Chapter 164

Chapter 164

Maxwell's POV

The executive meeting had just ended when Andrew approached me at the elevator.

"Mr. Harrison," he said urgently.

I'd been discussing project milestones with Ryan, but Andrew's expression made me pause.

"What is it?"

"Martha called from the house," Andrew said quietly. "She says Mrs. Harrison doesn't seem well today. Should I arrange for the doctor, or would you prefer...?"

I frowned immediately. Without a word, I handed my documents to a startled Ryan and headed back to the elevator.

"Proceed with the project as discussed," I called over my shoulder. "I'm going to check on her."

Ryan stood there clutching the files as Andrew hurried after me, handing over his own documents.

"I'll drive, sir!" he called as the elevator doors closed.

In the car, I remembered the living room surveillance camera we hadn't removed yet. I pulled out my phone and accessed the live feed.

The audio came through - Olivia talking to Josie about pregnancy anxiety. Hearing her concerns made my jaw tighten.

I checked today's date and her pregnancy timeline. Her next appointment was tomorrow, but seeing her pale face and hearing about her sleep issues, I made a decision.

"Contact Dr. Chen," I told Andrew. "Move this month's checkup to today. Ten o'clock."

Andrew nodded in the rearview mirror. "Yes, sir."

We arrived quickly at The Willows. Olivia was getting up from the sofa when I walked in, clearly surprised to see me home so early.

"It's Friday... why are you back already?" she asked, confused.

I approached her, noting her pale complexion. "Martha called saying you weren't feeling well. I came to check on you."

Olivia glanced toward the hallway where Martha had gone, then pressed her lips together. "It's nothing serious. I just didn't sleep well. You didn't need to come home."

"Weren't you worried about the baby's development?" I asked directly.

Her eyes widened. "How did you know that?"

I pointed to the small device in the corner of the ceiling.

"There's a security camera in the living room. You didn't know?"

Olivia's eyes narrowed as she followed my gesture. "Since when? I had no idea."

I felt a twinge of regret. "They've been there since the beginning. Part of the original security setup."

I'd considered removing it but decided to keep it as a safety measure during her pregnancy, planning to remove it after the baby was born.

"The housekeeper should have told you," I explained. "She must have forgotten."

Refocusing on what mattered, I noticed she hadn't moved from the sofa. My gaze briefly touched her slightly rounded belly.

"The baby won't have problems. You haven't missed a single checkup since before pregnancy, and every exam has been normal. No reason to worry."

"But since you're anxious, we'll go to the hospital today for another ultrasound and heart monitoring. That should ease your mind."

Olivia hesitated. "Today?"

I nodded. "Yes, today. Poor sleep during pregnancy affects both you and the baby. Since you're already worried, the sooner we address it, the better."

The hospital was twenty minutes away. Andrew had arranged everything - we went straight through the VIP entrance and the whole process went smoothly.

Despite multiple checkups since getting pregnant, Olivia seemed especially nervous this time. All her sleepless nights and daily worries seemed to peak in this moment.

The elderly doctor's reassuring voice brought her back to focus:

"The baby is perfectly healthy. Heart monitoring and ultrasound show no problems at all. However, the mother has been too stressed lately and isn't sleeping well. This needs to be addressed through support and self-care."

"So why do I feel so anxious? I keep worrying something's wrong with the baby," Olivia asked, relieved by the results but still concerned.

The doctor smiled. "Completely normal, Mrs. Harrison. Pregnancy hormones cause anxiety. My advice is for fathers," he looked at me, "to provide plenty of companionship and reassurance. It really helps."

"Also," he continued, "as the pregnancy progresses, sleep issues, anxiety, and discomfort like leg cramps will continue. A husband's presence and support can significantly improve an expectant mother's emotional state."

"Understood, thank you," I replied.

The ride home was quiet. Olivia stared out the window, lost in thought while rubbing her slightly rounded belly. Despite her fatigue, pregnancy gave her skin a luminous quality. Though our marriage started as business, I found myself genuinely concerned about her wellbeing.

Back at The Willows, Olivia headed straight for the stairs as usual.

"Olivia," I called.

She turned on the staircase. "Yes?"

I approached but kept my distance - close enough to talk, not close enough to make her uncomfortable.

"Would you consider moving into the same room?" I asked directly.

Her eyes widened. "Move... together?"

I nodded. "Your emotional fluctuations are partly because I haven't been caring for you properly. Sharing a room would let me monitor your condition better."

"That's not necessary," she replied quickly, shaking her head. "I'm used to sleeping alone. I don't think I'd adjust well."

Her quick refusal reminded me of my grandfather's surprise visit when we'd shared a room. She'd actually adapted fine then - even unconsciously moved to my side each night while sleeping. I'd carefully moved her back each morning before she woke.

But now she'd rejected the idea without consideration. I didn't push it.

"Since sharing isn't preferable, what about adjacent rooms?" I suggested.

Olivia looked confused. "What do you mean?"

"Our current rooms are at opposite ends of the hallway," I explained neutrally. "It's not good for proper care."

I paused, watching her reaction. "We could arrange rooms closer together."

When she didn't respond immediately, I continued. "Your side only has the music room next door, which isn't suitable. My side has several empty rooms. I could have one prepared for you next to mine. We'd be separated by just one wall - not living together, but close enough for me to help when needed. Would that work?"

I waited, watching emotions cross her face as she considered it. Though our marriage certificate was real, our relationship remained delicate - careful negotiation between practicality and unexpected circumstances.

Her decision would determine our next steps in this uncharted territory.