56

Armand entered his beloved's room and ran to her bed, kneeling down he lovingly caressed her belly and began to cry, he blamed himself for what had happened and if he lost them, he would never forgive himself, he begged God not to take them away, because they were both his greatest joy and to live without them, he would definitely prefer to die.

Forgive me, my son, for not knowing how to protect them, you have a terrible father, the only thing I want is for you to be born well, your mummy and I want you so much, you are the most wanted baby. Please, be strong and resist, I couldn't bear to lose you or your mother. I need you both, she said pleadingly, giving vent to her tears.

Ar...Armand, whispered Juliet, stroking his head.

My love, forgive me for not protecting you. This is all my fault.

It wasn't your fault, don't say it again. Our son and I are fine,’ he replied with some difficulty, due to the stricken medicine. Please don't blame yourself anymore.

I don't want to lose them, I couldn't bear it. I feared the worst today.

You snotty little brat, you won't get rid of us that easily,’ he said mockingly, still unable to open his eyes fully.

I love you so much, I swear I will guard you with my own life. You are the most important thing to me,’ he said clinging to his beloved, as if his life depended on it.

We love you too, Armand, she finished, before falling into a deep sleep.

Armand stayed for a few minutes, holding her hand in his and praying to God that she and her son would come out of all this well. Meanwhile, in the waiting room, Richard and Amelia made their presence known, both were really excited and not to mention Richard, who swore to himself that he would use all his influence to punish whoever was responsible. He would not rest until he did.

How are my daughter-in-law and grandson? asked Richard with concern.

Alex, I informed them about the diagnosis and the precautionary measures they should take.

Who was responsible? he was quick to ask. I swear he will pay dearly for it, to attempt against the life of the future Duchess is a serious crime.

Armand, I confirm that your co-star was responsible,’ said Alex furiously.

That woman will not be spared, I will do everything in my power, assured the Duke.

I support what you say, Your Excellency,’ replied the grandmother. What was done to my granddaughter cannot go unpunished.

Rest assured, madame, that I will do everything in my power to make that woman pay dearly for her crime.

Armand, leaving Juliet's room, with red and swollen eyes, Amelia, seeing her son in such a state, felt her heart break, so, running, she hugged him, to give him strength and let him know that he was not alone.

How are they? she asked.

They're fine, mum, she's sleeping now, it's just that her pregnancy is high risk. I'm afraid that something will happen to my baby,’ he said in distress, hugging her tightly and how a little boy cried in his mother's arms.

Son, I am aware of the situation and I assure you it will not stay that way,’ Richard said sternly. The important thing now is to take care of her. You are not alone, son.

I thank you, father,’ said the brown-haired man sincerely, and the three of them melted into a touching embrace.

Just as the doctor had said, Juliet was hospitalised for three days, where her relatives used to visit her, the one who never moved was Armand, no matter how hard they tried to convince him to go and rest, he always refused, fearing for the safety of his beloved and his son. The day she was discharged and taken to Thompson Manor, the grandmother took great care of her, Robert and Alex took turns caring for her and feeding her. In the evenings, Armand would visit her and sleep in the next room, while Richard pulled strings to catch Amber, for he would not rest until he did.

Meanwhile somewhere in New York...

You're a fool! You can't do anything right,’ shouted a very angry Alexei. Now they'll know we're together.

Enough! demanded the redhead. What's urgent is to escape from here, before we're discovered.

It's your fault too, if you hadn't been so stupid. For your sake, I hope nothing serious has happened to her or I swear you'll pay for it,’ threatened the blond.

What is it about that bloody rich girl, that everyone is so stupid about her? he said with irritation.

She's special. If she was like you, believe me I would have taken her to bed by now.

You're a bastard,’ he slapped him hard.

You'll never lay a hand on me again! the blond shouted, hitting him back.

The two began to fight. Alexei regretted again and again that he had trusted Amber, he had definitely made the worst mistake and it could cost him dearly, he had to get rid of her, if he didn't want to be ruined.

The Duke of Hamilton, who was still worried about his daughter-in-law's health, unexpectedly arrived for a visit, surprising the servants, who were not so used to attending to noble people, and feared they would be reprimanded by the grandmother, who liked perfection, which was expected of a good hostess of high society. For his part, the Duke and Lady Amelia used to treat the servants with kindness, but above all with respect. Richard, although he was a high nobleman with a strong character, treated each of his employees with familiarity; for him, they were not mere employees, but also important members of his family, and thanks to them, Hamilton Castle was in very good condition. On his arrival at the newly acquired Thompson residence in a quiet neighbourhood of New York, he brought with him toys and three outfits made of the finest and most delicate fabric for his grandson, for he still insisted that Juliet would have a healthy and strong child, At the thought of that possibility, he could not help feeling proud and smiling like a fool, although he did not say it so openly, he felt the same joy as when he heard that Armand was coming into the world.

Good morning, Your Excellency,’ greeted Samantha, who was in charge of greeting him.

Good morning, miss,’ greeted Richard, in that seductive voice, bowing slightly. I have come to see my daughter-in-law,’ he reported, as he straightened up.

This way, please, your excellency,’ he indicated, allowing her to pass.

By no means, ladies first, she hastened to say, giving way to Samantha.

You are very kind, she replied, blushing all over. She felt so strange, for in all the years she had worked in the service, the only people who had ever treated her well were the Thompsons, for the rest of the gentry always looked down on her, and even more so when it came to those ladies of high society. She never imagined that such a powerful and feared man would treat her with respect, something that was not often seen.

Tell me, miss, has my daughter-in-law eaten well? asked the duke curiously.

That's right, Your Excellency, because now in your condition, you know perfectly well that you have to eat for two.

I am glad to hear that.

Have you been feeling unwell or anything like that?

She still has morning sickness, but as the doctor has already informed me, it is part of the pregnancy. Miss Julieta has been resting as instructed, and although she was reluctant at first, she finally understood, she responded with a quiet smile.

Thank you for the information, Miss.

Allow me a moment, Your Excellency, I will announce you,’ said the maid, pausing at the entrance to the yellow drawing room.

Of course, replied the duke affably.

Juliet was knitting a blanket for her son, as she was not even allowed to go for a walk in the garden, she had to find something to distract herself and what better than knitting, it was ironic, as she had hated that kind of thing before, as she had never been good with needles and hooks, and now she realised how entertaining and relaxing knitting was, she finally understood her grandmother. She was so distracted by her activity until Samantha, with unusual formality, entered the room to announce the presence of the Duke of Hamilton. Juliet finally understood why her friend was resorting to formality, and without further ado, asked her to show her father-in-law in. Samantha nodded and seconds later the handsome and dashing gentleman entered, the blonde abandoned her activity and hurried to stand up, and then bowed.

Your Excellency, the blonde said.

It is not necessary for you to stand up, daughter, the duke reprimanded her with that paternal tone, I don't want you to make unnecessary efforts, remember what the doctor told you, he asked, approaching her, and then placing a chaste kiss on her forehead.

Would you like me to bring you some tea, Samantha hastened to say.

Please,’ said Juliet kindly.

At once, miss,’ said the maid, leaving the room, to go to the kitchen.