THE BILLIONAIRE'S SURROGATE BABY

Chapter 10

                      PHOENIX

I was lost in my thoughts, consumed by the weight of Mrs. Dante's ultimatum. How on earth was I going to retrieve the jewelry? Darcy had probably already sold it by now. Panic coursed through me—I couldn't afford to go to jail, and I definitely couldn't risk losing my payments.

If Rome found out about my past, he'd be furious. The thought of him discovering that the person carrying his baby was a thief filled me with dread. My life had been finally looking up, and now this.

"Phoenix," Rome's voice snapped me out of my reverie, and I looked up to find him staring at me with annoyance.

"He was asking if you eat fruits more often," Rome explained.

"Yeah, I do," I replied, attempting to appear as normal as possible.

"Good, the baby is very healthy," the doctor reassured, prompting Rome to sigh in relief.

"Yeah, I have a question," Rome interjected, redirecting the doctor's attention.

"Is it healthy for the baby to have ice cream all the time?" he asked, and I couldn't help but inwardly groan—I had suspected as much.

"Most women crave ice cream during pregnancy, and it's perfectly healthy in moderation. However, too much can be harmful due to the sugar content," the doctor explained, causing Rome to glance at me.

"What?" I feigned innocence.

"She eats a lot of ice cream," Rome revealed, earning a smile from the doctor.

"The baby wants it, not me!" I protested.

"Ah, pregnancy cravings can be quite powerful and difficult to resist," the doctor empathized.

"So, the baby really wants it?" Rome asked, seeking confirmation.

"Yes," Dr. Phil affirmed. Rome looked at me and then back at the doctor.

"I thought she was just deceiving me," he admitted, his expression a mix of surprise and amusement.

  Rome's admission about his suspicion lightened the tense air between us. It was a small relief in the midst of my turmoil. But as we left the doctor's office, I couldn't shake the weight of Mrs. Dante's ultimatum.

The drive home was silent, each of us lost in our own thoughts. When we arrived, Rome turned to me with a serious expression.

"Phoenix, we need to talk," he said, his voice grave.

My heart pounded in my chest. What if his mom told him about it already? Was this it? Was he going to confront me about the stolen jewelry?

"I know things between us haven't been easy," he began, and I felt a surge of guilt.

"But I want to make it clear that I'm committed to supporting you through this pregnancy, no matter what, And I know you are matured enough to be careful in anything you are doing because you don't really act matured though.."

Relief flooded through me, but it was quickly replaced by a fresh wave of anxiety. I knew in any good that he is saying he must say something bad.

"I appreciate that, Rome," I replied, forcing a smile. "And I want you to know that I'm grateful for everything you've done for me even though you are proud, I will try my best to keep up with you"

He nodded, his expression softening momentarily before hardening again.

"You're going to be difficult to deal with," he grumbled before stepping out of the car. As he walked around to open the door for me, I couldn't help but laugh at my own childishness.