Sophia’s POV
The next day, Alexander arranged for a private doctor to come and evaluate my health and the progress of the pregnancy. The doctor arrives in the afternoon, and as she examines me, I can’t help but feel a strange sensation. Her gaze lingers a bit too long, making me slightly uncomfortable. I brush off the feeling, chiding myself for overthinking things. After all, she’s just doing her job.
Once the examination is over, the doctor assures us that everything appears to be progressing well. She advises me to continue with my current routine of healthy eating, rest, and prenatal vitamins. Alexander listens attentively, nodding in agreement and making mental notes.
As the doctor leaves, Alexander turns to me, a hint of concern in his eyes. “Did the doctor make you uncomfortable, Sophia? I apologize if that was the case. I’ll make sure to find someone else for your future appointments.”
I shake my head, trying to reassure him. “No, it’s okay, Alexander. It was probably just my imagination. I appreciate your consideration, though.”
He smiles softly, his gaze lingering on me for a moment before he breaks the silence. “Let’s have dinner, shall we? I’ve prepared something special for you.”
I follow him to the dining area, where the table is adorned with candlelight and a beautifully set meal. The aroma of the food fills the air, making my stomach rumble in anticipation. Alexander pulls out a chair for me, and I take a seat, marveling at his thoughtfulness.
As he serves the meal, his profile illuminated by the flickering candlelight, I can’t deny the attraction I feel. His handsome features, combined with his care and attention, make my heart flutter. But deep down, I remind myself that this is all part of our arrangement-a deal to ensure the well-being of the child. And all of the meticulous care he is providing is for the baby.
‘It is better I do not overthink,’ I tell myself.
After dinner, we retire to our respective rooms for the night. I lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, feeling restless. My mind is consumed with thoughts of the growing life inside me. I can’t shake off the worry and the constant fluttering in my stomach. The baby seems to be more active than usual tonight, causing me discomfort.
Unable to find comfort, I toss and turn, my restlessness growing. Suddenly, there’s a gentle knock on the door. Startled, I sit up, wondering who could be at this late hour. When I hear Alexander’s concerned voice on the other side, my heart skips a beat.
“Sophia, are you alright? I heard movement coming from your room. Can I come in?”
Relief washes over me at the sound of his voice, and I quickly respond, “Yes, please come in.”
Alexander enters the room, his expression etched with worry. He approaches the bed, taking in my restless state. Without a word, he sits down beside me, his presence bringing a sense of calm.
“I couldn’t sleep, and I felt your uneasiness from my room. Is everything alright?” he asks softly.
I hesitate for a moment, unsure of how to express my discomfort. But then I remember the terms of the contract-the agreement we made for the sake of the baby. Taking a deep breath, I gather the courage to speak.
“I… I can’t seem to find a comfortable position. The baby is moving a lot tonight, and it’s keeping me awake,” I admit, my voice tinged with exhaustion.
Understanding flickers in Alexander’s eyes, and he reaches out to place a comforting hand on my stomach. “It’s okay, Sophia. Let me stay here with you tonight. Perhaps my presence will bring some peace to both you and the baby.”
I look at him in disbelief at the sudden proposition. “Sleep here?”
He nods. “Yeah, to look after you and the baby.”
I immediately shake my head, unable to come to terms with the idea of him sleeping beside me. Perhaps it is out of fear that my recent attraction toward him will be revealed if he stays so close to me.
“No, there is no need for that. I can manage.”
He insists. “But, you seem uncomfortable.”
I shake my head at him to deny that. “I think I’m feeling okay now. You can go back to your room.”
Alexander looks at me quietly in a way that makes me feel he can see through my thoughts and why I am stopping him. Without a word, he walks out of the room. I initially think he has given up, but he soon returns with the contract in his hand.
He turns it open and places it in front of me. “In this agreement, it is written that all actions for the baby are allowed. You can’t reject it.”
I am speechless by how determined he is. But I don’t refuse anymore and I simply lay down, turning my back on him. He doesn’t immediately move but I can feel his gaze on me.
Eventually, he steps forward and lays on the bed. He reaches out to cover my body with the blanket and I find myself squirming under the heavy blanket with his closeness. I can smell the fragrance from his body and I find myself being lulled by it.
Before I know it, I begin to doze off with him beside me.
***
I woke up suddenly, my eyes fluttering open as I looked around me. As I stretch and yawn, I suddenly become aware of warmth beside me-a familiar presence. Slowly, the memories from last night flood back, and I feel a mix of embarrassment and attraction.
I turn my head ever so slightly, hoping that Alexander is still asleep. My heart races as I try to discreetly move away, careful not to disturb him. What must he think of me? Rolling over to his side like that-it was completely unconscious, but still, it feels embarrassing.
I glance back at Alexander, who remains blissfully asleep, oblivious to the inner turmoil I’m experiencing. He looks so peaceful, his features softened by the morning light. It’s hard not to be drawn to him-the way he cares for me.
As I continue to gather my thoughts, a sudden movement startles me. Alexander, still half-asleep, shifts closer to me. My breath catches in my throat as his warm breath grazes my neck. The atmosphere in the room becomes charged, the air thick with an undeniable tension.
My heart races even faster, pounding against my chest, as his lips brush against my skin. I freeze, unsure of how to react to this unexpected proximity. The line between attraction and confusion blurs, leaving me in a state of uncertainty. The sensation is both thrilling and unsettling.
In a moment of a clumsy misstep, his teeth inadvertently scrape against my neck, causing a sharp sensation of pain.
“Ah!” I can’t help but let out a startled exclamation, waking him up abruptly. He sits up, his eyes locking onto mine, and for a brief moment, neither of us speaks.
Through the reflection in his eyes, I notice the darkness outside the window. It is the full moon tonight, casting an ethereal glow over the room. The strange ambiance intensifies the already charged atmosphere between us.