Love Burnt Baby Stayed (by Nina R.Calder) novel Chapter 24

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eyes turned to Briana as she walked into the living room. The whole Carter family was there.

They had gathered to welcome Evelyn home from the hospital.

Shepard sat in an armchair, legs crossed, looking completely at ease.

“You’re awake,” he said. “Feeling better?”

Briana gave a slow nod.

“You must be worn out, dear,” Evelyn said kindly. “You don’t need to manage the renovations yourself. Let someone else handle it.”

She turned a pointed look toward Shepard. “You have more than enough people. Can’t you spare a few to help her?”

“I tried,” Shepard answered. “She turned them down.”

Briana fell silent. She couldn’t believe how easily he lied. Honestly, if he would just stop making things difficult for her, she would be grateful.

Eric, who had been listening nearby, added his own comment. “She really is exhausted. She works all day at the gallery and stays at Evergreen Estate at night, hardly ever making it back to Shepard’s place to rest.”

“Evergreen Estate?” Evelyn repeated, clearly taken aback. “Briana, why on earth would a married couple live apart?”

‘A married couple? We were already divorced,‘ Briana thought to herself.

She noted how quickly Eric seemed to know things. Then it clicked. ‘Of course, he’s friends with Henry. That’s probably how he found out,‘ she thought.

Shepard gave Eric a long, quiet look before turning away and slowly sipping his water without saying a word.

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Briana had no choice but to offer an awkward explanation. “We’re not actually living apart, Grandma Evelyn. It’s just that by the time I leave the gallery, it’s so late. It makes more sense to stay at the Evergreen Estate than to drive all the way back.”

“That isn’t how this works,” Evelyn said firmly. “You can’t expect to plan for a baby if you’re not even sharing a room.”

Briana didn’t know what to say, so she just lowered her gaze and stayed silent.

“And your health needs proper attention,” Evelyn added, turning to the butler, Steven. “Has the doctor arrived yet? How much longer?”

“He is on his way, ma’am. He should arrive any minute now,” Steven replied.

“Good,” Evelyn said.

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13:10 Thu, 18 Dec T

Chapter 24

A doctor?” Briana asked, confused.

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“Yes, someone specializing in traditional medicine. He will take your pulse and prepare some herbal remedies for you,” Evelyn explained. “He’s very well–respected here. You can trust his guidance.”

The mention of a pulse reading made Briana’s heart skip. If he checked her wrist, he would know immediately that she was pregnant.

She swayed on her feet, barely managing to right herself.

“Careful there,” Eric said, stepping forward to steady Briana. “It seems Grandma’s attention has left you a bit unsteady, Clearly, she favors you even over me.”

The moment Eric touched her, an instinctive revulsion washed over her, so strong that she wanted to scrub away the contact.

She pulled away quickly, only to bump solidly into Shepard’s chest.

His arm came around her waist. “Steady,” he murmured near her ear.

Briana shot him a look. “I just had a miscarriage,” she whispered. “If the doctor finds out after checking my pulse, and then tells your grandmother, it could be too much for her.”

Without a second thought, she pulled Shepard to her side.

She had to hide the pregnancy, and he had to hide the miscarriage. Right now, they were on the same side.

“Getting nervous now?” Shepard said with a cold sneer.

“I’m doing this for your grandmother’s sake.” Briana countered.

He pulled her close, settling them both back onto the sofa.

The seat was so small that she ended up on his lap.

She could feel the solid muscle of his thigh and the warmth of his body, and it made her skin prickle.

“Isn’t this a bit much?” Briana whispered. “Everyone can see.”

“It’s fine.” Shepard said calmly. “Better than watching you faint again.”

She stared at him, speechless for a second before muttering, “I know we’re putting on a show, but does i have to be this obvious?”

“The more obvious the message, the better it works” Shepard said.

Skeptical at first, Briana glanced toward Evelyn and saw her beaming, as if to prove his point.

Soon, Steven showed the doctor into the room.

“Please, check her pulse.” Evelyn said. “She’s been tired lately, and we’re hoping to start a family. Let’s see what she needs.”

“Of course, ma’am,” the doctor replied.

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Chap 94

Briana offered her wrist, her nerves tight

The doctor pressed his fingers to her pulse. A heavy quiet settled over the large room.

Brand’s eyes flew to Shepard in silent panic

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Instead, Shepard looked directly at the doctor. “Do a thorough job,” he said, his voice carrying clearly,

Make sure your reading is accinate

The doctor looked up and met Shepard’s gaze, which was intense and penetrating.

Actually, the moment his fingers touched Briana’s wrist, his years of practice told him she was carrying a child

He was about to confirm it, but Shepard’s carefully chosen words and the pointed look in his eyes made the doctor decide against it.

There was always drama in wealthy families. He wasn’t interested in getting involved.

After another minute or so, the doctor released Briana’s wrist.

“Well Evelyn asked quickly.

“She’s a bit worn down. Her digestion is weak, and she carries too much worry,” the doctor explained. “It’s affecting her energy. Otherwise, she’s fine.

Briana breathed a quiet sigh of relief. For now, the secret was still hers.

She felt a quiet relief that quickly gave way to guilt. Evelyn was truly good to her and sincerely wished for Briana to have a lasting marriage and children with Shepard. But Briana knew she could not give her that.

Briana pulled herself from her thoughts and looked up to find Shepard watching her. “What?” she asked, her throat dry.

“Are you hiding something else?” he said, his voice low,

The sense of calm she had just regained was instantly replaced by tension. ‘Why does he have to see through me every time?‘ she thought.

“Now…” He leaned in, his mouth grazing her cheek. The words next were soft but held an edge. “Tell me.”

“You already know everything there is to know,” she replied, keeping her tone light. “If you want more, have someone look it up.”

She didn’t dare to add anything else, afraid he’d catch the strain in her voice.

She tried to stand, but his hand on her arm held her in place. She tried again, and again he kept her there,

After a few tries, Briana was fed up. “Let me go,” she said, her voice tight.

He gave a low laugh and let her go, the gesture almost playful, like someone releasing a pet after a game.

Jerk, she thought, and made her way straight to Evelyn’s side.

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13:11 Thu, 18 Dec TAST

Chapter 94

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Evelyn handed the prescription to Steven. You’ll prepare this for her every day starting tomorrone. Not a single day missed. Understand?”

Tes, malam,” he replied.

Seeing Shepard and Briana’s casual closeness, so unlike the polte disance of before, had dearly brightened Evelyn’s mood. That evening, she ate beartily at dinner, already feeling certain she’d be bolding a great–grandchild before long.

As Shepard and Briana prepared to leave. Evelyn made them get into the car together while she watched.

“Go home with him. Briana” she said gent. “Make things work between you all red”

“Got it Grandma Evelyn Briana said, siting into the passenger seat. She buckled up and waved a quick goodbye.

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