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Chiara found she was calmer after the doctor’s visit, no doubt due to the obstetrician’s soothing manner.
She spent the rest of the day researching pregnancy online. She didn’t dare visit a bookstore—and certainly not a baby store—because of the risk of being spotted by the press. Instead, she stayed home and took a nap. She should have read the signs in her unusual weariness lately, but pregnancy had been the last thing on her mind.
When she woke late in the day, she checked herself for any sign of morning sickness, but didn’t feel a twinge. With the all-clear, she fixed herself a salad and a glass of water. Walking into the den, she sat on the sofa and placed the food on a coffee table.
After a few bites, she scrolled through the day’s news on her phone.
When she came across a headline about herself, it took her a moment to process it, but then she nearly collapsed against the cushions.
Chiara Feran Is Pregnant!
She scanned the article and reread it, and then with shaking fingers, called her manager.
“Odele,” she gasped. “How did Gossipmonger get this info?”
“They probably saw you exiting the doctor’s office, sweetie,” Odele said calmly. “You know, paparazzi like to stalk the offices of celebrity gynecologists and obstetricians.”
“I just got back! Not even the gossip sites operate that fast.” Chiara shook her head, even though her manager wasn’t there to see it. “I should have worn a wig.”
“I don’t think that would have done the trick,” Odele said drily. “Now, not getting knocked up to begin with, that would have done it.”
Chiara’s eyes narrowed. “You didn’t feed them this story, did you?”
“No.”
“But did you slip someone a tip to watch the doctor’s office?” Chiara pressed.
“You have a suspicious mind.”
“Did you?”
“I might have mentioned Dr. Tribbling has seen a lot of business lately.”
“Odele, how could you!”
“Why don’t you call Mr. Stuntman and let him know he isn’t shooting blanks?” Odele answered sweetly.
“Why?” Chiara was close to wailing. She’d done it enough times on-screen to know when she was nearing the top of the emotional roller coaster.
“Better to squelch the rumor fast that you’ve broken up with Rick. Otherwise we’ll be putting out fires for months. The press loves a story about a spurned pregnant woman going it alone.”
Chiara took a breath. “Rick and I are broken up. Period.”
“Not as far as the press is concerned. They’re going to love stringing your two names together in real and virtual ink.”
“And that’s the only thing that matters, right?”
“No...it isn’t.” Odele sighed, softening. “Why don’t you talk to him? Then reality and public perception can be aligned.”
Chiara steeled herself and took a deep gulping breath. “Odele, you’re fired.”
They were words she’d never thought she’d say, but she’d had enough of manipulation...of public scrutiny...of Hollywood...and yes, of one stuntman in particular.
“Sweetie, you’re overwrought, and it can’t be good for the baby. Take time to think about it.”
“Goodbye, Odele.”
Yes, she’d calm down...right after she burst into tears.
