AllFreeNovel
Share Us
In my work. Where I am always safe.
* * *
Once the presentation is over, I leave the stage, leaving Will and Tony to take over with the physical demonstration. I step out into the hallway and take a seat, trying not to cry as I feel myself closer to an end I’ve been dreading—this may be the last day I’ll see Will. My job here is done. The product is complete, and he doesn’t need me anymore. As per our contract, I am free to leave.
Deep breaths in, slow breaths out.
It’s like the twins are determined to keep me in pain until they come out. This could be some form of cosmic punishment, if I stop and think about it.
No. Enough of the negative thoughts.
The past is in the past, and all I have ahead is an exciting future. I’m still one of the most highly sought-after STEM specialists in the country. I worked hard for that. With a little bit of luck, my work will be making real change by next year. I’m carrying not one but two babies to term.
“Oh, God,” I gasp, pinching the bridge of my nose as I try to ride out the contractions.
A couple minutes pass, and I get some relief before they start again. I’m ready for the second round, though. When the waves hit me again in sharp, hot sessions, I remember my Lamaze training and regulate my breathing accordingly. Poor Rick is going to make a fantastic husband one day, after all the support he’s given me throughout this pregnancy.
Ow, this hurts more than it should. More than it did before.
Deep breaths again, Olivia. You’re almost over this hurdle. Almost there.
I just need to keep cool until Will comes out and tells me if they got the bid.
And then I’m gone…
I don’t even hear the door when it opens. Will and Zara come out, both of them smiling from ear to ear as they escort the government representatives down the hallway. My heart is stuck in my throat. I watch as Zara leads them farther away, while Will makes his way back to me. I can’t get enough of him, even now—his confident stride, the satisfied look on his face, that devilish glimmer in his blue eyes. Relief glazes me in cool sweetness when he reaches me and nods promptly.
“You did it,” he says. “They love it. They want in. You’ve just made this company a crap-ton of money, Olivia.”
“Oh, I’m so glad,” I manage, straining myself to smile as a third round of Braxton-Hicks contractions begins. There wasn’t supposed to be a third one, though. It usually stops after two. What is happening? “Good… good on you.”
“No, good on you. We couldn’t have done it without you,” he says, pausing for a moment as he looks at me. “I owe you so much already…”
“You don’t owe me… anything…”
He frowns slightly. I think my face is turning red for all the wrong reasons. “Olivia, what’s wrong?”
“Oh, nothing. Just some mild… discomfort—OH, SWEET MARY JESUS AND JOSEPH THAT HURTS!” I cry out, doubling over as a contraction rips through me, the ripples of pain radiating all the way down my spine.
Will takes me by the shoulders, pale and concerned. “Olivia, we need to get you to a hospital.”
“Wedoesn’t exist!” I snap, tears bursting from my eyes. “You forfeited this, remember?!”
Zara rushes over, the sound of her heels clicking prompting me to look away from Will. “Honey, honey, honey… Don’t tell me,” she gasps, then looks down.
I look down, too. “What?”
I recognize the clear liquid pouring down my legs and seeping through my pants.
“Olivia…” Zara touches my face. “I think it’s time.”
“But it’s too soon…” I croak, being left with no other option other than to lean into Will for support, as my legs lose their strength altogether.
“Hold on,” Will breathes while I melt in his firm hold.
Zara is already dialing 911.
I can’t believe this is happening. My body is a runaway train. My heart is a basket of shambles. My soul is still tied to the man holding me…
