Chapter 54 Chapter 54
Lily
I am curled up in the chair on our terrace, the cool evening breeze brushing against my skin as I type away on my laptop. My next book is flowing through me, the ideas already clear in my head—I just need to put them down before they disappear. The goal is to release it for New Year, and the publication house is already set. Of course, it’s about romance. What else could it be?
But my heart isn’t fully in my writing tonight. It’s been two weeks since I took the pregnancy test. Two weeks of silence, holding this secret inside me, not yet telling Sebastian. The Bratva are still causing chaos in the city, and Sebastian comes home late every night, exhausted, burdened, yet still unbreakable. I haven’t vomited since that first week, no other symptoms either, but something inside tells me this is real. I need certainty. I need answers.
Without overthinking, I grab my phone and make a doctor’s appointment. My hands tremble a little as I call Belladonna.
“Hi Bella, where are you?”
“Hey, I’m at home.”
I sigh in relief. “I have an appointment with the doctor in an hour. Can you come with me? I don’t want to go alone.”
I hear the sound of sheets rustling as she gets out of bed. “Yeah, sure. I’ll just shower and come pick you up.”
“Thanks, Bella. See you.”
She giggles before hanging up. I close my laptop, my heart still thudding, and change into comfy velvet purple joggers with a matching sweater. I let my hair loose, bangs near my eyes and sling my handbag over my shoulder. By the time I’m ready, Bella texts me to come downstairs.
She’s waiting in her car, sleek and black, looking every bit the mafia princess. She’s in jeans, a jacket, and her hair pulled up in a ponytail — effortlessly striking. I slide into the passenger seat.
“You good?” she asks, starting the engine.
I hesitate, then blurt it out. “I took a pregnancy test two weeks ago. It was positive.”
Her head whips toward me, eyes wide. “Son of a—beach! You didn’t tell me?” She grins and glares at the same time.
“Eyes on the road!” I laugh nervously.
“I didn’t tell Sebastian either,” I admit softly. “I just want to be 100 percent sure. That’s why I made the appointment.”
“It’s positive,” she repeats, like it’s undeniable.
I nod slowly. “But I want a doctor to confirm. And Sebastian… he’s already so worried about the Bratva. I don’t want to stress him more.”
Her voice softens. “I get it, Lily. But if the report is positive, you need to tell him. He deserves to know.”
I sigh. “Yeah… I will. Once I’m sure.”
At the clinic, Bella insists on coming inside with me. The doctor is a kind woman who listens carefully as I explain the nausea, and how I had a miscarriage months ago. She gives me a sample cup. My hands shake as I carry it to the bathroom and return.
Fifteen minutes feel like a lifetime. When the doctor finally walks back in, she smiles. “Congratulations, you are pregnant.”
Tears instantly brim in my eyes. Bella squeals and throws her arms around me. “Congratulations, Mommy!”
“Thank you, Bella,” I whisper, wiping my cheeks.
The doctor recommends an ultrasound. I lie on the bed, Bella at my side. Cold gel spreads across my stomach as the machine hums. I glance at the screen, my breath catching when I hear the words:
“You are six weeks pregnant.”
I gasp, staring at the tiny flicker of life. My heart feels like it might burst. The doctor gives me a diet plan, light exercises, and medicine in case the nausea returns.
Back in the car, I exhale shakily. “I’ll tell Sebastian tonight.”
Bella claps her hands like an excited child. “Yes! He’ll be so damn happy.”
I laugh softly. “I know. I can’t wait either.”
When she drops me off, I ride the elevator up, my heart pounding. The doors ding open and I step into the penthouse. Sebastian is on the couch, whiskey glass in hand, shoulders tense.
“You’re home early,” I say carefully, glancing at my watch.
His eyes narrow. “Where were you?” His tone is sharp, furious.
My stomach drops. “I… went to the doctor’s.”
His expression shifts instantly. He sets his glass down and strides toward me, gripping my shoulders. His dark eyes scan mine, searching for what’s wrong. “What happened to you?”
“Sebastian…” My voice trembles.
“What is it, Lily?” His tone softens, filled with concern.
I take a breath, steadying myself. “I’m pregnant.”
He freezes, his face unreadable. Seconds stretch until he finally exhales a curse. “Fuck, Lily.” His lips break into a rare, breathtaking smile as he pulls me into his arms. “You’re going to make me a father.”
I nod, crying and laughing all at once. “You’re going to be a father.”
“I can’t wait. Oh God, I can’t wait.” He kisses me deeply, hungrily, then rests his forehead against mine.
“It’s been a month, Sebastian. I took the test two weeks ago, but I wanted to be sure. That’s why I went today.”
His smile fades into a cold look. “Why didn’t you tell me, Lily?”
I gesture helplessly. “You were so busy, so stressed about the Bratva. You already said I was your weakness, I didn’t want to weaken you more.” Tears spill down my cheeks.
He tightens his arms around me. “Having you made me realize I could die and still come back alive. Don’t ever think you weaken me, Lily. You are my strength.”
“Don’t leave me again, Sebastian.”
“I won’t. You’re my queen, Lily.” He presses a kiss to my forehead. His lips curl into a rare smile. “Your brother owing me money… was the best damn thing that ever happened.”
I giggle against his chest. “I’m not a debt to be paid, Sebastian.”
“You’re the prettiest debt ever given to me.”