Chapter 4 - The Penthouse Sanctuary|
The private elevator rose in absolute silence to the top floor of the Obsidian Tower.
Mia lay tucked against Matthew’s chest, her cheek burning, her heart pounding violently against her ribs. She could feel the steady, powerful rhythm of his heartbeat beneath his custom wool coat. He held her as though she were made of fragile glass, his large hands supporting her lower back and her heavy, seven-month belly.
Five months ago, she had fled his estate in Lake Forest in the middle of a thunderstorm, convinced that remaining beside him would cost her baby’s life.
Now, she was back in his arms.
The elevator doors slid open directly into his private penthouse suite—a massive, dimly lit space filled with dark leather, high glass walls, and a panoramic view of the Chicago skyline.
Matthew carried her straight to the master bedroom, gently laying her down on the king-sized bed covered in dark silk sheets.
"Don't touch me," Mia whispered, trying to pull back as he sat on the edge of the mattress.
Matthew didn't retreat. He reached out, gently cupping her chin, his thumb brushing away the fresh tears spilling down her cheek.
"Where have you been, Mia?" he asked, his voice raw with suppressed emotion. "I searched every state from Illinois to Florida. I thought you were dead."
"I had to leave, Matthew," she wept, holding her stomach. "Your uncle... your family... they told me if I didn't vanish, they would make sure my baby was born in a prison!"
Matthew’s eyes narrowed into dangerous slits. "My uncle Arthur told you that?"
"He showed me the forged medical reports!" Mia cried out, her voice breaking. "He said you were going to take my baby the moment it was born and lock me away in a psychiatric facility! I didn't know who to trust!"
Matthew closed his eyes, a deep, agonizing breath leaving his chest. He leaned down, resting his forehead against hers, his hands gently framing her face.
"Arthur lied to you, Mia," Matthew whispered raspy. "My uncle tried to break us because he knew if you had my heir, his branch of the family would lose everything."
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Before Mia could digest his words, the bedroom door opened, and Rocco stepped in, followed by a middle-aged man carrying a silver medical bag.
Dr. Mercer had arrived.
