Page 54 of Flawed

There's no way to answer him. I start crying, scared I'm about to lose the baby. I'm only six months pregnant. This is too soon to be in labor. Is this what it feels like?

"Chanel, please tell me what's happening," Massimo begs.

"I'm six months pregnant and think I'm going into labor!" I choke out.

He glances at my body then back at my face. "What do you mean you're six months pregnant?"

"I... Oh God! Oh, oh, it hurts. Oh... I... Oh..." I start sobbing.

He tugs me into his chest. "It's okay. Don't worry. Everything will be okay. We're going to get you to the hospital."

"You'll miss your flight," I point out.

He looks at me like I'm crazy. "Don't worry about it. Come on. Let's get you out of here." He picks me up, carries me down the stairs, then puts me in his SUV.

"Hospital. Now," he directs his driver then shuts the privacy glass.

Cold sweats rotate with rushes of heat across my skin. Massimo rubs my back. "Do you want me to call your father?"

Panic hits me. "No! Please don't call my father. He doesn't know."

Massimo's eyes widen. "But if you're six months pregnant, why doesn't he know?"

Another wave of contractions hits me. I ignore his question and cry out, "It's too soon. It's way too soon."

Massimo squeezes my hand. "Okay, stay calm. I think you're supposed to breathe or something."

That feels impossible and makes my fear accelerate. I sob harder.

He continues trying to calm me down. He offers me water, but I can barely take it.

The ride becomes a blur. His driver races through traffic, weaving in and out of lanes on the expressway. He finally veers off the exit and pulls up in front of the emergency room.

Massimo helps me inside, and we go through all the protocols. I get escorted to a room, and they have me change into a hospital gown.

Massimo reenters the room, frowning. "Chanel, is there anyone you want me to call? Maybe the father?"

More guilt sears through me. "No, please! Nobody can know yet!"

"The father doesn't know?" he questions.

I squeeze my eyes shut, begging again, "Please don't tell anyone!"

He puts his hand out. "All right. I won't say anything. But I'm staying with you."

I don't want him to leave, but I know this isn't his problem. I reply, "I'm sorry. You can go. I know you have important things to do."

"Chanel, don't be ridiculous," he chides as the doctor enters the room.

"I'm Dr. Keelee. We're going to have to do a full examination. Are you the father?" he asks Massimo.

"No," I answer.

Massimo steps closer to me. "I'm her boss and a family friend."

The doctor looks at me. "Do you want him to stay in the room while I examine you?"

I shake my head. That would be way too weird. "No."

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