Chapter 404
Julian Whitmore arrived promptly, examining Dominic with practiced ease before prescribing medication and administering fluids. Within hours, Dominic's raging fever began to subside.
Evelyn exhaled in relief.
The day had been exhausting. First, their twins needed hospitalization. Just as they recovered, Dominic fell ill. Juggling care for both her husband and children had drained her completely.
While preparing Dominic's herbal remedy, the pungent medicinal aroma assaulted her senses. A wave of nausea crashed over her without warning...
Evelyn barely made it to the bathroom, gripping the marble sink as dry heaves wracked her body. Nothing came up, but the discomfort lingered.
As the queasiness faded, realization dawned.
She remembered Abigail's similar symptoms at work. The memories of her own pregnancy with the twins surfaced vividly. Her hand flew to her mouth as she mentally calculated her cycle.
Her period was a week late.
Dominic always used protection - except that one passionate night last month when they'd gotten carried away. Evelyn had assumed it was her safe period, so she hadn't taken emergency contraception.
'Oh god, could I really be...?'
A whirlwind of emotions accompanied her return to the bedroom.
Dominic sat propped against pillows, reviewing financial reports while conversing with Julian. His sharp eyes immediately noted Evelyn's pallor.
Pulling her close, he murmured, "You've worked so hard today. You look exhausted. Julian, examine her immediately."
Julian, with his perpetually charming demeanor, smirked. "What's happening in this household? The twins get sick, then you, now Evelyn? Did you forget to leave offerings for the winter spirits this year?"
"Enough." Dominic's lethal glare silenced him instantly.
Julian adopted a professional tone. "Your wrist, Ms. Sinclair. Let me check your pulse..."
Evelyn extended her arm nervously.
Julian's fingers pressed against her pulse point. His expression shifted dramatically - brows furrowing, lips pressing into a thin line.
Evelyn's heartbeat accelerated. That look couldn't mean anything good.
"Am I ill?" she whispered.
Julian considered teasing her longer, but Dominic's predatory stare changed his mind.
"Relax," he said, raising his hands in surrender. "No need for that murderous look, Dominic. Your wife isn't sick. She's pregnant."
Thud!
Dominic's reports scattered across the floor.
His arms tightened around Evelyn's waist. "Say that again."
"Congratulations are in order. The Blackwood family will have a new member in about eight months." Julian grinned at his usually composed friend's reaction.
Evelyn's cheeks burned.
They'd planned to expand their family after the wedding. This unexpected development sent her emotions into chaos - equal parts panic and warmth.
Dominic inhaled sharply, his feverish body suddenly energized.
His eyes shone with unrestrained joy.
Crushing Evelyn against him, he seemed determined to merge their bodies together through sheer force of embrace.
This reaction surpassed even when she'd carried the twins.
Back then, her heart hadn't fully belonged to him.
Their relationship had been transactional, secretive. He'd only learned about the pregnancy during a routine hospital visit.
His feelings then had been different - present, but not this all-consuming.
The wedding was supposed to come first. The baby plans were for later.
Yet here they were.
The surprise short-circuited his normally razor-sharp mind.
Then realization struck - Evelyn had been caring for three sick family members all day while carrying their child.
In one swift motion, Dominic lifted her onto the bed, tucked her in, and smoothed the down comforter over her.
His fingers trembled against her cheek. "Rest now. Had I known... I wouldn't have gotten sick. Making you worry in your condition..." His words made no logical sense.
Evelyn blinked in bewilderment.
'Since when can people choose to fall ill?'
'They say pregnancy hormones cause mood swings, but he's acting more irrational than me!'
Dominic's unusual protectiveness felt both endearing and overwhelming. "It's just a pregnancy, Dominic. I'm fine. The twins should be waking from their nap—"
"Stay." His commanding tone brooked no argument.
Despite his stern expression, Evelyn's heart swelled at his concern.
Julian shook his head at the display. His once woman-averse friend had become utterly besotted.
The knowing wink he sent Evelyn deepened her blush.
Dominic's thoughts raced. 'With Evelyn pregnant, we can't delay the wedding any longer.'