Chapter 5 - The Diagnosis|
"Get away from her, Matthew," Dr. Mercer ordered flatly, pulling off his coat and setting his bag on the nightstand. "She’s hyperventilating and her pulse is way too high."
Matthew stood up reluctantly, stepping back two paces, his hands clenching into tight fists at his sides.
Dr. Mercer spent twenty agonizing minutes examining Mia. He checked her blood pressure, inspected the dark red contusion swelling along her cheekbone, and pulled out a portable ultrasound machine, placing the warm gel over her bare, rounded stomach.
The rhythmic, fast beating of a tiny heart filled the quiet bedroom.
Thump-thump-thump-thump.
Matthew froze. His gray eyes locked onto the small black-and-white screen, his breath catching in his throat as he saw the distinct outline of his unborn child moving inside her.
Tears pricked the corners of Mia’s eyes as she listened to the sound.
"The baby is fine," Dr. Mercer announced, wiping the gel off her stomach and turning off the machine. "Strong heartbeat, good movement. But Mia’s blood pressure is dangerously elevated, and she has severe physical exhaustion. She’s been on her feet too long, and her diet has been inadequate."
Dr. Mercer turned to glare at Matthew. "She needs absolute bed rest for the next two weeks. No stress, no travel, and no emotional shock. If her blood pressure spikes again, she could go into premature labor."
"She stays here," Matthew said instantly, his voice absolute. "Under my care."
"I can't stay here, Matthew," Mia protested softly, sitting up on the bed. "My apartment... my landlord Gary said he’d throw my things on the street if I don't have the rent by Monday."
Matthew looked at Rocco, who was standing near the bedroom door.
"Rocco," Matthew commanded. "Find this Gary. Buy the building, fire him, and bring Mia’s belongings here before sunrise."
"Consider it done, boss," Rocco bowed his head and exited the room.
May you like
Mia stared at Matthew, her mind spinning. "Matthew, you can't just buy a building to solve a rent problem!"
"I can buy the entire neighborhood if it keeps you safe," Matthew replied, stepping back to the edge of the bed and sitting down. "You are never going back to that dark apartment, Mia. You are never wearing a waitress apron again."
