Chapter 8 Words of encouragement

Monica's POV

Returning from the hospital, a mix of relief and anxiety surged through me. While the positive result of my pregnancy was a victory, Nicholas's mood swings left me anxious. I had to look at this carefully, especially for my unborn child's sake.

As we entered the mansion, the realization of my new surroundings struck me again. But I couldn't dwell on it. I had to ensure this arrangement worked, no matter what. This was a chance I wasn't ready to let go.

"Monica," Nicholas uttered as he headed towards his study. His tone is calm but carries an edge of command. "We need to discuss the next steps. Meet me in the study in ten minutes."

I nodded, watching him disappear down the hallway after taking the stairs. I knew this was more of a business arrangement for him, but it wasn't the same for me. It was more of a life preparation for myself and the baby.

Remembering that I was instructed to meet him in his study, I quickly took the stairs, two at a time as I prayed quietly in my heart that I wasn't late.

Nicholas sat behind his large wooden desk, drumming his fingers as I entered. He motioned with his hands for me to sit, his gaze piercing.

"I've made arrangements for you to be publicly introduced as my fiancée in tomorrow's meeting," he said, getting straight to the point. "There's a charity gala coming up soon and we'll attend together. This will solidify our story leaving no room for doubt"

"Publicly introduced?" I echoed the reality of our agreement sinking deeper. "But what if someone recognizes me from my past life with Ethan?"

"Unlikely," Nicholas responded, dismissing my concern. "You've been out of the public eye. No one knows you and that is a big advantage for me"

I nodded, my mind racing. This was happening fast. But before I could voice any more concerns, the study door burst open.

"So what did the result say?" Anthony exclaimed as he burst into the room, taking a loud bite from the apple in his hand. The crisp sound echoed, and I couldn't help but notice Nicholas's eyebrows slowly coming together in a deep frown.

Nicholas turned his glare towards Anthony, his voice dripping with irritation. "Who gave you the right to go into the fridge and take what's mine?" His fists clenched as his eyes flashed with anger. "What are you still doing here?"

Anthony, seemingly oblivious to the tension, continued to chew on the apple, savoring each bite. He glanced at Nicholas, then back at me, and leaned in "That's how he is whenever someone takes his apples," Anthony whispered in my ear, his tone light and teasing. "Apples are his favorite."

"Anthony," Nicholas's voice was low and dangerous, a clear warning that his patience was wearing thin. "I won't warn you again. Put the apple down."

Anthony finally turned to face Nicholas fully, the mischievous glint in his eye not fading. "Relax, Nicholas," he said, holding up the apple as if in a toast. "It's just an apple."

Nicholas took a deep breath, visibly struggling to maintain his composure. His eyes locked onto Anthony's, and the room seemed to shrink around us. The tension was almost palpable, and I found myself holding my breath, waiting for one of them to break the silence.

In an attempt to diffuse the situation, I quickly stepped in. "Anthony, perhaps we should focus on the results," I suggested, trying to steer the conversation back to our main discussion.

Anthony nodded, taking one last bite of the apple before setting it down on the nearest table. "You're right, Monica. So, what did the results say?" he repeated, his tone now more serious.

Nicholas exhaled slowly, unclenching his fists. He gave Anthony one last stern look before turning his attention back to me. "The results confirmed that Monica is indeed pregnant," he said, his voice still carrying an edge of irritation but now mixed with a note of resignation.

Anthony's face lit up with genuine happiness and I couldn't help but smile broadly "That's great news!" he exclaimed, all traces of his earlier mischief gone. "Congratulations, Monica."

"Thank you," I said, relieved that the focus was now on the positive news.

Nicholas, still visibly annoyed, gave a curt nod. "Just make sure you stay professional from now on. You know the rules and you just found out about one which says no touching of Nicholas apples" he said, his gaze lingering on Anthony for a moment longer before turning away.

As Anthony and I exchanged a knowing look, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of amusement. Despite the tension, it was clear that Anthony had his unique way of lightening the mood, even if it did involve pushing Nicholas's buttons.

I find it amusing that Anthony and Nicholas are best friends. Their previous argument some minutes ago about an apple did nothing but make me chuckle as I imagined what it would feel like to watch my kids argue over something that simple.

"Your room is at the end of the hallway and far from mine. I love peace and quietness and I won't tolerate any form of noise from you. The noise Anthony makes in this house is already enough and I won't bear it if you also constitute more nuisance." Nicholas rose to his feet as he adjusted his sleeve and walked out of the room, leaving both me and Anthony alone I'm his study.

"I'm sometimes a pain in his ass but also an asset to him," Anthony said. "I'm happy everything went well," Anthony said, sighing in relief.

"Better, thanks to you," I replied, feeling a warmth of gratitude. Nicholas wouldn't have listened to me and I'm grateful to him for showing up at the perfect time "But I'm worried about the meeting."

"You'll be fine," Anthony reassured. "Just remember why you're doing this. You're stronger than you think."

His words built up my courage. I needed to focus on the bigger picture-securing a future for my child.