Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 238

Willa quickly changed the subject. "It's barely noon. Why are you home so early?"

"I told you last night I was going to your prenatal checkup with you."

She blinked, finally remembering his passing comment from the night before.

She had been half-asleep and muttered an agreement, only to completely forget about it the moment she woke up.

"Are we going right now?" she asked.

"No rush," Randal replied. "The appointment is for this afternoon. I'm taking you out to lunch first."

He brought her to The West End Bistro.

The exclusive restaurant was tucked away down a quiet, secluded alley, boasting no signage to betray its high-end status.

Randal had pre-ordered everything, so there was no need for menus.

The hostess escorted them to the most private room in the back. A large window looked out into a tranquil courtyard, where a pomegranate tree stood heavy with ripening fruit.

Willa sat down casually. Randal took the seat right beside her, poured a glass of warm water, and set it in front of her. "Skip the tea today. It's not good for the baby."

Willa paused, a complicated tangle of emotions rising in her chest.

He was absolutely convinced the child wasn't his, yet he remained incredibly attentive, anticipating her every need.

But right now, keeping him in the dark was the only way she could protect her baby.

The food arrived shortly after—stir-fried seasonal greens, steamed egg with shrimp, yam and pork rib soup, and a small dish of crisp, pickled cucumbers. Everything was mild, nutritious, and easy on the stomach.

Willa took a bite of the pickled cucumber first, her eyes involuntarily crinkling at the sharp, tangy flavor.

Seeing this, Randal silently slid the steamed egg closer to her. "Eat more protein. You're too skinny."

Randal frowned slightly but immediately walked over to the dispenser, poured a cup of water, and handed it to her.

Dr. Zimmer opened her mouth to speak again, but Willa beat her to it. "Dr. Zimmer, lately my stomach has been feeling really tight. Is that normal?"

Her questions came out rushed and breathless, successfully derailing the doctor's train of thought.

Dr. Zimmer shifted her focus to Willa's concerns, offering a reassuring smile. "Occasional tightening is likely Braxton Hicks—false contractions. It's perfectly normal as long as they aren't frequent or regular."

Willa immediately fired off several more pregnancy-related questions, refusing to give Randal a single second to interrupt. Dr. Zimmer became entirely engrossed in answering her concerns, completely forgetting about Randal's initial question regarding the conception date.

After the ultrasound, a nurse came in to draw a few vials of blood.

The second the appointment wrapped up, Willa grabbed Randal's arm and dragged him toward the door. "Randal, take me to the restroom. I can't hold it anymore."

When they walked out of the restroom, Randal held her hand as they headed toward the elevators, his tone probing. "Willa, what was going on with you in there? You wouldn't let me get a word in."