CHAPTER 143: CHAPTER 143 PRENATAL CHECK-UP

Serena’s POV

"If anyone wants something, tell Serena what you’d like, and we’ll bring it back for you." Ryan said, his tone surprisingly casual.

My staff erupted in cheers and excited chatter. I couldn’t hide my surprise, watching him interact with my team like this.

This was the same man who once commanded boardrooms with ice in his veins? The untouchable Mr. Blackwood who barely acknowledged junior staff? Something had shifted in him - not just toward me, but in how he carried himself with others.

I felt a strange flutter in my chest that had nothing to do with the baby.

"Let’s go," he said softly, his hand hovering near my back but not quite touching me.

I noticed immediately that he’d chosen Rosetta’s - my favorite Italian place with the patio seating I loved. The hostess led us to a quiet corner table, away from the lunch crowd noise.

While waiting for our food, Ryan broke the comfortable silence between us. "Your next prenatal appointment is coming up soon, isn’t it?"

"Tomorrow, actually," I replied, absently running my fingertip along the rim of my water glass.

"I can pick you up," he offered immediately.

I shook my head. "No need. Maya’s coming with me." We’d planned it weeks ago - girl time followed by a stop at the baby boutique downtown.

"Alright. Just be careful, both of you." Ryan nodded, surprising me by not pushing the issue.

I waited for him to circle back to it, to insist on coming along or at least argue his case. But he simply moved on, asking about my latest design project instead.

Something felt off. The entire lunch, Ryan was attentive but not overbearing, interested but not intrusive. By the time we returned to Dreamland, I’d almost convinced myself I was being paranoid.

Almost.

The next morning confirmed my suspicions when my phone pinged with a text from Maya just as I was getting dressed.

"Seriously?" I muttered, staring at the screen.

[Serena, I’m SO sorry! I can’t make it. Some idiot sideswiped my car this morning!]

The photo she’d attached showed her Audi with a crumpled driver’s side door. No one appeared hurt, thank god, but the timing was suspicious as hell.

I texted back quickly: [Are you okay?? Don’t worry about me, just deal with your car. I’ll manage.]

Sighing heavily, I grabbed my purse and headed downstairs, mentally calculating if I had time to call a car service.

"Serena!"

I froze at the sound of his voice, then turned slowly. Ryan stood beside his Maybach, dressed impeccably as always, looking for all the world like this was a completely random coincidence.

My eyes narrowed. "Maya’s car accident. That was your doing, wasn’t it?"

"It had nothing to do with me," he replied immediately, his expression perfectly innocent.

"Really?" I crossed my arms over my chest, the baby bump making the gesture slightly less intimidating than I intended.

"Absolutely." He nodded firmly, opening the passenger door. "Now let’s get you to your appointment before we’re late."

I hesitated, but the alternative was calling a car and potentially being late. With a sigh of defeat, I slid into the leather seat.

During the drive, Ryan was nothing but considerate - adjusting the temperature when I shifted uncomfortably, even asking intelligent questions about my latest collection.

At the hospital, he walked slightly behind me, close enough to catch me if needed but giving me space.

"Your husband is so attentive," a heavily pregnant woman whispered to me in the waiting room, nudging her slouching partner who was engrossed in his phone. "Look at him! Take notes, Jack!"

I didn’t correct her about our relationship status. Ryan just smiled politely, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder.

When the nurse called my name, Ryan stood immediately, following me to the examination room like it was the most natural thing in the world.

The wait for results felt endless. I found myself unconsciously reaching for Ryan’s hand during the ultrasound, squeezing tightly when the technician went quiet for what felt like forever.

"Everything looks perfect," the doctor finally announced, pointing to the monitor. "Strong heartbeat, good growth. You’ve got a very healthy baby here."

Relief washed through me so intensely I didn’t even mind when Ryan squeezed my hand back, his thumb rubbing small circles against my skin.

"Make sure you’re getting enough rest," the doctor instructed, looking pointedly at me. "Proper nutrition, regular sleep - no more of those all-night design sessions I’ve heard about."

I blushed slightly. How did she know about those?

Ryan nodded solemnly beside me. "I’ll make sure of it," he promised, as though he had any say in my daily routine.

As we walked back toward the parking lot, I found myself relaxing for the first time all day. Our baby was healthy. That’s what mattered most.

"I still don’t believe you had nothing to do with Maya’s accident," I said, but there was no real heat behind my words.

Ryan’s lips quirked up at one corner. "Sometimes the universe just works in mysterious ways, Serena."

"The universe, huh?" I couldn’t help the small smile forming on my face. "Funny how the universe seems to bend to your will so often."

He opened the car door for me.one hand shielding the top of the frame to make sure I didn’t bump my head.

His other hand hovered near my back—not touching, but close enough to remind me he was there. Always watching. Always careful.

I slid into the seat with a quiet sigh, trying not to read too much into his gestures.

We drove in silence for a while, city lights flickering across the windshield.

Then I noticed the streets looked unfamiliar.

"This isn’t the way home."

I turned to him, suspicion creeping into my voice.

"Where are you taking me, Ryan?"