Page 37 of Forced Innocent Bratva Bride

“I went to the pharmacy as you instructed and got a copy of her receipt,” he said, pausing for a moment like his next words would be heavy.

My breath caught in my throat, irritated by his hesitation to spill the beans. “And?” I demanded, my voice laced with impatience.

“She bought a pregnancy test strip, Boss,” he answered.

My brows shot up at this unexpected revelation. A pregnancy test strip? Why? Was she pregnant already?

Clearly, she'd used the strip in the bathroom, and it most likely turned out positive, hence the reason she was still in there.

I hung up the phone and rose to my feet, gliding over to the bathroom, eager to know the outcome of the test. If she was pregnant, indeed, then that would mean I was about to be a father.

Me? A father?

I hadn't given it much thought before, but I needed to be sure first, so I knocked on the door. “Lorena, are you okay in there?” I asked, a hint of concern creeping into my voice.

No response.

“Lorena,” I called again, knocking with slightly narrowing eyes.

No response.

“Alright, I'm coming in,” I announced, grabbing the doorknob.

I twisted and pushed it open, my gaze settling on her as she stood, leaning against the wall, sobbing with her palms over her face. My eyes darted to the strip lying in the ceramic sink as I stepped inside, my feet soundless against the floor.

I picked up the strip, observing the double lines marked on it—an indication of the life in her womb. An abrupt scoff escaped my lips as a mix of emotions rushed through me at the realization that she was truly carrying my child.

This was a game-changer for both of us. It was unexpected, but here it was.

She lowered her hands and jerked her head to face me. Her eyes were red, puffy, and swollen with dark circles under them. Her nose was pink, her eyelids were inflamed, and her lashes clumped together.

Lorena stared at me and sniffled, her voice hoarse and shaky. “We're having a baby, Alexei.”

“I can see that,” I replied, calm and collected, as I set the strip on the countertop. “But why the tears? Do you not want to be a mother?” I drew nearer to her.

“Of course, I do!” Her voice rose in exasperation. “I really do, but….” Her lips trembled as she seemed to choke on her words. “Not this soon.” She swallowed hard, her throat wobbling as tears streamed down her cheeks. “I'm scared.”

My face softened slightly at her vulnerability, as her confession, her tears, and the fear in her eyes melted my stone-cold heart.

She continued, “I'm not even responsible enough to take care of myself, let alone a baby.” Lorena blew her nose into a tissue, her shoulders shaking as she struggled to control herself. “I'm afraid I'll be a bad mother.”

“You won't,” I said, closing the distance between us. My hand gently rested on her belly.

She held her breath as I touched her stomach, her eyes rising to meet mine. I stared at her, fingers combing through her hair. “There's no need to be afraid, Lorena,” I said, my voice calm and reassuring. “You're not alone,” I whispered, still holding her gaze.

Her chest heaved slowly. She let out a sigh as though my words had blown across her face like a wind of relief.

I added, eyes dropping to her belly, “This child is my legacy…your happiness.” The slight pause came when I returned my eyes to hers.

Her lips parted into a faint grin—almost undetected—and her gaze locked on mine. I could sense her anxiety slowly dissipating, a testament that somehow, my words were soothing and also had calmed her nerves.

I mirrored her smile, pulling her close, my arms around her waist. Lorena exhaled sharply and melted into my warm embrace, her head resting on my chest.

Chapter 14 – Lorena

My skin glistened with a fine sheen of perspiration, my body temperature rising with each passing minute as I pounded the treadmill belt with steady, rhythmic strides. My lungs burned as I pushed myself harder, my breathing growing more labored.

I’d yet to come to terms with the fact that I was going to be a mother in about nine months’ time. The realization hadn't completely sunk in despite how many times I'd thought about it.

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