Chapter 9 - The Private Prison
The sudden, blinding pain tore through me again, much sharper and more demanding than a Braxton Hicks contraction.
I looked down in absolute horror as a warm rush of fluid soaked entirely through my emerald silk gown and onto the plush chair.
My water had broken right in the middle of the crowded ballroom, a full four weeks ahead of my due date.
The mayor’s wife let out a dramatic gasp, pointing at the puddle forming on the expensive hardwood floor.
Julian's head snapped toward me, his expression twisting into a mask of pure, unadulterated rage that he quickly covered with fake panic.
"My wife is in labor, we need to clear a path immediately!" Julian shouted, playing the role of the terrified father flawlessly.
Two of his massive security guards immediately rushed forward, shoving confused guests out of the way to create an exit.
Julian scooped me up into his arms, carrying me toward the front doors while the remaining guests applauded his quick action.
I writhed in pain, but the physical agony was absolutely nothing compared to the sheer, terrifying panic setting in.
I was entirely at his mercy now, being loaded into the back of his heavily tinted, private SUV.
"Take us to the exclusive clinic on the west side, right now!" Julian barked at his personal driver, slamming the heavy door shut.
The clinic he demanded was entirely owned by his corrupt associates, a place where he controlled the doctors and the medical charts.
"Julian, please, just take me to a normal hospital," I pleaded through gritted teeth as another massive contraction hit me.
He leaned in close, his fingers digging brutally into my shoulder, his voice dropping into a chilling, demonic whisper.
"You are going exactly where I tell you, Clara, and if you say one word to those doctors, I will take this baby away from you forever."
I squeezed my eyes shut, a silent sob wracking my body as the SUV sped through the dark city streets.
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My secret phone was still in my pocket, but I was trapped in a moving metal box with a monster.
I was going to give birth in his private fortress, completely surrounded by his loyal subjects.
