Chapter 34 Chapter 34
The next morning, Savannah woke up late. Her body felt heavier than usual, her back sore, and her stomach tight in strange ways. She sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes.
She remembered her promise to Adrian last night, how he made her swear she would stop working. She had agreed, but deep inside, she was still restless. She hated feeling weak. She hated feeling like she couldn’t take care of herself.
The smell of food reached her nose, and she blinked in surprise. When she walked into the living room, Adrian was already there, standing by the dining table.
“You cooked?” she asked softly.
Adrian looked at her, his face unreadable. “I ordered breakfast. Sit down.”
Savannah sat quietly. She picked up a spoon, but her hand was slow, tired. Adrian noticed everything. He leaned back, studying her carefully.
“You’re still pale,” he said finally.
“I’m fine,” Savannah whispered.
“No, you’re not,” Adrian said, his tone firm. “You need a check-up.”
Her spoon paused halfway. “Adrian, I don’t need—”
“Yes, you do.” His voice was steady, leaving no space for argument. “You fainted before. You’re carrying a child. This is not something we take lightly. You’re going to the hospital today.”
Savannah’s heart raced. She looked down at her hands. “I don’t want to cause you trouble.”
Adrian leaned forward. His eyes burned into hers. “Savannah, listen to me. You are not trouble. Stop saying that. This is your health. This is the baby’s health. Do you understand?”
Tears stung her eyes. No one had ever spoken to her like this. Not even Nathaniel. Nathaniel only shouted, insulted, made her feel useless. But Adrian… Adrian was different.
She nodded weakly. “Okay.”
\---
By noon, Adrian drove her to the hospital. The ride was quiet, but not uncomfortable. Savannah kept her hand on her stomach, nervous. She had not been to a hospital since the night she almost lost her life. Memories of Nathaniel’s cruelty still haunted her.
Adrian glanced at her from the driver’s seat. “Don’t be afraid. I’ll be with you.”
Savannah turned her face to him, shocked. His words were soft, but they carried strength. She couldn’t remember the last time someone said those words to her.
When they arrived, Adrian walked beside her, guiding her gently with his hand on her arm. Nurses recognized him immediately. He was a powerful man, respected everywhere. But today, he didn’t carry the aura of power — he carried something else, something softer, as he stayed close to Savannah.
\---
Inside the doctor’s office, Savannah sat nervously while Adrian stood by her side. The doctor smiled kindly.
“How far along are you?” the doctor asked.
“Almost four months,” Savannah whispered.
The doctor nodded. “We’ll run some tests and check the baby’s heartbeat.”
Adrian spoke firmly. “Do everything necessary. I want her safe. I want the baby safe.”
Savannah’s eyes widened. He spoke as if the baby was his. She lowered her gaze, her heart confused.
The nurse led her to lie down for the scan. Cold gel touched her skin, and the machine hummed. Then, a sound filled the room — steady, fast, alive.
Savannah froze. Tears rolled down her cheeks.
“That’s your baby’s heartbeat,” the doctor said gently.
Her hand shook as she touched her stomach. She had known, of course, but hearing it made it real. The tiny life inside her was strong, living, waiting for her.
She turned her head slightly and saw Adrian’s eyes fixed on the screen. His jaw was tight, but his eyes… his eyes shone with something she couldn’t understand. Something deep, something protective.
The doctor smiled. “The baby is healthy. But you need rest, Savannah. Less stress, no hard work. Do you have someone caring for you?”
Savannah opened her mouth, but Adrian answered before she could.
“Yes,” he said firmly. “She has me.”
Savannah’s heart stopped. She looked at him, her lips parting in shock. But Adrian didn’t look back at her. His eyes remained on the doctor, his voice steady.
\---
When they stepped out of the hospital, Savannah held her bag tightly, her mind spinning.
“Why did you say that?” she asked softly.
“Say what?” Adrian asked, walking toward the car.
“That… that I have you.”
Adrian stopped. He turned slowly to face her. His eyes locked onto hers. “Because it’s true. You have me, Savannah. I won’t let you go through this alone.”
Her breath caught. She didn’t know what to say. She didn’t know how to believe him. But deep inside, a small piece of her heart began to warm.
\---
On the ride home, silence filled the car. Savannah stared out the window, but her mind was full of questions. Why was Adrian doing this? Why did he care so much? He had no reason.
Adrian drove quietly, but his hands tightened on the wheel. He wanted to tell her everything — how her strength moved him, how her pain angered him, how he couldn’t stop thinking about her. But he kept it inside.
\---
Later that night, Savannah lay in bed, holding her stomach. She could still hear the baby’s heartbeat in her mind. It gave her hope, but also fear.
In the living room, Adrian sat with a glass of water. He stared at the city lights through the window, his mind restless.
Daniel’s words echoed in his head. It sounds like you care more than you admit.
Adrian closed his eyes. He had promised himself never to fall again, never to feel this way. But with Savannah, he couldn’t control it.
And now, after hearing that heartbeat, after seeing her tears, something inside him shifted forever.
He whispered into the night, words he couldn’t say out loud to her yet:
“I’ll protect you. Both of you. No matter what.”