Page 48 of Arranged to Marry the Bratva

Pippa tilts her head, a gentle smile on her lips. "When was your last cycle, love?"

I think back, counting the weeks in my head. My eyes widen as realization dawns. "It's been over six weeks," I whisper.

Pippa nods, patting my shoulder reassuringly as we stop outside the medicine cabinet upstairs. "There's only one way to know for certain. There has to be a test here from Genevieve’s stock if you'd like."

My pulse races, my mind spinning. Pregnant? Nikolai's child? We've only been married a short while. I don't know how he'll react.

Sensing my anxiety, Pippa squeezes my hand. "It will be our secret for now. Take the test, and we'll go from there, hmm?"

I take a deep breath and nod. "Okay. Thank you, Pippa."

She smiles warmly. "Of course. I'm here for you, no matter what the result."

I feel a rush of gratitude for her support. With trembling fingers, I take the pregnancy test she hunts down from one of the many boxes and offers up in my hand. It's time to face whatever comes next.

***

I close the bathroom door, leaning against it for support. My legs feel weak, my hands shaking. I take a few deep breaths to steady myself before opening the test kit.

The next few minutes pass in a blur as I follow the instructions carefully, my mind racing all the while. What if it's positive? Nikolai and I have grown closer, it's true, but a baby? I can't imagine how he'll react.

Setting the test stick on the counter, I begin pacing the small bathroom, chewing my nails anxiously as I watch the seconds tick by. I jump when the timer on my phone chimes, signaling that the results are ready.

With trembling fingers, I pick up the test stick and stare at the little window. Two pink lines stare back at me.

Positive.

I'm pregnant.

I sink down onto the edge of the bathtub, lightheaded. A baby. Nikolai's baby. We're going to be parents.

Or at least, I’m going to be.

I have no idea if Nikolai even wants to be a father!

My hands drift to my still-flat stomach as tears blur my vision. Fear and wonder war within me. I don't know whether to laugh or cry.

A soft knock at the door startles me. "Anoushka? Is everything all right?" Pippa's muffled voice is full of concern.

I take a shaky breath. "Yes, I'll be out in a minute."

I splash water on my face and stare at my reflection. My life is about to change forever. I just hope Nikolai will be happy about this surprise. For now, Pippa is right—it's our secret. I keep the test in some tissue and chuck it in my bag, just for… sentimentality, I guess.

With a trembling hand, I open the door.

Pippa pulls me into a hug as soon as she sees me.

"So, what did it say?" She whispers.

I nod, not trusting my voice. Pippa's eyes widen.

"Oh, Honey." She squeezes my hand. "It'll be okay. We'll figure this out."

I take a shaky breath. "I can't believe it. I'm going to be a mother." I press my palm to my stomach.

Pippa tilts her head. "How do you feel about it?"

I chew my lip. "Shocked. Scared. But a little excited, too." I give her a watery smile. "I've always wanted a family. I just didn't expect it so soon, and that too, with Nikolai."

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