Chapter 5 - The DiagnosisDr. Aris, a discreet, highly paid physician who had stitched up countless bullet wounds for the Sterling family, stood waiting by a pristine examination bed.
His professional composure wavered slightly when he saw the formidable Julian Sterling carrying a heavily pregnant woman.
“Put her down gently, Mr. Sterling,” Dr. Aris instructed, snapping on a pair of sterile latex gloves.
Julian lowered Elise onto the padded bed, but he absolutely refused to step back, hovering over her like a fiercely protective gargoyle.
“She’s having severe abdominal pain,” Julian informed the doctor, his eyes tracking every movement Aris made.
“Miss Thorne, I need to check your vitals and monitor the fetal heart rate,” the doctor said kindly, bringing over a portable ultrasound and monitoring machine.
Elise nodded, allowing the doctor to lift her ruined maternity blouse just enough to expose the tight, stretched skin of her belly.
Julian stared at her bare stomach, his breath catching in his throat as he finally saw the undeniable physical proof of his impending fatherhood.
The doctor applied the cold gel, pressing the transducer against her skin, and suddenly, the rapid, strong whoosh-whoosh of a tiny heartbeat filled the quiet room.
Elise let out a shaky sob, covering her face with her hands, overwhelmed by the stress, the pain, and the reality of being back in Julian’s world.
Julian reached out, wrapping his large, warm hand around her trembling fingers, pulling them gently away from her face.
He didn't say a word, but the profound emotion shining in his silver eyes spoke volumes.
“The baby’s heart rate is strong and perfectly normal,” Dr. Aris announced, wiping the gel away.
“However, her blood pressure is dangerously high, likely induced by extreme stress and physical exhaustion.”
“Are these contractions real labor?” Julian demanded, his voice sharp with anxiety.
“They are premature stress contractions,” the doctor explained calmly.
“If she doesn't rest immediately, she could go into early labor, which is not ideal at eight months.”
Julian turned his piercing gaze back to Elise.
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“You are going to tell me exactly who forced you to run from me, Elise,” he said quietly.
“Because if you don't, the stress of hiding is going to hurt our child.”
