Page 68 of Secret Heir

Maksim becomes unbearable after that.

He’s always been protective of Daniel and controlling about my movements, but now it’s suffocating.

He insists I see the estate doctor immediately. Dr. Petrov—the estate doctor—confirms what we already know. Seven weeks pregnant. Due in early spring. Everything looks healthy so far.

Maksim is there for the whole appointment, asking questions, taking notes, and looking at me like I’m made of glass. He moves me out of my suite and into his room permanently because apparently, I shouldn’t be alone in case something happens. I argue, but he overrides me. My things appear in his closet. My toiletries in his bathroom.

My agency, gone.

He monitors what I eat. He’s researched pregnancy nutrition and has opinions about everything I put in my mouth.

He won’t let me lift anything heavy or let me go outside without guards. He won’t let me out of his goddamn sight for more than an hour.

“I’m pregnant, not dying,” I snap one morning when he tries to help me down the stairs.

“You’re carrying my child.” His hand is firm on my elbow. “I’m not taking any chances.”

I feel like I’m disappearing and becoming a womb to carry his heirs. I’m not a person with thoughts and feelings and fears of my own.

I’m just an incubator.

And through it all, Alexander keeps visiting.

It’s a beautiful and balmy afternoon when Alexander corners me.

Maksim has been busy all week with organization business, but he’s somehow had the time to order our son the most elaborate playground equipment I’ve ever seen.

It arrived yesterday. It’s a massive colorful structure with multiple levels, tunnels, a rock climbing wall, swings, and a slide that spirals down from fifteen feet up. There’s a sandbox at the base with toy trucks already waiting. A tire swing. Monkey bars. Everything a seven-year-old could dream of.

The expense makes me sick.

But Daniel is in heaven. He’s been out here for hours, running from one element to another, his laughter carrying across the lawn.

I’m sitting on a bench nearby, watching him play, one hand resting unconsciously on my stomach. I had read that women show earlier with subsequent pregnancies and the books weren’t wrong. I’m showing just slightly, a small curve that I can still hide under billowy shirts. But I know it’s there. I pull my hair off my neck and quickly braid it, trying to cool myself down.

“Beautiful day.”

I jump at the voice. Alexander has appeared beside the bench, silent as a ghost. He’s wearing a charcoal suit despite the heat, perfectly groomed as always.

“Mr. Morozov.” I stand quickly, putting distance between us. “I didn’t hear you arrive.”

“I have that effect on people.” His smile doesn’t reach his cold blue eyes. “Your son seems to be enjoying his new playground.” He inclines his head toward my son.

“He is.” I glance at Daniel, who’s climbing the rock wall with fierce determination. He’s too far away to hear us. “If you’re looking for Maksim, he’s in his office.” God, I need this man to get the fuck away from me.

“Actually, I wanted to speak with you.” He moves closer, and every instinct screams at me to run. “I’ve noticed you’ve been unwell lately. Is everything alright?”

My blood goes cold. “I’m fine. It’s just a stomach bug.”

“A stomach bug that’s lasted weeks?” His head tilts slightly, like he’s studying a puzzle. “You should see a doctor and make sure it’s nothing serious.”

“I have,” I say quickly. “I’m fine. But I appreciate your concern.”

His eyes drop to my stomach for just a moment and I feel caught. He knows. Or he suspects. And if Alexander figures out I’m pregnant, it gives him another way to hurt me.

“I should go,” I say abruptly. “It’s very warm outside and Daniel needs to cool down.”

“Of course.” He steps aside, that cold smile still in place. “Do take care of yourself, Miss Delano. Pregnancy can be so…delicate.”