Chapter 5: I am pregnant
The shadowy figure stepped back, his voice carrying a strange intensity, "Soon, I'll take you to my world. After that, nothing will separate us—we'll be together forever, my love. Wait for me! The future we dream of is closer than ever. I..."
The words hung in the air as the room's door creaked open, and Kartik entered.
The figure, sensing Kartik's presence, vanished into the shadows before he could be seen.
The room was dim, with the soft glow of a night lamp casting long shadows on the walls.
Kartik stepped inside, his sharp features briefly illuminated as he unbuttoned his shirt. His gaze fell on the serene figure of his wife, her beauty undisturbed even in slumber.
She lay there, an image of elegance and grace, seemingly untouched by time. The mother of three children, yet she possessed a youthful allure that belied her responsibilities. Her ethereal beauty and poise could rival the finest supermodels.
Even at thirty-two, Bella looked as though time had frozen her in her teenage years. Her skin, soft as rose petals, glowed with an alabaster hue. Her slender frame was a blend of delicacy and strength, a paradox that made her all the more captivating.
Kartik's gaze lingered on her, his memories taking him back twelve years to the moment he first saw her. She was extraordinary then, and she remained so now.
Bella was a woman of substance, her achievements unmatched. At sixteen, she had ascended to the presidency of Rockwave, a feat that today's youth could only dream of achieving with relentless effort.
Removing his shirt, Kartik tossed it onto the couch and moved toward the bed. His rough fingers brushed gently against the bandage on her arm, a touch both tender and possessive.
Bella stirred, her eyelids fluttering open. Her soft brown eyes met his piercing blue ones, a faint smile gracing her lips as she murmured, "You're back."
Kartik nodded slightly, his expression unreadable.
"I'm fine," she said quickly, sensing his unspoken concern. "It's just a scratch, really. Nothing to worry about."
Her words came in a rush, almost as though she feared Kartik might react impulsively.
He said nothing, his gaze unwavering. Leaning down, he captured her lips in a kiss that left no room for argument. It was deep, possessive, and yet filled with an unspoken tenderness.
Bella's fingers instinctively found their way into his hair as she surrendered to the moment. When Kartik finally pulled away, he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, his touch a silent reassurance.
After a brief pause, Bella spoke softly, her voice tinged with worry. "Kartik, please... don't do anything to her. Emma has already suffered enough. I can't lose her too."
Emma, the grieving widow of Jim Evans, carried a burden of her own. Once the President of France, Jim's life had unraveled in the most public and tragic way imaginable. His greed and rebellion against Rockwave had sealed his fate.
Two years ago, his execution was broadcast worldwide—a chilling reminder of the consequences of defiance.
Kartik's voice broke the silence, calm and steady. "Sleep, Wifey. It's late."
But how could she rest? Her heart was heavy with worry. The Richard family had stood by her through everything. How could she face them if Kartik acted against Emma?
Her gaze searched his, her tone firm yet pleading. "Promise me, Kartik. You won't harm her."
For a moment, Kartik studied her, his expression unreadable. Reluctantly, he nodded.
"Fine."
"That's not enough," she insisted, her voice soft but resolute. "I need your word."
Kartik sighed, his resistance melting under her gaze. "I promise. Nothing will happen to her."
Satisfied, Bella rested her head on the pillow, but Kartik wasn't done. He lay down beside her, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her close. Her back rested against his chest, his touch protective yet intimate.
"Kartik," Bella murmured, her voice hesitant.
"Hmm?"
"I need to tell you something," she said, her fingers lightly tracing his hand.
He waited patiently, his voice calm. "Go on, Wifey, I'm listening."
After a moment's hesitation, she finally whispered, "I'm pregnant, Kartik. The last time, you... you didn't use protection. Maybe this is the result. You know I don't take pills, but you…" She trailed off, her voice laced with worry. "We already have three children, Kartik. What now?"
Kartik's hand stilled. His gaze softened as he looked down at her. For a brief moment, her concern made him wonder if this child was unwanted by her.
He leaned in, kissing her cheek gently. "Wifey," he said with quiet conviction, "I can afford a hundred children if they're with you."
His words left her speechless. Her husband's wealth and power were never in question, but the ease with which he dismissed the gravity of the situation left her momentarily stunned.
Was she expected to bear them all?
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Will Bella accept this unexpected turn of events?
To know…
To be continued…