Chapter 20
Stella
“You’re six weeks pregnant, Stella.” Dr. Gregario smiled. “I’m going to send in a script for prenatal vitamins, and I want you to start taking them immediately. In the meantime, I’ll have my nurse come in and take you to the ultrasound room.”
“An ultrasound already?” I asked.
“I want to make sure everything is okay. Hang tight.”
As I sat on the table, swinging my legs back and forth, waiting for the nurse to walk in, my phone dinged with a text from Miles.
“I’m taking you out tonight. Be ready around seven o’clock.”
My brows furrowed.
“Why?”
“Because we have celebrating to do. I’ll talk to you later.”
I prayed to God we weren’t celebrating his uncle’s death. Shit. I knew Miles had issues, but that would be fucked up. I had to know.
“Please tell me your uncle didn’t pass away.”
“No. He didn’t. I’ll explain everything to you later.”
I let out a sigh of relief. The nurse walked in and led me to the ultrasound room. Lying on the table, Dr. Gregario performed the ultrasound.
“See this little sac right here?” He pointed to the screen. “That’s your baby.”
Tears filled my eyes as I stared at the tiny human developing inside me.
“Everything looks good, Stella. I want to see you in four weeks. You’ll begin monthly visits until you’re twenty-eight weeks. Take your vitamins, eat well, and no stress.”
No stress. Right. My stress level was at an all-time high, knowing I had to tell Miles he was going to be a father.
“Thank you, Dr. Gregario. I’ll see you next month.”
When I arrived back at the penthouse, I called Jordyn, praying she would answer.
“I was just going to call you,” she answered.
“Great minds think alike.” I smiled.
“How did your doctor’s appointment go?”
“It went well. I’m six weeks pregnant. Dr. Gregario did an ultrasound and said everything looks good.”
“Yay! I’m so happy for you. When are you telling Miles?”
“I don’t know. He’s taking me out to celebrate tonight.”
“Celebrate what?”
“I’m not sure. All he said was to be ready at seven o’clock. He’s going to suspect something when I won’t drink alcohol.”
“Then you have no choice but to tell him tonight,” Jordyn said. “You can’t keep this from him any longer, Stella. It’s too much stress on you and the baby.”
“I know.” I sighed. “I’m going to take a nap. If I don’t, I’ll never make it tonight.”
“Okay. Get some rest. Call me tomorrow.”
“I will. Bye, Jordyn.”
If there ever was a time I needed my best friend here in New York, it was now. I lay down and slept for two hours. The exhaustion that overtook me was unbearable. When I awoke, I studied and got ready for when Miles came home. My phone dinged with a text. Picking it up, I saw a text from Miles.
“I’m running late, so Sean will pick you up and bring you to the restaurant.”
“Okay. See you soon.”
I shook my head.
The elevator dinged, and Sean stepped into the foyer.
“Good evening, Stella. You look beautiful.”
“Thanks, Sean.” I smiled.
I climbed into the back of the Escalade. Sean shut the door and climbed into the driver’s seat.
“Where am I meeting Miles?” I asked.
“Per Se.”
I inhaled a breath as I stared out the window. When Sean pulled up to the restaurant, Miles was standing outside waiting. He opened the door and extended his hand.
“You look beautiful.” A handsome grin crossed his lips.
“Thank you.”
We walked into the restaurant and were immediately seated. The waiter walked over to our table and poured water into our glasses.
“Good evening, Mr. Bradshaw. It’s good to see you again.”
“Good evening, Paul. I’ll have a bourbon, neat.”
“And for the lovely lady?” Paul smiled, looking at me.
“I’m just going to stick with water.”
As soon as Paul walked away, Miles narrowed his eyes at me.
“You’re not drinking?” he asked.
“My stomach has been bothering me all day.”
“Again? You really need to see a doctor, Stella. This has been going on long enough.”
“I know.” I picked up my water glass.
“We’re here to celebrate, and you’re not ordering a drink.”
“What are we celebrating?” I asked.
“Bradshaw Capital is officially mine. You’re looking at the new Chairman and CEO.” He grinned.
“Congratulations, Miles. How?”
“Unfortunately, my uncle is incapacitated and will not be back to work for a period of time, if ever.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” I looked down. “I hope you’re not happy about his condition.”
“No, I’m not.” He sighed. “I truly hope he recovers.”
Paul approached our table with the bourbon for Miles and took our dinner order.
“Now that you got your company, what about us?”
“That’s what I want to talk to you about,” he said, and suddenly, I felt sick again. “We no longer have to be married, so I’m having my attorney draw up the annulment papers. We can sign as soon as they’re ready, and our marriage will be dissolved as if it never happened.”
My heart started racing, and I fought to hold back the tears.
“I will still give you the other half of the money. With that, you can afford a really nice apartment and still go to school full-time for your doctorate.”
Oh God. The tears were forcing their way through.
“I know it will take you time to find a place, and my realtor is looking as we speak. I gave him your number, so he’ll call you.”
Not only did I feel humiliated, but I also felt an anger that I’d never felt before. I needed to remain in control.
“Okay.” I forced a smile. “You are over the moon about your company. Look at you. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this happy.”
“I am, Stella.” He smiled, sipping his bourbon. “It’s what I’ve worked so hard for. You’ll understand that when you get your doctorate.”
“Yeah. I suppose I will.”
We finished dinner and left the restaurant. As soon as we stepped into the penthouse, I set my purse down on the island and kicked off the heels that were killing my feet.
“Let’s go finish celebrating in the bedroom.” Miles smiled.
“As much as I’d love to, I’m really tired and not feeling well.” I bent down to pick up my shoes and accidentally knocked my purse off the island. Some of the contents fell out, including the ultrasound picture Dr. Gregario gave me.
“Shit,” I said, bending down.
“Let me help you.” Miles picked up the ultrasound picture and stared at it. “What’s this?” His eyes stared into mine. “This looks like?—”
I stared at him as terror coursed through me.
“I’m pregnant, Miles.”