CHAPTER 19

The morning sun poured through the tall windows of the Wellington estate as Ronald leaned against the elegant black vehicle, awaiting Catherine’s arrival. The air was brisk, and for once, his thoughts felt unusually calm. He glanced at his watch, a brief flash of impatience appearing on his face just as Catherine emerged from the door.

She approached slowly, one hand gently cradling her small baby bump while the other held her designer handbag. Her smile was gentle, almost hesitant, as she came closer.

“You look stunning,” Ronald remarked, his tone warmer than typical.

Catherine’s expression brightened. “It’s lovely to hear that from you.”

He opened the car door for her, motioning for her to get inside. “Let’s not keep the doctor waiting.”

********

The private clinic felt like a refuge of tranquility. The soft hum of equipment, the scent of antiseptic, and the quiet professionalism of the staff all contributed to easing Catherine’s anxiety. Ronald walked alongside her, his hand lightly grazing her back as they entered the examination room.

The doctor welcomed them with warmth and directed Catherine to lie down for the ultrasound. Ronald stood nearby, his usually impassive face revealing a glimmer of emotion as the machine powered on.

“Let’s take a look,” the doctor said, adjusting the screen. The rhythmic sound of the baby's heartbeat resonated in the room, steady and strong.

Ronald's breath hitched, and for the first time in weeks, a true smile broke across his face. “That’s… amazing.”

Catherine turned her head, her eyes shimmering as she observed him. “You’re happy, aren’t you?”

He nodded, his gaze locked on the screen. “I've always dreamed of this—a child of my own. Hearing that heartbeat… it means everything.”

Her lips quivered, and she reached out for his hand. “Our child, Ronald. This baby will bring us closer.”

Ronald briefly squeezed her hand before stepping back, his expression softening yet still cautious. “Let’s hope so.”

Amelia was seated at her desk in Wellington Enterprises, going through reports when a knock resonated on the door. She had hardly time to respond before Mrs. Beatrice entered, her posture stiff and commanding.

Amelia reclined in her chair, her eyes narrowing. “What a surprise.”

“I’m not here for small talk,” Beatrice snapped, shutting the door firmly behind her.

“Clearly,” Amelia replied coolly, crossing her arms. “What do you want this time?”

Beatrice’s gaze was sharp, her tone laced with contempt. “I want you to understand that your presence here is not welcome. You’re interfering in matters that don’t involve you.”

“Last I checked, this is my workplace, not a battlefield for family disputes,” Amelia retorted, her tone steady. “If you have a problem with me, take it elsewhere.”

Beatrice moved closer, her face inches from Amelia’s. “Mark my words, Amelia. Catherine and I will make sure you’re out of the picture. For good.”

Amelia rose, her height forcing Beatrice to tilt her head. “And mark my words, Beatrice. I’m not leaving. If you want a fight, bring it on.”

Beatrice’s stare was sharp enough to slice glass, yet she pivoted and stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

********

Later that day, Amelia found herself in the break room, stirring her tea. The quiet was a relief after Beatrice’s outburst. Jake entered, his tie loosened, exuding his usual calm demeanor.

“Had a tough day?” he inquired, inserting a coffee pod into the machine.

“You could say that,” Amelia responded with a weary smile.

Leaning against the counter, Jake took a sip of his coffee. “Is Beatrice causing problems again?”

Amelia let out a sigh. “When is she not?”

Jake chuckled softly, but his eyes remained on her, showing a flicker of concern. “How are you managing? You and the baby?”

Her fingers paused around her cup. “We’re okay,” she replied quietly, her tone revealing a blend of weariness and resolve.

Jake pulled out a chair and sat down across from her. “You need to look after yourself, Amelia. Stress isn’t beneficial for either of you.”

She nodded slightly, her hand unconsciously resting on her stomach. “I know. It’s just… challenging. Juggling everything.”

He observed her for a moment, speaking softly. “Have you considered what happens next? With the baby, I mean.”

Amelia’s eyes fell to her tea. “I’m trying to avoid thinking too far ahead. Just one step at a time.”

Jake reached out, briefly brushing his hand against hers. “You’re going to be an amazing mom, Amelia. And you’re not in this alone.”

Her gaze met his, and for just an instant, she let herself believe him.

That night, Ronald sat in his study by himself, whiskey in hand. The echo of the baby’s heartbeat played in his mind, a steady sound that filled the emptiness he’d carried for years.

He looked at the photo on his desk—an old picture of him and Amelia from their early days together. Her smile was radiant, her eyes filled with optimism. He picked it up, running his thumb along the edge of the frame.

A knock at the door startled him. “Come in,” he said.

Catherine stepped inside, her hand resting on her belly. “You’re always in here these days,” she remarked gently.

“I have a lot on my mind,” he said, placing the photo face down.

She moved closer, examining his face. “Ronald, I know things have been... difficult between us. But we’re about to bring a new life into the world. Can we attempt to start anew?”

Ronald looked at her, his expression unreadable. “I’m here for the baby, Catherine. Let’s concentrate on that.”

Her expression dimmed slightly, but she nodded in agreement.

Amelia got home late that night, feeling weariness seep into her bones. Jake’s earlier words echoed in her thoughts: “You’re not as alone as you think.” A small, bittersweet smile crept onto her face. She rested a hand on her abdomen, sensing the faint movements within.

The house was eerily quiet as she navigated through it, locking doors and turning off lights. She arrived at her bedroom and placed her phone on the nightstand, the day’s tension still lingering.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed, breaking the silence. Expecting a message from Jake, she reached for it. Instead, an unknown number blinked on the screen.

She frowned, hesitating to answer, but something urged her to accept the call. “Hello?”

A man’s voice came through the line, low and deliberate, sending chills down her spine.

“You should’ve stayed away, Amelia,” the voice cautioned. “You’re probing into matters you don’t comprehend. Back off before it’s too late.”

Her breath hitched, her heart racing in her ears. “Who are you?” she demanded, her voice quivering.

The call was abruptly disconnected.

She glared at the phone, her chest rising and falling rapidly. The words echoed in her thoughts like a dark refrain. Her fingers danced over the screen, weighing whether to reach out to Jake or the authorities. Just as she was about to choose, she heard the rumble of a car engine outside her window.

Hastily, she went to the curtains, peering out into the shadows. A black vehicle was parked across the street, its headlights piercing the night. The instant her gaze met the silhouette in the driver’s seat, the car surged away, its rear lights vanishing into the dark.

Amelia retreated from the window, her heart racing. She flicked off the bedroom light, engulfing the space in darkness. Pressing against the wall, she gripped her phone tightly, her thoughts racing.

Whoever was responsible for this wasn’t merely focusing on the Wellingtons. They were after her.