Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 235

Randal closed his eyes and slowly pulled back, creating a sliver of distance between them. He released his grip on the back of her head but kept his arm securely around her waist, letting her rest against his chest.

"Willa, don't do that again," he said, his voice completely wrecked, sounding almost like a prayer. "I know I deserve this... but I can't bear to hurt you."

"I surrender, okay? Stop teasing... just let me hold you for a minute... I... I need to go take a cold shower."

He pulled her tighter against him, yet was agonizingly careful to keep pressure off her stomach.

Willa lay stiff in his arms, feeling the rigid tension in every muscle of his body and the subtle tremors racking his frame.

He was holding back with everything he had.

Suddenly, she felt a pang of regret for her malicious teasing.

A muffled groan of frustration tore from Randal's throat. He practically threw himself out of bed and stumbled toward the bathroom in desperate haste.

By the time he stepped out of the shower, Willa was half-asleep.

Randal climbed into bed, his skin still damp, and wrapped his arms around her. "Willa, let me go with you to your prenatal checkup tomorrow."

Willa instantly woke up.

How did Randal know it was time for her appointment?

In the past, she had always sneaked off with Sophie to get checked.

It seemed she wouldn't be able to hide it this time.

She gave a soft murmur of agreement. "Okay."

When Willa woke up the next morning, the space beside her was empty.

She sat up, staring into space for a long moment.

A soft knock sounded at the door, followed by Mrs. Gable's voice. "Ms. Vance, breakfast is ready. Mr. Yates made it before he left and told me to make sure you eat it while it's hot."

"Okay."

After washing up, Willa walked into the dining room. She saw a bowl of boiled dumplings on the table and blinked in surprise. "He made these?"

Mrs. Gable smiled. "Yes. Mr. Yates was up at six this morning, working in the kitchen for a long time. I had no idea he even knew how to make dumplings."

Willa sat down and took a closer look.

Her heart dropped. She snapped her head up to see Eleanor Yates standing in the middle of the living room, wearing designer heels.

"Ms. Vance, it's been a while," Eleanor greeted her, her posture as elegant as ever.

Willa wasn't sure if she felt resentment or understanding toward Eleanor.

The woman had only done what any fiercely protective mother would do, but her actions had inflicted real, lasting damage on her own son.

Willa stood up slowly, maintaining a veneer of politeness. "Mrs. Yates. What brings you here?"

As she spoke, her hand instinctively moved to shield her belly.

It was an entirely subconscious movement, one she didn't even realize she was making.

Eleanor's gaze locked onto that protective gesture, her brow furrowing slightly.

She walked straight to the sofa and sat down, looking Willa up and down. "Have a seat. No need to stand."

Willa chose the armchair furthest from Eleanor, her mind racing.

She had no idea what Eleanor's objective was today, so all she could do was wait and see.