Page 111 of Mafia King's Forbidden Obsession

I roll my eyes before shooting her a pointed look. “Shut up and eat, Harper.”

We quickly finish our breakfast in silence before heading out. With the hospital just a few blocks away, Harper is pulling into the parking lot within the next few minutes.

We immediately part ways once we walk through the hospital doors. The familiar smell of antiseptic is both comforting and unsettling.

For some weird reason, I don’t feel nauseous because of the smell.

Walking down the hallways, I’m surrounded by the steady hum of the fluorescent lights, the murmur of voices, the sight of doctors, nurses and patients. I find myself standing in front of my supervisor, Dr. Well’s office. My heart pounds as I stare at his nameplate on the door, inhaling deeply before knocking.

“Come in,” I hear him say from inside.

I twist the door handle and step into my supervisor's office. He’s bent over his desk, working on a stack of papers with a frown on his face. When he glances up and sees me, his eyes widen in surprise. “Raven, good to see you again. How’s your uncle?”

I force a smile. “Much better, sir, thank you,” I steady my voice as best as I can.

“Good to hear. I heard it was so serious that an order was issued from above to vet your leave of absence.” His expression softens.

An order from above? This is definitely Ezra. I make a mental note to ask him about it as I smile back at Dr. Well, feeling lighter.

“You sure you’re ready to dive back in?” he asks, when I don’t respond.

“Definitely,” I reply, with a small smile.

He nods, his gaze assessing. “Awesome. Welcome back. Your colleagues will bring you up to speed.”

“Of course, sir.” I nod and step out of the office, relief washing over me.

I quickly head upstairs to the locker room to change into my scrubs. Examining my reflection in the locker’s mirror, I can’t help but laugh. It’s been weeks since I’ve seen myself in scrubs, and thankfully, it hides my slight bump.

The morning drags into the afternoon, occupied with consultations and attending to patients and small talks with other residents. It’s like I never left.

By the time lunch rolls around, I head to the cafeteria to meet Harper. She’s sitting at a table, already digging into her sandwich, while the other sandwich sits across from her. She lights up instantly and waves at me when she spots me.

The familiar feeling of guilt gnaws at my chest as I approach her. Maybe it’s time to confess about my pregnancy. The irrational fear of being judged, plus the absolute absurdity of suddenly popping out from a kidnap with a pregnancy, made me keep it from her. But not anymore. I’m ready. Harper wouldn’t judge me…

“Hey,” I greet her with a smile as I settle into the chair opposite her. “How was your day?” I unwrap my sandwich.

But what if she does judge me? What if she isn’t comfortable with her best friend carrying the child of a mafia don?

She starts to rant about her day as the tension builds inside my chest until it becomes too heavy. Suddenly, I blurt silently, “I’m pregnant, Harper. Two months.”

I don’t know what I expect to see on her face, but it’s not the instant softening of her eyes and the small smile on her face. “Finally,” she breathes.

“Uh?” I stare at her, confused.

She shakes her head before dropping her sandwich. “I know, Raven. You look fleshy, and you’re kind of bloated, but not in abad way. I notice how you avoid wearing your usual crop tops around the house, which is unlike you.”

I watch her smile widen, and I instinctively raise a hand to scratch the back of my neck, embarrassment coating my cheeks. She’s known all this time?

“Not to mention the slight wrinkle of your nose when I’m frying eggs. I know you, Raven. You love eggs.”

So much for trying to hide it.

“But why didn’t you say anything?”

“You were grappling with leaving a man you clearly love. I didn’t want to bug you about a baby you’re probably even confused about.” Her smile drops and slowly, her hand finds mine on the table. “I wanted you to tell me in your own time.”

Tears burn my eyes as she brushes the back of my palm with her thumb. “I’m sorry, Harper. I just th–”

---