My Pregnancy Contract With The Billionaire

Chapter 11

Cristine had been sitting in the library, skimming through a novel but finding it hard to focus. Her mind drifted back to the previous night’s events, where Andrei’s tenderness had surprised her. That unexpected closeness had left her with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. She still felt the faint remnants of his touch and could hear the calm, soothing tone of his voice, though she knew she shouldn’t let herself linger on it.

Tonight, however, as she joined him in the dining room, Andrei seemed back to his usual reserved self, the warmth from last night tucked away behind his composed exterior. He acknowledged her with a small nod, his gaze unreadable. Even so, Cristine could sense a subtle shift in the air—a reminder of the fragile balance they both were trying to maintain.

Cristine’s fingers toyed nervously with the edge of her napkin as she sat across from him, feeling the weight of his presence, though he seemed oblivious to her unease. She wasn’t sure what to say, nor how to act, but she was determined not to let the moment be overshadowed by her own awkwardness. Last night had left her feeling vulnerable and exposed, and although Andrei hadn’t given her any reason to doubt his respect for her, the intensity of their connection still left her feeling as if she were treading on unstable ground.

Andrei noticed her silence and glanced up from his plate. His eyes softened just a little, but his words were as cool and polite as always. “I trust your day went well, Cristine?”

She offered a small smile, though she felt herself blush under his gaze. “Yes, thank you. Marian has been… very attentive.”

He nodded, a faint trace of approval flashing across his face. “I’m glad to hear that.” There was a pause, and he seemed to consider his next words carefully before adding, “I know this arrangement must be challenging for you, Cristine. I want you to feel comfortable. If you need anything—anything at all—just let Marian or myself know.”

Cristine glanced down at her plate, feeling both touched by his concern and a bit unnerved by his composed demeanor. Last night had felt so different, and seeing him back to his usual self left her questioning if the warmth she’d felt was nothing more than a temporary lapse in his guarded nature. “Thank you, Andrei. That means a lot,” she replied softly, hoping he could sense the sincerity in her words.

Their conversation dwindled into a comfortable silence as they focused on their meal, the clinking of silverware and the quiet hum of the fireplace filling the room. Cristine’s nerves slowly settled as she sipped her water, though her mind continued to wander. She stole a glance at Andrei, catching him just as he looked away, his expression pensive.

As dinner concluded, Andrei placed his fork down and cleared his throat. “I’ll be away most of tomorrow,” he informed her, keeping his tone even. “There’s a matter that requires my attention in the city, but I’ve arranged for a doctor to check in on you, just to ensure everything is progressing smoothly.”

Cristine nodded, slightly taken aback by his careful planning. “I appreciate that. It’s… considerate of you.”

He paused, his gaze fixed on her for a moment longer than usual. “I’m only looking out for your health, Cristine. Your wellbeing is important.” Though his words were meant to be detached, there was a faint warmth beneath them, an almost protective tone that she hadn’t expected.

They rose from the table, and Andrei moved to the door, signaling for her to follow. He walked her back to her room in silence, their footsteps echoing down the hallway. Outside her door, he paused, his expression briefly softening.

“Goodnight, Cristine,” he murmured, the formality of his words contrasting with the lingering glance he gave her.

“Goodnight, Andrei,” she replied, feeling a strange mixture of gratitude and disappointment as he turned to leave.

Inside her room, Cristine leaned against the closed door, exhaling deeply. She could still feel the warmth of his presence, his subtle concern despite the boundaries he’d reinstated. Andrei was a mystery—a man bound by duty and yet, occasionally, capable of a warmth that seemed to surprise even himself.

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After the doctor left, leaving a faint echo of hope lingering in the room, Cristine and Andrei exchanged glances. The doctor had confirmed that it was still early to know definitively if she was pregnant, but her ovulation timing meant there was a high chance of success. The advice to take care of their health and keep stress at bay hung between them, adding a layer of responsibility that hadn’t been present before.

Andrei broke the silence, his gaze steady. “I’ll be heading out now,” he said, his tone as controlled as ever.

Cristine hesitated, biting her lip as she gathered the courage to ask, “Andrei, would it be alright if I visited my grandmother? She’s being discharged from the hospital today, and I’d like to see her settled into the homecare facility.” Her voice softened as she added, “I want to make sure she’s comfortable and understands, as best as she can, what’s happening.”

Andrei’s expression remained impassive, but after a brief pause, he gave a nod. “Of course. Marian will accompany you, and I’ll have the driver take you both. I trust that arrangement will be comfortable?”

Cristine nodded gratefully. “Thank you, Andrei.”

“Just take care of yourself, Cristine,” he said in a tone that bordered on concern, though it was layered with his characteristic restraint.

Later that afternoon, Cristine and Marian climbed into the sleek, black car, the gentle hum of the engine soothing her nerves as they left Andrei’s estate. The ride was quiet, Marian watching Cristine with a motherly expression, perhaps sensing her anticipation.

Arriving at the hospital, Cristine’s heart quickened. She had missed her grandmother dearly and couldn’t shake the guilt she felt for being away from her for so long. When she stepped inside her grandmother’s room, a mixture of relief and sadness washed over her. Her grandmother, fragile but cheerful, was already sitting up, dressed and ready to leave.

“Cristine! There you are, my love!” Her grandmother’s voice, warm and filled with happiness, filled the room. But there was a hint of confusion in her eyes, a subtle reminder of the reality of her condition.

“Hi, Grandma,” Cristine said gently, sitting on the edge of her bed and taking her hand. “Are you ready to go?”

“Oh, yes,” her grandmother nodded, patting Cristine’s hand affectionately. “I’ve been waiting for you. I wasn’t sure if you’d come.”

Cristine’s heart clenched. She leaned closer, brushing her grandmother’s hand with her fingers. “I’ll always come, Grandma.”

Together with the nurses, they arranged her grandmother’s things and finalized the discharge papers. Cristine kept a steadying hand on her grandmother’s arm, guiding her gently through the hallways and to the car. The short drive to the homecare facility was filled with quiet conversation, her grandmother recounting memories that blended the past and present, her mind sometimes wandering but her spirit as vibrant as ever.

The homecare facility welcomed them with warmth and open arms. Cristine walked alongside her grandmother as they were shown around, ensuring that the room was comfortable, spacious, and filled with soft touches that would make her feel at ease. She gently explained to her grandmother that this place would be her new home for a while and that the staff would take good care of her, but her grandmother’s eyes searched Cristine’s, a lingering look of uncertainty.

“I’ll come visit you often, Grandma,” Cristine promised, her voice firm but gentle. “I just have to be somewhere else for a little while. But I’ll visit all the time.”

Her grandmother nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful. “As long as you’re happy, Cristine,” she murmured, holding her hand with a surprising strength. “That’s all I need to know.”

After settling her in, Cristine found herself reluctant to leave. She lingered by her grandmother’s bedside, brushing a few stray hairs away from her face, feeling both grateful and heartbroken. This place was safe and filled with caring staff, yet leaving her here felt like leaving a part of herself behind.

Marian approached quietly, placing a hand on her shoulder. “We should head back soon, Cristine,” she said softly. “You did wonderfully today. She’ll be well taken care of.”

Cristine nodded, her heart heavy. She leaned down, kissing her grandmother’s forehead. “I’ll be back soon, Grandma,” she whispered, lingering for a moment before gently pulling away.

As they made their way back to the car, Cristine’s mind was flooded with emotions, a blend of relief, guilt, and a strange sense of anticipation. She glanced out of the window during the drive back, watching the familiar streets pass by, her thoughts drifting to the months ahead.