Chapter 14 My eyes fluttered open, the harsh fluorescent lights making me squint . The steady beep of medical equipment filled my ears , and the sharp smell of antiseptic hit my nose . A warm hand squeezed mine . Hey tesoro , Lorenzos voice was soft , tender . Dark circles shadowed his eyes , his usual pristine appearance slightly rumpled . He hadnt left my side . What happened ? My throat felt dry , scratchy . Where am I ? Youre in the hospital . His expression darkened . You fainted . I got you here as fast as I could . I tried to sit up , but my head spun . Lorenzos hand steadied me , helping adjust the pillows behind my back . Questions swirled through my mind , but before I could voice them , the door opened . A doctor walked in , clipboard in hand , her face brightening as she saw me awake . Salvatore , good to see youre with us . How are you feeling? Dizzy . Confused . I glanced at Lorenzo , who hadnt let go of my hand . Thats perfectly normal given your condition . She smiled warmly . Congratulations are in order Youre pregnant . My eyes widened , breath catching in my throat . The room seemed to tilt again as her words sank in . Pregnant ? I looked at Lorenzo , whose expression had shifted from concern to something I couldnt quite read . I … what ? The word came out barely above a whisper . About six weeks along , the doctor continued . The fainting spell was likely due to a combination of stress and the pregnancy hormones . Your blood pressure was quite low when you were brought in . The steady beeping of the heart monitor picked up pace , matching my racing thoughts . Six weeks . My mind frantically counted back , trying to process this life changing news . My heart plummeted as memories flooded back . Dominics cruel words echoed in my mind , his face twisted in anger during our last fight about children . What kind of woman cant even get pregnant ? Hed spat the words at me , throwing a negative pregnancy test across the room . There must be Chapter 14 2/3 15.6 % 11:54 Sun , 2 Mar 95 % something wrong with you . Now here I was , carrying his child . Bile rose in my throat . The irony felt like a knife twisting in my gut. I pulled my hand from Lorenzos grip , wrapping my arms around myself . Its his , I whispered , unable to meet Lorenzos eyes . Dominics . The silence stretched between us , broken only by the steady beep of machines . I forced myself to look at him , expecting disgust or rejection . Instead , his eyes held nothing but warmth and understanding . Lorenzo leaned forward , taking my hand again despite my attempt to pull away . Listen to me , tesoro . This changes nothing between us . His voice was firm but gentle . This is your choice . If you want to keep the baby , Ill raise it as my own . If you dont , Ill support that decision too . Either way , Im not going anywhere . Tears spilled down my cheeks . Youd do that ? Raise another mans child ? Any child of yours would be a blessing . He brushed away my tears with his thumb . The decision is yours alone . Take all the time you need to think about it . Im right here . I closed my eyes , overwhelmed by his words . After years of Dominics emotional torture about my supposed infertility , Lorenzos unconditional acceptance felt like a healing balm . I lay there , hand resting on my still flat stomach , lost in thought . This tiny life inside me part of me , but also part of him . The weight of the decision pressed down on my chest . Lorenzos words echoed in my mind : The decision is yours alone . Such simple words , yet they held more respect than Dominic had shown me in our entire relationship . My fingers traced small circles on my abdomen . This baby hadnt asked to be created . Hadnt chosen its father . Just like me , it was caught in circumstances beyond its control . I want to keep it , I whispered , surprised by the strength in my voice . Its mine too . Lorenzo squeezed my hand . Then thats what well do . Chapter 14 11:54 Sun , 2 Mar སཱ 95 % L Few hours later , I was discharged . The ride back to Lorenzos mansion passed in comfortable silence , his hand never leaving mine . As we pulled up to the entrance , he helped me out despite my protests that I could walk fine . The mansions grand doors swung open , and the scent of food hit me immediately . Lorenzo guided me to the dining room , where my steps faltered at the threshold . The long table was laden with dishes pasta , seafood , roasted vegetables , fresh bread . Everything looked and smelled incredible . My stomach growled . Whats all this ? I turned to Lorenzo , who wore a satisfied smile . Cant have my baby mama going hungry , can I ? He pulled out a chair for me . Doctor said you need proper nutrition . So eat up , tesoro . Whatever you want , however much you want . The warmth in his voice made my chest tight . Hed called me baby mama so casually , as if the child I carried was already his own . I sank into the chair , overwhelmed by his thoughtfulness . Thank you , I managed , my voice thick with emotion . None of that . He kissed the top of my head . Just eat . Youre eating for two now , remember ? Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!