Chapter 2 - TWO HEARTBEATS AT ST. MARCEL'S
The private medical suite at St. Marcel's smelled of antiseptic and fresh linen.
Alina sat on an examination table while Dr. Miriam Hale reviewed her symptoms.
Dorian stood near the window.
His arms were folded.
His expression was unreadable.
Dr. Hale asked several questions.
When had the nausea started?
Was Alina experiencing dizziness?
Had her appetite changed?
Was she unusually tired?
Alina answered reluctantly.
Then the doctor asked:
“When was your last menstrual period?”
Silence.
Alina looked down.
Dorian turned.
“Alina?”
She closed her eyes.
“I don't remember exactly.”
Dr. Hale nodded.
“We'll run a few tests.”
Forty minutes later, she returned.
Her expression was gentle.
“Mrs. Cross.”
Alina looked up.
“Your pregnancy test is positive.”
The room went silent.
Dorian didn't move.
Alina felt her breath catch.
She had suspected.
For weeks.
But hearing the words aloud was different.
Real.
Terrifying.
Dr. Hale continued.
“I'd like to perform an ultrasound to establish how far along you are.”
Alina nodded.
Dorian stepped closer.
“Is she all right?”
The doctor looked at him.
“We need to complete the examination, but her vital signs are stable.”
Alina stared at the wall.
Dorian reached for her hand.
She almost pulled away.
Then stopped.
His fingers were warm.
Familiar.
And suddenly she remembered the man he'd been before everything went wrong.
The ultrasound began.
A small shape appeared on the screen.
Then another.
Dr. Hale paused.
Alina noticed.
“What?”
The doctor adjusted the image.
Then smiled gently.
“Mrs. Cross, you're carrying twins.”
Dorian went completely still.
Alina stared.
“Twins?”
“Yes.”
The doctor pointed toward the screen.
“Two developing babies. Two heartbeats.”
Alina covered her mouth.
Tears filled her eyes.
Dorian looked at the monitor.
For the first time in months, his face lost every trace of control.
He whispered:
“Oh, God.”
Then he looked at Alina.
And she saw something she hadn't seen in almost a year.
Hope.
But it lasted only seconds.
Because Dr. Hale turned toward the door when her phone rang.
She listened.
Her expression changed.
May you like
Then she said quietly:
“Mr. Cross, we have a problem.”
