Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson)

The bandage was soaked through, and not just with a bit of water. It was drenched.

Such a serious injury, and still so careless!

The nurse, her face set in a stern expression, intended to give a serious admonition, but upon seeing Mark's charming smile, she couldn't help but let out a resigned chuckle. "Mr. Lucas, you really need to take better care of this wound. You absolutely must avoid getting it wet again. An infection could complicate matters."

"Thanks, I'll remember that," Mark said, smiling. Then, as if something suddenly came to him, he casually asked, "Oh, and when I was walking past the second floor, I saw a bunch of security guards by the maternity ward. What's up with that?"

He had caught a glimpse of Jane Webster and was considering approaching her, but Gregory's men had blocked his way.

"Nothing much," the nurse replied, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Rumor has it that Mr. Ford brought his fiancée for a check-up. He really treasures her, so those guards are likely there to deter any unwelcome attention. That girl is truly blessed."

Hearing this, a shadow passed over Mark's eyes.

-A check-up.

Coupled with the conversation he overheard between Jane and Christine the day before, he couldn't help but speculate.

Noticing Mark's silence, the nurse continued to dress his wound, asking, "Something on your mind?"

"Oh, no, just thinking Mr. Ford is as devoted as the rumors say," Mark deflected, quickly changing the subject. Once his wound was taken care of, he strode to the end of the hallway and made a call.

After the doctor finished speaking, there was a long silence.

Gregory and I exchanged glances, holding the test results in our hands.

After a few moments, my heart racing, I managed to ask, "So... does this mean we're having a baby?"

Gregory's grip on the edge of the paper tightened.

He had been able to joke when I first mentioned the possibility of being pregnant, but now that it was confirmed, he was at a loss for words.

I had never seen Gregory like this, and found it amusing, playfully poking his cheek.

Gregory looked at me, his usually expressive face now serious and a bit intimidating.

"Anything you want to say?" I asked.

Gregory shook his head, then nodded.

Trying to contain my excitement, I stood up. "I should go home to Ramona. Do you need a moment here to process?"

Gregory immediately stood to follow.

He wouldn't let me go anywhere alone at a time like this.

Lucius drove us back.

Clearly, the soon-to-be dad was still adjusting to the idea.

Meanwhile, in a hospital bathroom, a loud noise echoed.

Mark's fist had smashed through a stall door.

His phone fell to the floor, its screen shattered, reflecting the rage in his eyes.

A black Bentley pulled into the Elmwood Villas parking garage.

As soon as we parked, I hurried out, only to be stopped by Gregory.

"What's up?"

He gestured toward my belly, and as I looked down, he lifted me into his arms.

"Don't forget, you're a mom now."

I hadn't quite adjusted to the idea, more worried about telling Ramona the good news.

Yet, seeing his overprot

couldn't help but laugh.

but laugh.

even walk now?"

He raised an eyebrow. "I'm still getting used to this. For now, you can't."

I played along. "Alright, then carry me upstairs quickly..."

My phone rang before I could finish. Gregory handed it to me, his smile chilling.

I was puzzled until I saw the caller ID.

"Hey, old friend." As I answered, I watched Gregory's expression, "Ah, meet up?"

"...When?"

"Got it, see you in a bit."

After hanging up, I looked up at

Gregory, who was silently starin.net

at

me with a look of mock accusation.

I laughed at his expression, earning a cold chuckle in response. "What's wrong?"

Wrapping my arms around his neck, I teased, I'm not alone now, I have backup. If I don't see a happy face from daddy here, I won't be happy. And neither will the little one in my belly."

Gregory remained silent.

I continued, "My grandma used to say, unhappy babies come out all wrinkled and grumpy."