Page 34 of Fake Fiancée, Real Baby
“It’s a pleasure,” Claire said, shaking the doctor’s hand.
A small crowd had gathered to witness their arrival, and half a dozen of the young patients were lined up — some in wheelchairs — to greet them. A little girl with pretty hazel eyes, and her arm in a sling, stepped forward with a posy of flowers.
“We picked these from the hospital garden for you,” she said.
Claire was touched, and stooped down to take the posy, as the girl now reached out to her for a hug. It was a picture-perfect moment, and Claire could hear the shutters of a dozen cameras clicking from the press enclosure.
“Aren’t they beautiful,” Claire said. “When I get home, I’ll put them in a little vase on the prince’s desk, and we can look at them together and think of all of you.”
This seemed to go down well, as did Claire’s encounters with the rest of the children.
“You’re a natural,” Adrien whispered, slipping his arm around her waist as they were led into the hospital atrium.
More patients were waiting to greet them, and a red ribbon had been placed across a set of double doors, next to where a plaque was covered with a red curtain. Claire was the one who was to make the opening official. It was a wall of smiles and handshaking, with everyone telling her how pleased they were at the prospect of the forthcoming marriage.
“I’ve met a real princess,” one of the kids said, and she too gave Claire a hug.
It brought tears to Claire’s eyes — realizing she could make others happy simply by her presence and a friendly word.
“Isn’t it lovely?” she said, as Adrien steered her towards the ribbon.
“It makes the other parts bearable — meeting real people and realizing you can brighten their day,” Adrien replied.
There was to be an official photograph. The doctor who’d met them now made a short speech, thanking the couple for their kindness and attention. It was Claire’s turn now, and, with the invited guests watching, she stepped forward to cut the ribbon.
“I’m so delighted to be here with you all, and to know this new ward is going to make such a difference to the children of Flandenne and their families. This is a place to believe in better — a place of hope for us all. Prince Adrien and I are so pleased to know that…” she began, but before she could finish, Claire felt suddenly lightheaded.
She closed her eyes, trying to concentrate, even as her legs gave way beneath her and she collapsed to the floor amid gasps and panic. Adrien rushed to her side, and though she hadn’t fainted, Claire felt terrible. Her head was spinning and her legs felt like jelly. Fortunately, there was no better place for it to happen than in the hospital, and Claire was soon whisked away to the emergency room, where she received a full checkup.
“I didn’t have time for lunch today. It’s my own fault,” she told the nurse, who brought her some sugary tea and cookies.
“Shouldn’t she stay in for the night?” Adrien asked, but the doctor had found no discernible reason for the collapse — Claire had said nothing about her suspicions over missing her period.
She knew why she’d collapsed, but it wasn’t something she was to reveal in the middle of the emergency room, where someone was bound to overhear.
“I think I just want to go home. Will you tell the kids how sorry I am? I’ll come back and see them soon, I promise,” Claire told the doctor, who was happy to let her go.
“As long as you rest,” he said.
Adrien was fussing, but Claire was insistent, and it wasn’t long before they were back in the car, returning to the palace.
“You’ll make the front pages for this,” Adrien said.
But he looked concerned and insisted on walking with Claire back to her apartment.
“I’m all right. Really, I am. I’ve got Esme to look after me,” Claire said, after Adrien had helped get her into bed.
Claire had come to trust the maid. They were around the same age, and, had circumstances been different, their roles could so easily have been reversed.
“Well, if you’re sure. But you’ll call for me if you need me, won’t you?” Adrien said.
Claire promised him she would, and she was grateful to him for his kindness, even as felt somewhat foolish for allowing what had happened to happen.
But I need to be certain.
When Adrien had gone, and Esme had brought Claire a jug of iced water and some chocolate to keep her strength up, she decided there was no choice but to confide in her.
“Can I get you anything else, Miss Bellamy?” Esme asked.
