The Russian Billionaire's Secret Heir

Chapter 9

When they arrived at Iris's mansion, she welcomed her team inside, offering them a snack as they shared laughs and stories about the day's shoot.

Thirty minutes later, as the energy began to settle, her colleagues said their goodbyes and headed home, leaving only Claire behind.

Once the last of her companions left, Claire quickly gathered her things. Iris instructed her driver to take Claire to pick up the pregnancy test, knowing time was of the essence. With Claire on her way, Iris headed up to her room, her mind swirling with thoughts.

After a quick bath, she stood in front of the mirror, her thoughts racing and her heart pounding in her chest. She felt a mix of anxiety and curiosity as she bent down, looking at her flat stomach. Placing her hand gently on it, she whispered to herself, "Is there really a human being growing inside me now?"

The question lingered in the air, heavy with possibility. She felt a surge of emotions—fear, excitement, and uncertainty. The idea of motherhood was both daunting and thrilling, and the gravity of her situation began to sink in.

Iris took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. Whatever the outcome, she knew she needed to be ready for the changes that might come.

While waiting for Claire to return, Iris opened her Instagram, and a wave of notifications flooded her screen. Millions of likes, comments, and shares celebrated her latest work and the excitement for the upcoming runway comeback.

As she scrolled through the heartfelt messages and congratulations, a wide smile spread across her face.

For a moment, the overwhelming support from her fans and the fashion community distracted her from her earlier worries. She felt a rush of gratitude, basking in the love and encouragement that surrounded her.

Each comment reminded her of the passion she had for her career and the joy it brought her.

Iris paused to read a few messages: "Can't wait to see you shine on the runway!" and "You're an inspiration, Iris!" The positivity filled her with warmth, helping to ease the tension coiled in her chest.

Just then, she heard a knock at her door. Claire was back, and with her, Iris knew she'd have some answers. She took a deep breath, ready to face whatever awaited her, but for now, she allowed herself to revel in the joy of her success.

Iris opened the door to her expansive room, welcoming Claire inside. Claire's expression was a mix of concern and support as she handed Iris a small bag filled with pregnancy tests. The weight of the moment hung in the air, and Iris could feel her heart racing.

"Here you go," Claire said softly, her voice reassuring. "Just take your time."

Iris nodded, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts as she stepped into the bathroom. Closing the door behind her, she took a deep breath to steady herself. She set the tests on the counter, their presence both intimidating and oddly comforting.

As she prepared to take the tests, she felt a surge of anxiety. What if the results changed everything? She shook off the thoughts and focused on the task at hand. She needed to know.

With each passing moment, the anticipation grew. Outside the bathroom door, Claire waited, offering silent support, her heart just as heavy with worry for her boss... her friend. Iris took a deep breath, reminding herself that no matter the outcome, she had people who cared about her and would stand by her side.

A few minutes later, Iris placed all eight pregnancy tests on the edge of the large sink and stood up, leaving behind the toilet where she had waited anxiously. She took a deep breath, her heart racing as she prepared to see the results.

As she slowly glanced at the lined tests, her breath caught in her throat. Only one test displayed a clear positive result, the lines unmistakable and vivid. Iris's eyes widened in disbelief as the weight of the moment sank in—she is pregnant.

In shock, she instinctively held her stomach, feeling the reality of her suspicion wash over her. This was true; the thoughts she had pushed aside were now undeniable.

The memory of that night in Spain flooded back, vivid and intense. He was the only man she had been with, and the realization hit her like a wave.

Her mind raced as emotions swirled within her—excitement, fear, and a hint of joy intertwined. What did this mean for her future? For her career? She stood there, grappling with the profound change that lay ahead, knowing that everything was about to shift in ways she had yet to fully comprehend.