll make sure we’re doing everything we can to keep you and the babies healthy."

Ava nodded, grateful for his steadiness. "That sounds good."

They spent the afternoon going over the doctor’s recommendations, writing down a schedule for meals, rest, and hydration. Dominic called a few of his trusted staff to arrange for healthier meals and to ensure the penthouse was as stress-free as possible. He even contacted a yoga instructor who specialized in prenatal yoga to come by and help Ava with gentle exercises.

As they worked through the details, Ava’s anxiety began to ease. She could see how dedicated Dominic was to making sure she and the babies were safe. His love and commitment gave her the strength to face her fears.

Later that evening, they sat on the balcony, the city lights twinkling below them. Dominic wrapped a blanket around Ava’s shoulders and pulled her close. "We’ve got this, Ava. We’re going to be okay."

Ava rested her head on his shoulder, feeling a sense of calm for the first time that day. "I believe you," she said softly. "Thank you for being my rock."

Dominic kissed the top of her head. "Always."

As the days passed, Ava followed the plan meticulously. She rested often, ate nutritious meals, and practiced the gentle yoga exercises. But despite her best efforts, the fear still lingered. Every twinge or ache sent a wave of panic through her, and the nightmares continued to haunt her sleep.

One night, as she lay awake staring at the ceiling, Dominic turned to her, his voice filled with concern. "You’re not sleeping again, are you?"

Ava sighed. "I’m trying. It’s just… the nightmares. They won’t go away."

Dominic reached out and took her hand. "Do you want to talk about them?"

Ava hesitated, but then she nodded. "It’s always the same. I’m back in that room with Alex. He’s torturing me, and I’m so scared. But this time, it’s different. I’m pregnant in the dream, and he’s threatening the babies. I wake up terrified that something’s going to happen to them."

Dominic’s heart ached for her. "Ava, I wish I could take those nightmares away. But you’re not alone. We’re going to get through this together. The babies are strong, just like you. And I’ll do whatever it takes to protect all of you."

Ava’s eyes filled with tears. "I’m trying to be strong, Dominic. I really am. But it’s so hard."

He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. "You don’t have to do this alone. Lean on me. Lean on our friends. We’re all here for you."

Ava nodded against his chest. "I know. Thank you for being here."

As the weeks went by, they continued to attend regular checkups with Dr. Martinez. Each visit brought a mix of relief and anxiety. The babies were growing well, but the warnings about potential complications remained. Ava’s fear of losing them never fully went away, but she found solace in Dominic’s unwavering support.

One evening, as they sat on the couch, Dominic turned to Ava, his expression serious. "I’ve been thinking. Maybe we should hire a private nurse to stay with us, at least until the babies are born. Someone who can help with your care and give us both peace of mind."

Ava considered it for a moment and then nodded. "I think that’s a good idea. It would be nice to have someone here who knows what to do in case something happens."

Dominic smiled, relieved. "I’ll make the arrangements. We’ll find someone experienced and trustworthy."

The next day, Dominic contacted a highly recommended agency and arranged for a private nurse to come by for an interview. Her name was Maria, and she had years of experience in prenatal and postnatal care. She was warm and professional, immediately putting Ava at ease.

"Thank you for being here, Maria," Ava said after the interview. "I think having you here will help a lot."

Maria smiled kindly. "It’s my pleasure, Ava. We’ll make sure you and the babies are well taken care of."

With Maria’s presence, Ava began to feel a bit more secure. The constant monitoring and support helped to alleviate some of her fears. She still had moments of anxiety, but they were less frequent, and she found herself able to focus more on the joy of her pregnancy.

One afternoon, as Ava sat in the nursery they had started to prepare, Dominic joined her, wrapping his arms around her from behind. "It’s going to be okay, Ava," he whispered. "We’re going to have a beautiful family."

Ava leaned back into his embrace, a soft smile playing on her lips. "I believe you," she said. "I’m starting to feel hopeful again."

Dominic kissed her cheek. "That’s all I can ask for. One day at a time, right?"

"Right," Ava agreed, feeling a glimmer of hope for the future.