Billionaire's Hidden Desire**

Chapter 21: A Fragile Balance

The penthouse had taken on an air of uneasy tranquility as Ivy’s sixth month of pregnancy progressed. The relentless morning sickness had not abated, and despite trying various remedies, nothing seemed to provide lasting relief. Ivy’s health was fragile, and Lucien was increasingly concerned about the mounting stress and strain on her.

Lucien sat at his desk, his eyes scanning over a stack of reports and travel itineraries. He had a critical business trip planned to oversee an international project that could significantly impact his company’s future. However, with Ivy’s condition worsening, he was torn between his professional responsibilities and his need to be with her.

He glanced over at Ivy, who was resting on the couch, her face pale and her eyes heavy with exhaustion. Despite her efforts to maintain a semblance of normalcy, the stress and dehydration were taking a visible toll.

“Ivy,” Lucien said softly, approaching her with a concerned expression. “I know this trip is important, but I’m worried about leaving you alone. How are you feeling today?”

Ivy managed a weak smile, though it did little to hide the strain on her face. “I’m managing. Just trying to stay hydrated and rest as much as I can.”

Lucien’s brow furrowed with worry. “I’m scheduled to leave for the trip tomorrow. I need to figure out what to do about this. I want to be there for you, but I also can’t afford to delay this project.”

Before Ivy could respond, her phone buzzed with a notification. She glanced at it, her expression shifting to one of frustration. “It’s Alessandra. She’s still making trouble, and now she’s hinting at more ‘revelations’ about our personal lives.”

Lucien’s jaw tightened at the mention of Alessandra. “She’s relentless. I’ll have to handle it, but it’s another stressor we don’t need right now.”

As the day wore on, Ivy’s condition worsened. She struggled with increasing dizziness and fatigue, her nausea relentless despite her best efforts to manage it. The combination of stress and dehydration made it difficult for her to keep food and fluids down, and Lucien’s concern grew with each passing hour.

That evening, as Lucien prepared for his trip, he noticed Ivy’s condition deteriorating. She had been lying on the couch, her breathing shallow and labored. Despite her insistence that she was fine, it was clear that she needed medical attention.

“Hold on, Ivy,” Lucien said urgently, his heart pounding. “I’m calling the doctor.”

Before he could make the call, Ivy suddenly swayed and collapsed on the couch. Lucien’s heart raced as he rushed to her side, his hands shaking as he checked her pulse and checked her breathing.

“Ivy! Ivy, can you hear me?” he asked desperately.

She remained unconscious, her skin cold and clammy. Lucien quickly dialed for an ambulance, his voice trembling as he explained the situation. Within minutes, paramedics arrived and carefully attended to Ivy, stabilizing her and preparing her for transport to the hospital.

Lucien’s mind was a whirlwind of panic and frustration as he followed the ambulance to the hospital. The trip seemed interminable, each red light and traffic delay feeling like an eternity. He could hardly breathe, his thoughts consumed with worry for Ivy and their unborn child.

At the hospital, Lucien paced the waiting room, his anxiety palpable. The doctors and nurses worked to stabilize Ivy, and he was left to wait, his mind racing with questions and fears. He tried to focus on the immediate situation, pushing aside the stress of his impending trip and the ongoing trouble with Alessandra.

After what felt like hours, a doctor finally approached, his expression serious but reassuring. “Mr. Blackwood, Ivy is stable now. She was dehydrated and exhausted, but we’ve given her fluids and monitored her closely. She should be okay, but we need to keep her under observation for a little longer.”

Lucien let out a relieved breath, his shoulders slumping with the weight of his anxiety. “Thank you. I’m so worried about her. Is there anything I can do to help?”

The doctor nodded. “Make sure she rests and stays hydrated. Stress is a major factor in her condition, so try to minimize any additional stressors. We’ll continue to monitor her, but your support will be crucial for her recovery.”

As Lucien entered Ivy’s hospital room, he found her lying in bed, looking pale but more stable. Her eyes met his with a mixture of gratitude and weariness.

“I’m sorry, Lucien,” she whispered weakly. “I didn’t mean to cause so much trouble.”

Lucien took her hand gently, his eyes filled with both relief and guilt. “You don’t need to apologize. This is my fault, not yours. I should have taken more time to ensure you were okay before leaving for this trip.”

Ivy shook her head slightly. “No, it’s not just that. It’s everything—the stress, Alessandra, the media... It’s been too much.”

Lucien’s heart ached as he looked at her. “I know. We’ll handle it together. I’ll cancel the trip, and we’ll focus on getting you well. I want to be here for you.”

As they sat together in the hospital room, the weight of the past few weeks felt momentarily lighter. Lucien’s phone buzzed with messages and calls, but he ignored them, choosing instead to focus on Ivy.

Despite the challenges ahead, Lucien was resolute. He knew that their situation was far from resolved, but he was determined to be by Ivy’s side and support her through every difficulty. With Alessandra still causing trouble and the demands of his career looming, their path would not be easy, but for now, their priority was clear: Ivy’s health and their shared future.