CEO Forever Love Novel

Chapter 31 Nathan didn't say a word at first . 48 65 vouchers He just stood there , staring at me , his gaze locked on the small white stick still clutched in my hand . The silence pressed in until it almost rattled my bones . Finally , he turned away . Without speaking , he crossed the room , opened the closet doors , and changed into his night clothes . The soft rustle of fabric was the only thing breaking the stillness , yet somehow it made the air feel heavier . I sat rigid on the edge of the bed , the test trembling in my fingers , my pulse so loud it drowned out thought .

When Nathan returned , his eyes found mine again . " You knew . " His voice was calm . " You suspected . Why wait this long to tell me ? " The words landed sharp , each one pricking at my skin . There wasn't an answer I could give him that didn't sound like weakness . That I'd been afraid . That I'd wanted to hold the knowledge close , just for myself , before it becomes too real to deny . So I remained silent , my lips pressed together , I had no answers to give him . He studied me for a long moment .

When he realized I didn't plan on saying a word , he reached over and switched off the light . " Tomorrow . We'll confirm it with the doctor . " The next morning , we drove to the hospital . Nathan's eyes lingered on me the entire ride . I turned my face to the glass , watching the blur of the city , pretending not to feel the weight of his stare . Inside , everything was seamless . We were ushered through white corridors into a private room where a doctor already waited . Nathan's hand stayed at my back the whole time , guiding me , even when he didn't speak .

Blood was drawn , the needle sliding into my arm with a sharp sting that made me wince . The questions followed . The doctor asked about the date of my last period , the shifts in my energy , and about the nausea that had crept into my mornings . Examinations done. When the results came back , the words were simple . " Congratulations . You are pregnant . " The doctor went on , listing what I needed to do , what to avoid , when to return . Nathan absorbed the instructions with a calm intensity , his attention fixed on the doctor . Afterward , he pulled the doctor aside for a private word .

By the time we left , arrangements had already been made for the next appointment . Back at the house , I knew I couldn't hide it anymore . That night , when Nathan leaned in close , I blurted , " Your perfume ... " My nose wrinkled before I could stop it . " I can't ... I just can't stand it . " His brows shot up . For a heartbeat , I thought I'd gone too far . But then , to my shock , he chuckled . " So that's why you've been avoiding me every morning ? " Heat rushed into my face . " I wasn't ... " " Aries . " His smirk deepened .

" You've been vanishing the second I step out of the shower . I thought it was something else . " 18:32 Fri , Nov 7 MG Chapter 31 I groaned , covering my face with both hands . " It's the cologne . It makes me gag . " " Fine , " he said , amused . " I'll throw them out . Every bottle . " " You don't have to . " 66 vouchers " They're gone . " He didn't leave room for argument . And just like that , one of the most powerful men I knew surrendered his signature scent because my stomach said no . And then came the cravings .

Nathan caught me one afternoon sitting cross - legged on the couch , dipping bread into ketchup like it was some gourmet sauce . The plate wasn't small either . He stopped dead , staring . " Aries . What the hell are you eating ? " I froze , cheeks heating . " Don't judge me . " " I'm not judging , " he said slowly . " I'm just trying to understand if this is safe for you ... or if I should be worried you'll eat me next . " I threw a pillow at him . He caught it with ridiculous ease , laughing in a way that warmed my heart . After that , he started indulging me .

Making sure the things that suddenly repelled me were gone from the house . Jars of pickles appeared in the fridge . Odd snacks on the counter . Stocking the pantry with the strangest combinations I craved . Three different brands of chips set on the kitchen island one night with his dry voice saying , " So you don't drag me to the store at midnight . " I laughed until my stomach hurt . But there were harder moments too . Falling asleep without warning at the desk . Waking up groggy and late , sometimes with Nathan finding me drooling awkwardly on the couch . He never mocked me .

He didn't complain either . If anything , he would always pull a blanket over me , brushing stray hair from my cheek when he thought I wasn't awake . It wasn't the grand gestures , it was consistency . Presence . And I found myself grateful for it in a way that was hard to admit . For all the doubt inside me , Nathan made the beginning of this pregnancy easier . Softer . And no matter how complicated the deal between us was , I couldn't ignore that he was making sure I wasn't going through it alone .

One night after dinner , I was lying on the sofa , chatting idly with Jay about school deadlines and how Mom was doing . Nathan sat across from me , scrolling through his phone as well . " You're pregnant . " I nodded , my heart racing . " Which means it's time we revisit the deal . " His voice was calm , but the weight of it hit like a stone sinking into water . I swallowed . " Revisit ... how ? " He tilted his head slightly , his eyes sharp . " You've given me what I wanted . Now tell me , Aries ... what do you want in return ?

" The question landed heavy , one I'd known was coming but never prepared to answer , My fingers tightened around my phone . My lips parted . 18:32 Fri , Nov 7 G Chapter 31 M And all I could think was ... I don't want this to be a deal anymore . Austen