20
Bastian
That weekend, I made my way over to Dahlia’s apartment. Kaida had been on my mind constantly since the night at the restaurant. There was something about her that I couldn’t shake-her strength, her quiet resilience, the way she carried herself despite everything she had been through.
As I arrived at the apartment and knocked on the door, I wasn’t expecting to find her packing a small travel bag.
“Going somewhere?” I asked, leaning against the doorframe, trying to keep my curiosity in
check.
Kaida turned, surprised to see me. “I didn’t think you’d be here,” she said, her voice soft but
not unkind.
“I wanted to check on you,” I replied, stepping into the room. “But it looks like you’ve got other plans.”
She hesitated for a moment, then sighed. “I’m heading to Silverclaw Ridge for a medical checkup,” she admitted. “It’s… something I’ve been doing quietly since I found out I was pregnant.”
I frowned. “Silverclaw Ridge? You’re going back there?” I didn’t like the sound of it, not one bit. Kaelen’s territory was dangerous for her now, whether she realized it or not. “Isn’t that a little risky?”
Kaida shook her head, her expression distant. “It’s a private matter. I see Doctor Cooper there. He’s the one who’s been helping me manage my condition.” She paused for a moment, then added, “I have PCOS. Polycystic ovary syndrome. It made getting pregnant nearly impossible, so this pregnancy… it’s a miracle in more ways than one.”
I hadn’t known about that. It hit me hard, realizing just how much Kaida had been through before this. I could see the vulnerability in her eyes, even though she was trying to keep it
hidden.
“Does anyone else know you’re going?” I asked, already knowing the answer.
“No. I don’t want anyone to know,” she admitted. “It’s safer that way.”
“Safer for who?” I shot back, my tone sharper than I intended. “Kaida, you’re pregnant and traveling into enemy territory. If Kaelen finds out-”
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*25 Points
“He won’t,” she interrupted, her voice firm. “I’m careful. I’ve done this before, and I’ll do it again.”
I stared at her for a moment, my mind racing. I couldn’t let her go back to Silverclaw Ridge alone. It was too dangerous, even if she thought she had everything under control.
“Then I’m coming with you,” I said, my decision made.
Her eyes widened slightly. “What? No, Bastian, this is something I’ve been handling on my
own.’
“Not anymore,” I replied. “You’re not handling this alone, not while I’m here. I’ll drive you to Silverclaw Ridge, and we’ll make sure you get there and back safely. No one will know.”
Kaida seemed conflicted, but eventually, she nodded. “Alright,” she agreed quietly. “But this stays between us.”
“Of course,” I assured her.
The short journey to Silverclaw Ridge was quiet, both of us lost in our own thoughts. I could feel the tension radiating from Kaida, the unease of returning to a place she clearly wanted to leave behind. As we approached the hospital, I made sure to park far enough away that no one would recognize my car.
We entered the hospital under the radar, avoiding any unnecessary attention. Doctor Cooper, a seasoned man with silver hair and kind eyes, greeted Kaida warmly as we arrived.
“Kaida, it’s good to see you,” he said, ushering us into his office. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m doing okay,” Kaida replied, sitting down. “No complications so far.”
Doctor Cooper nodded, glancing at me briefly before focusing on Kaida. “That’s good to hear. Let’s check on those babies, shall we?”
I stood off to the side, arms crossed as I watched the doctor perform the ultrasound. The screen lit up with the faint, flickering images of the twins, their tiny forms swimming in the amniotic fluid. Kaida stared at the screen, her expression softening as she took in the sight of her unborn children.
“They’re healthy,” Doctor Cooper said with a smile. “Everything looks stable, Kaida. You’re doing well, and the babies are growing just as they should be.”
Relief washed over Kaida, and I could see the tension leave her shoulders. But as much as I was glad for the good news, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this trip was a mistake.
When Doctor Cooper finished his checkup, I pulled him aside as Kaida gathered her things.
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“Listen,” I said quietly. “I don’t want her coming back here. It’s too dangerous.”
+25 Points
Doctor Cooper frowned. “I understand your concern, but Kaida’s been under my care for a while now. She trusts me.”
“I’m not questioning your ability,” I replied. “But I think it’s safer if you come to Crestwood for her future appointments. I’ll make sure everything is arranged. She can’t keep traveling here”
Doctor Cooper seemed to consider it for a moment before nodding. “If that’s what you want, I can make it happen. I’ll have to rearrange some things, but I’ll make sure Kaida and the
babies are taken care of.”
“Good,” I said, satisfied. “I’ll cover any expenses.”
As we left the hospital, Kaida looked at me, her eyes narrowing. “What did you say to him?”
“I told him that from now on, he’ll come to Crestwood for your checkups,” I said plainly. “You
can’t keep coming back here, Kaida. It’s too risky.”
She stopped in her tracks, turning to face me. “And who gave you the right to decide that?”
I met her gaze evenly. “I did.”
Kaida stared at me, frustration flashing in her eyes. “This is my life, Bastian. My pregnancy. I
decide what’s best for me.”
“And I’m telling you that what’s best for you is to stay as far away from Silverclaw Ridge as possible,” I replied, my voice firm. “Kaida, you’re not just some woman trying to hide from her ex. You’re carrying Kaelen’s children. Do you think he’ll just let you walk away if he finds out?”
She looked away, her jaw tightening. “I don’t need anyone to protect me,” she said quietly.
I stepped closer, lowering my voice. “Maybe not. But I’m here anyway. And whether you like it or not, Kaida, you and those babies are my responsibility now.”
She looked back at me, her expression softening just a fraction. “Why?”
“Because,” I said, my voice barely a whisper. “You deserve better than what Kaelen gave you. And I’m not going to let you go through this alone.”
Kaida didn’t say anything, but I could see the conflict in her eyes. She didn’t want to rely on anyone, least of all me, but she was also smart enough to know that I wasn’t wrong. Silverclaw Ridge wasn’t safe for her anymore, and deep down, she knew it.
As we got back into the car and drove away from the hospital, I could feel the tension between us slowly easing. Kaida leaned her head against the window, watching the passing
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landscape with a thoughtful expression.
+25 Points
And for the first time in years, I felt like I was in control again. Kaelen might have taken everything from me once, but now I had something he wanted, something that gave me the power to strike back.
And this time, I wouldn’t lose.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
