Longing For The Beach Billionaire Daddy
Chapter 200

*Shelby*

I sat in the cramped waiting room of the doctor’s office, my palms moist with anxiety, my heart pounding in my chest. Beside me, Michael provided a reassuring presence, his touch bringing me comfort amidst the flurry of emotions. Ticking clocks and muted conversations echoed in the background, a symphony of nervous anticipation that threatened to consume me.

Drawing on the lessons I had learned in moments of distress, I knew that I needed to find a way to quiet the racing thoughts and steady my trembling nerves. With a deep inhale, I closed my eyes, blocked out the external distractions, and focused on the rhythm of my breath.

Inhale… exhale…. Inhale… exhale….

But the chaos of the waiting room made it challenging to find a sense of calm. The mixture of sounds seemed to intrude on my attempts at finding peace. Determined not to let the external environment overpower me, I delved deeper into my practice.

Inhale… exhale…. Inhale… exhale….

Michael’s unwavering support radiated through his touch, and I drew strength from his presence. His hand gently squeezed mine, a silent affirmation that we were in this together. It was a comforting reminder that no matter the outcome, we would face it as a united front.

With renewed determination, I sought shelter in my mind, visualizing a scene of tranquility. I imagined myself lying on a soft patch of grass, looking up at a sky painted in vibrant hues of blue. Fluffy white clouds drifted lazily above, their shapes morphing into magical figures as if conjured by my imagination.

Inhale… exhale…. Inhale… exhale….

As I immersed myself in this mental oasis, a feeling of calm washed over me. I felt the tension in my muscles slowly melt away, replaced by a soothing sense of peace. My heart rate gradually slowed, and I became more attuned to the present moment, anchored by the simple act of breathing.

Yet, despite my efforts, the anticipation continued to simmer within me. The gravity of the upcoming appointment and the uncertainty of what lay ahead weighed heavily on my mind. I knew I needed to summon the strength to face whatever news we might receive.

Inhale… exhale…. Inhale… exhale….

Gathering my courage, I opened my eyes, casting a wary glance around the bustling room. My nerves were still there, but I was determined not to let them overpower me. With Michael by my side, I knew I had the support to face whatever came my way.

I reminded myself that I was ready, ready to confront the challenges that lay ahead. With a final deep breath, I steeled myself for the appointment, embracing the strength I suddenly felt.

Inhale… exhale…. Inhale… exhale….

As I shifted my focus inward, drawing on the power of my breathing, I found reassurance in the knowledge that I was capable of weathering storms, of finding moments of calm amidst the chaos. Whatever news awaited us, I was ready to face it head-on, supported by the love of my husband and the resilience within my own spirit.

Inhale… exhale…. Inhale… exhale….

“Mrs. Astor,” called a woman in her mid-fifties with a kind face and gentle wrinkles at the corners of her eyes. Her scrubs were a light purple that brought out the color of her warm hazel eyes.

I rose from my seat in the waiting room, my hand still intertwined with Michael’s. We walked together toward the examination room, the air thick with a mix of trepidation and a little bit of hope.

The door swung open, revealing a sterile room bathed in fluorescent light. The medical equipment hummed softly, a reminder of the delicate nature of our situation. The nurse greeted us with a warm smile, her presence offering a small glimmer of reassurance in the face of the unknown.

I settled onto the examination table, the crisp paper crinkling beneath me. The nurse efficiently prepared the necessary equipment, her hands moving with practiced precision. My gaze shifted to the b***d pressure monitor, its presence a stark reminder of the reason we were here.

With gentle expertise, the nurse wrapped the cuff around my arm, securing it snugly but not uncomfortably. The rhythmic tightening and loosening of the cuff seemed to echo the ebb and flow of my own apprehension. I focused on my breathing, attempting to calm myself with its steadying rhythm.

Michael stood by my side, his hand resting on mine, keeping me steady. His unwavering presence provided a sense of strength that I desperately needed in that moment. I glanced at him, finding reassurance in the love reflected in his eyes.

The nurse activated the b***d pressure monitor, and as the cuff tightened around my arm, I felt a surge of anxiety welling within me. The beep of the machine filled the room, each sound resonating with a mix of anticipation and fear.

As the numbers flickered across the digital display, I held my breath, waiting for the final result. The nurse observed the readings, her face a mask of concentration. Time seemed to stretch, the seconds elongating into an eternity as we awaited her assessment.

Finally, the nurse turned toward us, a mix of concern and professionalism etched on her features. She confirmed what I had feared. “I’m afraid it’s still quite high, but I’ll need to go get the doctore, dear. She wanted to do it herself, but another emergency came up. She’ll be right in.” She gave me a small smile, but I couldn’t do anything but nod after the realization–my b***d pressure had reached a dangerous level. The reality of the situation settled heavily upon me, threatening to engulf me in a wave of despair.

As the nurse detached the b***d pressure monitor, I wiped away my tears, willing myself to regain composure. I took comfort in the fact that I was not alone this time, that Michael stood beside me. He squeezed my shoulder in support, reminding me that we were in this together with that one touch.

The nurse left the room, giving us a moment alone to collect ourselves. Michael took my fingers in his, his thumb rubbing soothing circles on the back of my hand. I found comfort in the warmth of his touch. I was very grateful he was there, I knew I couldn’t do this alone. I needed him.

“We’ll get through this,” he said, his voice a steady anchor amidst the sea of emotions.

“I know,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

With a deep breath, I tried to steady myself, but the fear continued to grip me. What if this time was different? What if I couldn’t overcome this? Michael’s hand squeezed again, his fingers laced tightly with mine. His eyes bore into me, a look of protectiveness so fierce it made me tear up. He would do whatever he could to protect me and our babies.

With a deep breath, I wiped away the last of my tears, determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Dr. Adams entered the room, offering a friendly smile that offered a bit of warmth and light in the sterile environment.

I tried to return the gesture, but it fell flat.

“We need to discuss your options,” she said, her tone gentle but direct.

I nodded, steeling myself for the news that could change our lives forever.

The doctor’s words echoed in my mind as I sat in the cold, sterile room, my heart heavy with worry. “Shelby, your b***d pressure is reaching a dangerous level. We need to take immediate action to protect you and the babies. I’m putting you on mandatory bed rest.”

Mandatory bed rest. The words reverberated through my mind, and a mix of emotions washed over me. On one hand, I was upset and frustrated.

I had taken on another consulting case, attempting to distract myself from the chaos that had consumed our lives. Now, I was forced to put it on hold, stepping away from the work that had become my escape. But on the other hand, I knew that this was necessary. The health and well-being of our unborn children were at stake, and I had to prioritize their safety above all else.

It really wasn’t a debate at all. They were more important. I still wanted a career but right now, I knew I had to prioritize my health for the sake of my children. I would do whatever I had to do to protect them and give them a fighting chance. I only wished I would’ve listened to Michael when he suggested it before–before it came to this.

I listened to the rest of Dr. Adams’ advice, and then we left the office, Michael helping me back to the car.

On the way, reluctantly, I sent a message to the lawyer I’d met in Mexico, explaining the situation and assuring her that I would be back once I was able. It was difficult to accept this sudden halt to my professional endeavors, but deep down, I knew it was the right decision. My focus needed to shift entirely to the precious lives growing within me.

When we arrived home, my heart was still heavy, I didn’t know what to do with myself. Michael’s arms enveloped me in a warm embrace, offering the support I desperately needed.

“I’m sorry, Shelby,” Michael whispered, his voice filled with genuine remorse. “I’m sorry that you have to go through this, that we have to put everything on hold. But I promise you, I will do everything in my power to make sure our children have the best chance at life.”

We retreated to our bedroom, a sanctuary filled with soft blankets and gentle whispers. Michael laid beside me, his presence soothing and reassuring. He knew just how to distract me from the worries that threatened to consume my thoughts.

Together, we started on a journey through movie after movie, losing ourselves in the stories unfolding on the screen. As the hours passed, my body began to ache from the prolonged periods of lying down. I shifted uncomfortably, feeling restless in my own skin. Michael noticed my discomfort and placed a gentle hand on my back, massaging the tense muscles.

“You should sleep,” he whispered, his voice a comforting lullaby. “Rest is the best thing for you and the babies right now.”

I nodded, feeling exhaustion wash over me like a tidal wave. My body craved rest, and I knew that I needed to give in to it.

“I’m sorry,” I murmured, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between us. “I’m sorry that we haven’t been intimate, that this situation has put a strain on our physical connection.”

Michael’s eyes met mine, and a gentle smile graced his lips. “Shelby, please don’t apologize. Our love goes far beyond physical intimacy. I’m just happy to be here with you, to support you and share these precious moments together. Our connection is deeper than any physical act. We will have our time when the moment is right.”

His words touched the depths of my soul, reminding me once again of the unwavering bond we shared. It wasn’t just about the physical aspects. It was about the love, commitment, and unity we had built together.

And as I closed my eyes, feeling the gentle rise and fall of my belly, I let the gentle movements of Michael’s hands running lightly over my back soothe me to sleep.