Chapter 28 chapter 28
Chapter 28 chapter 28
In Love with the CEO
Chapter 28
Author:
ALEX
Me, once again: “It’s not a disease, you know.”
Alexander: “If you finish your meal, you can go back to bed.”
Me, sighing: “I’m tired of lying in here. I want to go out. I’m not the first woman to be pregnant. You’re starting to get on my nerves. Don’t you see pregnant women in Africa walking around markets, carrying things on their heads?”
Alexander, with all his calm: “I’m not their husband, and they’re not carrying my children. As long as you’re carrying my kids, you’ll do exactly what the doctor advised. You’ll eat exactly what’s on the list unless he says otherwise. If you’re not happy, that’s your problem.”
Me: “It’s still my body, and I can do what I want with it. I’ve decided I’m going out today to get some fresh air, and I’ll do it. If you’re not happy, that’s your problem.”
Alexander: “As long as my children are living under your roof, you’ll do what I decide. Now finish your meal.”
Me: “But I don’t feel like eating anymore.”
Alexander: “Come on, make an effort and finish it.”
Me: “…”
I don’t say anything else. I’d rather stay quiet. He’s really starting to annoy me with this “my children” talk here and there.
Since we left the hospital, my ordeal has begun. This guy is making my life impossible. I even have a dietitian and a special diet to follow because the doctor had the audacity to say I need to live calmly, without stress, and get plenty of rest. On top of that, I have to eat balanced meals so the babies stay healthy since I was a bit dehydrated and anemic. My God, don’t these doctors know you can’t say these things to everyone? My husband has turned into a doctor. I feel like I have a teacher breathing down my neck, watching my every move, and I’m not allowed to do anything anymore.
FLASHBACK
Doctor: “Sir, your wife is pregnant.”
Me: “Excuse me? What do you mean, pregnant?”
Doctor: “Yes, ma’am, you’re seven weeks pregnant.”
Me, a bit stunned: “Are you sure?”
I just had my period a few days ago, so I’m not convinced by what he’s saying. But the guy on the other side is already jumping on me with kisses. I’m so shocked I can barely accept it, let alone celebrate it.
Alexander, overjoyed: “Do you realize, my heart? We’re going to have a child. The fruit of our love is growing inside you,” he says, touching my stomach. “I’m so happy. Julia will have a little sister or brother. Aren’t you happy?”
Me: “I don’t know. I think there’s been a mistake, my heart. Don’t get too excited too soon. I had my period last week, so I don’t think I’m pregnant.”
Doctor: “Here are the results of your blood test. There’s no mistake. To be certain, I can have you do an ultrasound so you have no doubts.”
Alexander: “Can we? It’d be really cool to see it.”
Doctor, before leaving: “I’ll ask a nurse to prepare her, but your wife is a bit dehydrated and anemic. You’ll need to monitor her diet and ensure she rests. Keep her away from all sources of stress, or it could affect the baby. At this stage, they’re very fragile.”
Alexander: “Consider it done. I’ll make sure she follows all your recommendations to the letter.”
Doctor: “Alright, before you leave, I’ll prescribe some vitamins and something for her blood. I’ll let you celebrate the news.”
Alexander, shaking the doctor’s hand: “Thank you!”
When the doctor closes the door behind him, he comes to me, kisses me, and says, “Thank you.”
Me, coming to: “Why?”
Alexander, emotional: “Thank you for making me so happy, for fulfilling me. Thank you for making me a father again and, above all, for making Julia a big sister—she’s dreamed of this. You don’t know how happy I am that you’re making this dream come true for her. I’ll never know how to thank you enough.”
Me, moved by what he just said: “Thank you for accepting me despite everything, for giving me a family that loves me, and above all, for making me a mother. I really wasn’t expecting news like this. I’m still in shock. I thought I’d know right away if I got pregnant.”
Alexander: “It’s because you weren’t mentally prepared for it. You’ll get used to it little by little with time.”
END OF FLASHBACK
I hadn’t imagined going through a pregnancy like this, with Alexander making my life difficult with all these weird rules. I’m constantly sick. I can’t even sit for an hour without my heart racing and my head spinning. At the hospital, they said it was due to high blood pressure and that I was on the verge of preeclampsia, which makes Lexis even stricter with his rules. I’ve just started my second trimester, but I’m already at my limit.
Alexander: “Stop making that face, my heart. You might give us ugly, nervous babies.”
Me: “Are you serious right now?”
Alexander, laughing heartily: “No, it’s just a joke, you know. Besides, with a mother like you, it’s impossible for them not to be among the wonders of the world. But I’m serious about the nervous babies, so give me a smile.”
Me, forcing a smile: “Get lost. I don’t want to see your face anymore. You have no idea how much you’re annoying me.”
Alexander: “I love you too, my heart.”
I don’t know why, but I burst into tears. I’m so tired of this whole situation. I hadn’t imagined my pregnancy like this. I thought I’d be making love in every position with my husband. I don’t understand why, but when I didn’t know, I was fine. Since I found out, everything’s gone wrong. I’m really at my limit.
Alexander, wiping my tears: “Please don’t cry. You know I’m doing this for the good of all three of you.”
Me: “I know, but I didn’t imagine pregnancy like this. I’m really unlucky. I’m starting to feel done. I feel like I’m suffocating in this room. I’m fed up.”
Alexander: “I’m really sorry for putting you in this situation, you know?”
Me: “It’s not your fault. What I meant is I wish I could fully enjoy this pregnancy, do things with you, go for walks, make love, all that. But no, I’m stuck in this bed. I don’t even remember the last time we slept together.”
Alexander: “I’m not touching you because you get out of breath. It’s to avoid hurting you.”
Me, still crying: “It’s because you think I’m hideous. Tell the truth.”
Alexander: “Do you want me to make love to you right now?”
Me, sniffling: “You’d just be forcing yourself because I asked. I don’t want to anymore.”
Alexander: “What if I took you to the pool? Would that make you less sad?”
Me, in a small voice: “Yes.”
He clears the dishes and tells me to go change. I come back in a bikini with a cover-up. He sits me down and brushes my hair because, honestly, I look like a mess. Even showering has become a once-a-day thing. Really, I don’t know what these kids are turning me into. I can’t wait for them to come out.
When he finishes brushing my hair, he picks me up like a baby and sets me on a lounge chair by the pool as if I’m made of porcelain. This man is truly an angel, even if sometimes I want to slap him just for the fun of it.
Alexander: “Should I get you a juice?”
Me: “No, I want ice cream and cookies. And bring some mustard so I can spread it on the cookies.”
Alexander, hands in his pockets: “You know you’re not allowed to eat that junk. And since when do people eat cookies with mustard?”
Me, my voice trembling: “You want to make me cry again, don’t you? Why do you treat me so badly? When will you let me satisfy my pregnancy cravings?”
Alexander, giving in: “Alright, I’ll get them for you. Anything else?”
Me: “No, no, but if you find some rotten eggs, bring those too. Thanks, my heart.”
He stares at me for a long time without saying anything and heads to the kitchen to get what I asked for.
Thea: “We haven’t seen you in forever. Your husband doesn’t want to share you anymore. He’s confiscated you.”
Me: “Mmm, your brother—I’m sure this is the last time I get pregnant by him. He’s exhausting me. Save me, please.”
Thea, touching her stomach: “What do you mean, the last pregnancy? My kid needs lots of cousins to play with, and their siblings will need cousins their age.”
It takes me a moment to process what she’s saying.
Me, standing up: “No way, you’re pregnant?”
Thea, smiling: “Yes, but don’t shout. No one else knows yet. We want to get married before telling the others. You’re the only one I’m letting in on it.”
Me, pulling her into a hug: “Congratulations, my darling! I’m so happy for you.”
Alexander, behind us: “I leave my wife for a few minutes, and you make her cry and get her on her feet.”
Me: “I was just telling her how much you’re mistreating me.”
Thea: “You’re exaggerating, big brother. Let her have a little fun. She’s a pregnant woman. You have to do everything to satisfy her cravings. You’re too strict with her.”
Alexander, setting the tray in front of me: “If that were true, would I have brought her all this?”
Me, licking my lips: “Where are my rotten eggs?”
Thea, exclaiming: “What? What’s that about? Have you ever tried rotten eggs to crave them?”
Alexander: “What were you saying earlier?”
Thea, standing up: “Sorry, big brother. You should keep handling this. At this rate, she’ll want to eat goat poop with my nephews.”