Second Vows Adored by the Billionaire novel Chapter 19

By the time the paramedics arrived, Eloise had already lost consciousness.

When Eloise woke again, she was in a hospital bed with an IV in her arm.

Something cold rested against her face, and the air carried a faint herbal fragrance, clean and sharp in a way that made her think of medicine rather than comfort.

Chris sat beside her and gripped her hand tightly, eyes full of anger and fear.

"You finally woke up," Chris said, voice unsteady with relief. "I called you again and again, and Laurel told me you were in the hospital being treated. You scared me."

Chris leaned closer, inspecting her face. "Relax. You're not disfigured. It's mild swelling and redness."

Then the anger flared again. "But how did you end up like this? Where is Victor? You're injured and he doesn't show up?"

Eloise swallowed, her throat dry. "Besides my face... is everything else okay? I felt something... So much pain."

Chris waved a hand quickly, eager to reassure. "It's fine. It's only minor uterine bleeding. They've started progesterone support."

Eloise's eyes widened. She pushed herself up so fast the IV line tugged. "Progesterone?" Her voice came out sharp with disbelief. "I'm... pregnant?"

Chris hesitated only a beat. "Yes. The doctor says you're almost two months. So what now? Are you still leaving? What about the baby?"

Eloise's mind went blank in a single, roaring wave.

Her hand drifted to her lower abdomen as though her body knew before her brain could accept it. Heat stung her nose. Her eyes blurred.

She had wanted this child for five years.

After hearing Victor and Brook's conversation, she had believed she would never have the chance.

And yet it was here.

Two months ago, the vitamin bottle Victor had prepared for her had run out, and she had bought replacements herself without thinking much of it. That had to be why. That had to be the moment her life slipped out of Victor's control, and into her own body.

The image of the iron supplement flashed through her mind, and with it the chemical truth Gregory had confirmed. Her eyes cooled instantly, the tenderness hardening into something darker.

"Eloise?" Chris shook her arm gently. "Your face looks terrible. What are you thinking?"

"Nothing," Eloise said quietly. She reached for her phone and dialed Victor, voice steady enough that it sounded almost detached. "About the baby, he can decide."

"Really?" Anita sounded delighted. "But Eloise spent three years decorating this house. Why would she agree to move?"

Victor's voice stayed flat, confident, dismissive. "I'll handle it. She always listens to me."

Then the final sentence fell like a stamp. "I won't allow what happened today to happen again."

Chris trembled with rage. She turned, ready to storm in. "Those two—how dare they—"

Eloise grabbed her arm, her grip iron. "Chris," she said, and her voice was frighteningly calm, "don't."

Chris stared at her, chest heaving, trying to keep her voice down. "What are you even holding back for? I'm going to explode."

Eloise's mouth curved slightly, her fingers digging into her own palm until it hurt. "Nothing. Let's do the exam first."

Only after the exam, when Eloise returned to her room, did Victor finally call back.

Eloise picked up, and Chris snatched the phone from her hand.

Chris didn't bother with greetings. She just started cursing.