The Secret Pregnancy of the Billionaire's Ex-Wife

Chapter 5

Chapter 5: The Last Shred of Dignity

Why had he been pretending to care about me? He was the one who'd made me stand in the rain yesterday!

Now, his concern just felt even more fake, even more disgusting.

Christina shifted beside me, her perfume making my stomach roll.

I couldn't go to the hospital.

If I had, my pregnancy would've been exposed.

It sounded silly, but I didn't want anyone to know about the baby-I needed to hold on to whatever little self-respect I had left.

Especially in front of Christina.

"That's not your business." I siad coldly and pressed my forehead against the cool window.

"Sean," Christina's voice was honey-sweet with concern, "maybe it's because of my presence? I could get out here, and you can take Angela to the hospital? Her condition seems serious, we shouldn't delay."

"Don't be ridiculous," Sean snapped, though his tone softened as he continued. "This isn't about you."

I caught Christina's perfectly practiced look of contrition in the window's reflection.

"Angela, I apologize if I've misunderstood. I thought you might be uncomfortable because of my relationship with Sean."Christina played the victim, acting hurt.

fine." I

but I flinched away

hurt that flashed across his face was

a private clinic," Christina offered after a moment of tense

brilliant,

"Carter? What are

handles most of the Upper East Side's more... delicate situations. Elizabeth's heart specialist actually consulted with

another wave of guilt through me. Here I

weren't so focused on not

for a long moment

of plans. Dr. Carter's clinic

pristine townhouse, its discrete brass plaque the only

on my elbow as we entered felt like a brand, her solicitous attention more suffocating than the

not to flinch as the doctor raised the thermometer, but my body betrayed me

my back, steadying me. The gesture felt achingly familiar - a echo of genuine concern from a man who would soon

"Not dangerous yet, but heading

An IV meant blood work. Blood work meant pregnancy hormones.

held a

hating how weak I sounded.

Sean and me, professional mask firmly in place. "There are other cooling methods we can try, though they're less

casual gesture that spoke volumes about their comfort level with each

Sean's response. The room felt like it was slowly spinning,

Dr. Carter's voice was carefully neutral, "would you prefer to discuss your treatment options

necessary," I managed. "Whatever you think