Beneath the Surface

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For the next two weeks, everything continued as though nothing had happened. Sebastian slipped back into his daily routine, immersing himself in his work and fulfilling his obligations as a successful businessman. His schedule was packed with meetings, business dinners, and lavish gatherings, each event more opulent than the last. He and Victoria attended these functions together, the perfect power couple—he in his tailored suits, she in her designer dresses, both exuding wealth and sophistication.

At these events, the grandeur was evident. Expensive chandeliers bathed the rooms in a golden glow, while crystal glasses clinked with the finest champagne. The guests, a mix of business elites and celebrities, dined on gourmet delicacies served on silver platters. Conversations were filled with talks of investments, luxury vacations, and exclusive opportunities. The world they moved in was one of excess, where every detail, from the floral arrangements to the music, was meticulously curated to exude wealth and status.

Despite the public displays of affection between Sebastian and Victoria, Mailee couldn't help but feel a pang of something unfamiliar—jealousy. Every time she saw Sebastian's gentle touches or the way he looked at Victoria with such tenderness, it twisted something inside her. She found herself longing for the kind of love they shared, even though she knew it was foolish. Was it jealousy? Or were her hormones playing tricks on her? Either way, the feelings were there, gnawing at her.

Meanwhile, Sebastian continued his usual care and concern for Mailee. He made sure she was comfortable, often asking the staff to prepare her favourite meals or ensure she had everything she needed. Victoria, despite her busy schedule, would occasionally check in on her as well, always focused on the progress of their baby. But even these interactions felt different to Mailee now, tinged with an undercurrent of something she couldn't quite place.

At 12 weeks, they attended another scan together. The doctor performed the ultrasound, and as the image of the baby appeared on the screen, the room filled with a sense of awe.

"Look at that," the doctor said with a smile. "It seems you're likely having a boy."

Victoria beamed with joy, squeezing Sebastian's hand. "A boy! Oh, this is wonderful news!"Sebastian's face softened, his usual stoic expression giving way to genuine happiness. "That's incredible."

As they watched the screen, the doctor continued, "Your baby is growing well, which is a good sign. However, Mailee, given your petite frame, we'll need to keep a close eye on things. This might mean a more intense delivery, but nothing we can't handle."

Mailee nodded, though the doctor's words filled her with unease. She was starting to worry about the delivery—how intense it might be, especially since she was still physically intact.

Sensing her anxiety, Sebastian glanced at Mailee while still holding Victoria close. Their eyes met, and in that brief moment, Mailee saw something in his gaze that made her heart race. She quickly looked away, trying to push down the confusing emotions swirling inside her.

Victoria, blissfully unaware of the silent exchange, was already making plans. "Dear, this is such good news! I'm going to celebrate the first trimester with the gals!" She turned to Sebastian, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

Sebastian smiled and kissed her forehead. "You go have fun."

"I want to go for a week, I'm so tired... dear please, please, please. I'm sure everything will be good and alright since we have you, the father rooster, looking over everything," she teased, rubbing Mailee's baby bump absentmindedly as though Mailee wasn't even there.

The casual dismissal stung Mailee. She had never felt more like a vessel, a tool to be used for someone else's happiness. As Victoria and Sebastian's sweet exchange continued, Mailee couldn't help but feel a growing sense of hurt. But little did Victoria or Mailee know, something much deeper was brewing beneath the surface.

As Victoria prepared to leave for her week of celebration, Sebastian stayed behind to discuss the upcoming delivery with the doctor. He wanted to ensure that Mailee would be as comfortable as possible during the birth, aware of the potential complications due to her petite size and the baby's regular growth.

"Doctor, what can we do to make the delivery smoother for Mailee?" Sebastian asked, his voice low but firm.

The doctor considered this before responding, "There are a few options we could explore. First, we could implement a controlled exercise and stretching regimen designed specifically for Mailee. This would help to increase her flexibility and prepare her body for the demands of childbirth. I suggest yoga sessions tailored to her needs."

"That sounds reasonable," Sebastian agreed. "We'll have a professional come in daily to guide her."

"Second," the doctor continued, "we could look into prenatal massages and relaxation techniques. Reducing stress and ensuring that Mailee is as relaxed as possible will be crucial. Stress can complicate labour, especially with a first-time pregnancy of this nature."

"Regular massage therapist," Sebastian said, making a mental note. "Anything to keep her comfortable."

"Lastly," the doctor said, "we could consider the option of early induction, but only if necessary. Given Mailee's Asian size and the baby's growth rate, it might be safer to induce labour a bit early to avoid any complications that could arise from having a regular baby boy."

Sebastian nodded thoughtfully. "We'll keep that as a last resort, but it's good to have the option. I want to do everything possible to make sure Mailee and the baby are safe."

The doctor smiled, reassured by Sebastian's dedication. "With these preparations, Mailee should have a much smoother delivery."

As the doctor discussed the options for making Mailee's delivery smoother, Sebastian felt an undeniable pull toward her. The way her body was changing, the release of motherly hormones—it all had an unexpected effect on him. Even her scent had become more enticing, a subtle fragrance that stirred something deep within him.

Sebastian's mind already racing with ideas. "I'll make arrangements for some stretching and massages to prepare her body for the delivery and arrange something for her, perhaps even this evening."

As the conversation wrapped up, Sebastian couldn't shake the strange mix of emotions swirling inside him. His concern for Mailee was genuine, but there was something else—something far more complicated. He stole a glance at her from the corner of his eye, watching as she shifted uncomfortably in her chair. There was no denying it: he was attracted to her in a way he hadn't anticipated, drawn in by her nurturing presence and the changes her body was undergoing.

 All of these were definitely, something deeper than just concern for the baby she was carrying.

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