Page 40 of Forced Innocent Bratva Bride

I never let my dad's men follow me around like this; simplicity was my thing, and I'd never loved unnecessary attention. However, Alexei wouldn't takenofor an answer, especially now that I was carrying his baby.

My heels clicked against the floor in opposition to my men's soundless footsteps as we headed toward the hospital's private room. They were willing to follow me inside, but I wouldn't have it; it was tagged “private” for a reason.

“Wait out here,” I instructed, my voice firm and audacious.

They halted in their tracks by the door, exchanging uncertain glances.

“I'm meeting with Dr. Michaelson. I'll be fine,” I said, rolling my eyes as I pushed the door open and walked to the room.

“Mrs. Tarasov, hello,” the doctor greeted me. He stood across the room, clad in his crisp white coat.

The private room, spacious and elegantly decorated with creamy white walls, was equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.

“Good evening, Dr. Michaelson,” I replied, gliding over to the comfortable bed that sat against one wall, surrounded by soft white linens.

“How are you today?” he asked, his eyes roaming my charts.

I let out an exasperated sigh, settling on the edge of the bed. “I'm fine, thank you.” I cupped my face in my palms. “Just a little frustrated with the nutritionist I met earlier.” My face contorted into a frown.

He strolled over to me, chuckling. “Yeah, nutrition can be challenging during pregnancy.” He halted in front of me, beaming a warm smile. “But don't worry, we'll get you sorted out.”

I exhaled sharply. “Thanks, doc.”

“Anytime,” he said, his eyes darting toward the door. “And your husband?”

“Oh, he couldn't make it today,” I replied, smoothing my hair backward.

“Alright, then. Let's get to work.”

He began his examination, checking my blood pressure, listening to the baby's heartbeat, and performing a quick ultrasound check on the growth of the baby.

“Well, everything looks great,” he said, plucking his stethoscope out of his ears, his lips curling into a smile. “The baby's growing right on schedule, and blood pressure is perfect…. You're good to go.”

I released a sigh, grateful for his reassuring words, although I was never panicking about complications in the first place. This just meant that I would finally get to go home and relax my head.

Dr. Michaelson prescribed some prenatal vitamins to make sure that I got all the nutrients I needed. He also advised that I focus on eating a balanced diet and listen to my body.

After I was done with my check-up, I heard my phone ring just as I was about to get off the bed. I reached for my purse and withdrew it; maybe it was Alexei calling to ask how the doctor's appointment was going.

My brows furrowed as I realized the identity of the caller. It was my dad.

What did he want? I wondered, my pursed lips mirroring my resentment. I almost didn't take the call, but my curiosity got the best of me.

My thumb hovered over the screen in a moment of hesitation before I finally answered. “Hello?”

“Hey, sweetheart.” His voice boomed through the phone's speakers, a hint of excitement lacing his tone. “How are you today?”

Like you give a shit, I thought, my jaw tightening. “I'm fine,” came my flat reply.

“I just called to congratulate you, sweetheart.” He chuckled on the other line. “You're pregnant. That's good news. I can't believe I'm about to be a grandfather.” The last sentence was spoken under his breath.

“Thanks, Dad,” I forced myself to reply, a plastic smile playing on my lips, not that he could see me, anyway.

He was acting as though everything was fine between us despite knowing I still had an ax to grind with him.

“Hey, uh…so I was wondering if we could, you know…have dinner sometime—to celebrate,” he suggested, his tone dripping with skepticism.

He was to be skeptical because there was no way in hell that I was going to honor that invitation. I was still pissed at him for ruining my life without remorse.

---