Second Vows Adored by the Billionaire novel Chapter 5

She tried to force her eyes open, but dizziness hit without warning, dragging her under before she could fight it.

"Sir, she's passed out. Should we—"

"Take her to the hospital."

He was about to pass Eloise to his assistant when a breeze swept the hair back from her face.

He froze, recognizing her. His arms tightened around her, pulling her closer against his chest.

"Never mind," he said, carrying her toward the car himself. "Cancel the dinner. We're going to the hospital now."

*****

Eloise suffered from severe anemia, which meant she fainted easily when her body was under stress.

She woke slowly, confused. Someone had changed her clothes—she felt clean and dry now.

The smell of disinfectant hung in the air. She tried to open her eyes, but exhaustion weighed her down. Even that small effort felt impossible.

Then she heard voices. Two voices she knew by heart.

The sound cut right through her, and she went rigid.

"Victor," Anita whispered, keeping her voice low. "Do you think... could we have the doctor remove her uterus while she's unconscious?"

She paused, then continued in that sweet, persuasive tone Eloise knew so well. "When she wakes up, we'll tell her it was medically necessary. Wouldn't that be easier for everyone?"

Eloise's fingers clenched the bedsheet. She kept her eyes closed and listened.

Victor's response was calm, still carrying that familiar warmth.

"No, Anita. That would be too cruel."

"Cruel?" Anita's voice cracked with tears. "But she keeps talking about getting pregnant. What happens if she actually does? Beatrice is growing up, and this baby will be here soon. If Eloise has her own child, do you really think she'll care about mine? She'll never accept them."

"She has severe anemia," Victor said matter-of-factly. "Pregnancy isn't safe for her. I know that. You don't need to worry."

"But what if things don't always work out so conveniently?" Anita's voice rose with panic. "What if next time she actually carries it to term? Victor, what about Beatrice? I can't keep our children hidden forever."

"She won't." Victor's voice turned cold. "I've been swapping out her prenatal vitamins for birth control. For months now."

The words hit Eloise like a physical blow. Her eyes snapped open, staring at the two figures by the window.

Eloise looked down at her, voice flat. "Were you?"

"Yes!" Beatrice nodded frantically. "Every night I talked to the stars and asked them to make you better!"

Anita settled gracefully beside the bed, wearing that gentle smile Eloise knew so well.

"She's telling the truth," Anita said warmly. "Beatrice has been so worried about you. She keeps saying she wants to stay with you until you're completely better. It's such a rare bond between you two."

Eloise's nails dug into her palms inside her sleeves.

"Oh?" she said quietly. "You want to live with me, Beatrice?"

"Yes!" Beatrice bounced excitedly. "Mommy and I will take care of you! I'll sing songs, and Mommy makes the best food, and we'll stay until you're all better, okay?"

Eloise felt what little strength she had left drain away.

She looked up at Victor, who'd been silent this whole time. "What do you think, Victor?"

Victor stepped closer and took her hand in his warm one.

"Anita means well," he said smoothly. "And Beatrice adores you. I think it's a great idea, especially with how busy work has been."