Test of trust

Adrian

I shifted in my seat, stealing a glance at her as the car came to a halt. Her gaze was distant, her thoughts clearly elsewhere. She’d barely said a word since we left the scene with her ex, and honestly, I couldn’t blame her.

“Where are we?” she asked suddenly, her voice pulling me from my thoughts.

“Oh,” I said, gesturing toward the dimly lit street. “I was trying to ask if you’d prefer being dropped at a hotel or my place”

I paused suddenly realizing how offensive that might've sounded.

“Not that I meant anything by it—just offering options”

She nodded, then I continued.

“You seemed... distracted, so I figured I'd give you time to decide.”

She sighed, her expression softening.

“I understand. Thanks for your help.”

Before I could move, she reached for the door handle, but I leaned over, stopping her.

“Allow me,” I said, slipping out and opening it for her.

Once inside the hotel room, I immediately grabbed the first aid kit and gestured for her to sit on the couch. The gash on her wrist from earlier still looked angry, though it had stopped bleeding.

“This might sting a little,” I warned, dabbing at the wound with antiseptic. She winced but didn’t pull away.

“Thanks,” she murmured after a long silence.

I sat on the edge of the chair, the contract papers resting on my lap. The words were already forming in my head, carefully rehearsed to sound casual but convincing. Just as I opened my mouth to speak, she  raised a hand, stopping me mid-sentence.

“So, you won’t feed your patient first?” she asked, her tone now sharp but with a hint of amusement. She must've thought I wanted to question her.

I blinked, caught off guard.

“What?”

Her stomach answered for her, a low growl filling the silence between us. She looked away, the faintest tinge of color creeping up her cheeks.

Damn it. How could I miss that? A surge of embarrassment flooded me.

“How could I forget?” I said, standing abruptly. “I’m so sorry.”

I glanced around the room, searching for some sign of a menu or anything resembling food.

“What would you like for dinner?”

Her eyes narrowed slightly, I hope she didn't think it was intentional.

“You don’t have to do that. I can manage.”

“Kelly,” I said, holding up a hand. “Humor me. I should’ve thought about it earlier. What do you want?”

She folded her arms and leaned back, she now smirked.

“You’re really leaning into this whole doctor-slash-knight-in-shining-armor thing, aren’t you?”

I couldn’t help but grin as I shrugged.

“Occupational hazard. Now, come on. Help me out here. What’s your craving? Pizza? Sushi? Something fancy?”

She hesitated, clearly caught between brushing me off and giving in. Finally, she rolled her eyes.

“Surprise me.”

Challenge accepted. I grabbed the room service menu, my mind already scanning through options. As I placed the order, I caught myself glancing at her. She seemed more at ease now, her guard lowering just a bit.

She was finally done with eating, and then I was pulled back to my question earlier. I glanced up, my curiosity piqued.

“So, what’s your plan now?”

Her brow furrowed, and she looked away.

“I don’t know yet. Survive, I guess.”

I chuckled, setting the gauze aside.

“I have a proposal for you. Let’s strike a deal.”

She looked at me, her expression wary.

“What kind of deal?”

“Marry me.”

Her eyes widened, and for a moment, I thought she might laugh. Instead, she stared at me, her mouth slightly agape.

“Excuse me?”

“I know it’s sudden,” I said, raising my hands defensively. “But hear me out. I’m the heir to AG Healthcare, the parent company of LifePoint Hospital. My father has been breathing down my neck about settling down. I made the mistake of telling him I’d do it this year, and now the deadline’s here.”

She crossed her arms, she must've thought I'm one crazy guy.

“And you want me to be your fake wife?”

“It’s more like a business arrangement,” I clarified. “You need stability. I need a wife to secure my inheritance. We both get what we want.”

She hesitated, her gaze searching mine.

“What are the terms?”

“First, our marriage won’t be public. Second, no divorce until we’ve both achieved our goals. And third—”

“Wait,” she cut in, holding up a hand. “You don’t want our marriage public?”

“For your sake,” I said with a reassuring smile. “It’ll be easier for you to leave when the time comes.”

She stared at me, her lips pressing into a thin line. Then, unexpectedly, she smirked.

“Alright. Deal. Let’s sign the contract.”

We exchanged signatures on a hastily drawn-up agreement, and then I stood to leave. But as I turned toward the door, I heard a faint gasp behind me.

“Kelly?” I spun around just in time to see her slump forward, her body crumpling.

“Kelly!” I caught her before she hit the floor, my heart racing. Her face was pale, her breathing shallow.

Kelly!" I quickly knelt beside her, checking her pulse. "Stay with me," I  said firmly, scanning her for immediate signs of distress.

……

Hours later, I sat in the hospital waiting room, my leg bouncing with restless energy.  I couldn’t shake off the image of her unconscious in my arms. What if I had left earlier and nobody was there to help her?

Finally, the doctor emerged snapping me out of my thoughts, a clipboard in hand. He glanced around, his eyes settling on me.

“Are you family?”

“Yes,” I said quickly, standing. “What’s wrong with her?”

He smiled, his tone suddenly light.

“You must be her husband. Congratulations—your wife is six weeks along.”

My jaw dropped.

“Six weeks along?” I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper.

The doctor nodded, still smiling.

“Yes. She’s pregnant.”