Married to the Wrong CEO

Chapter 79: Baby Bump

There were two nurses and a nutritionist who moved into the estate within days of Dante’s departure. Dora was relieved by their constant presence, even if she found herself growing a little irritated at how often the nurses emphasized exercise and its importance. Gentle stretching in the mornings, short walks in the garden, breathing routines—everything came with reminders about circulation, stamina, and long-term health. Dora followed their instructions, mostly, though she occasionally rolled her eyes the moment their backs were turned.

Despite the added supervision, her life didn’t come to a complete halt. She still went to the hospital to visit her stepmother and the rest of her family. This time, however, there was no lingering tension hanging in the air like during their last argument. Conversations flowed easily, smiles came naturally, and for once Dora didn’t feel like she was walking on fragile glass around them. It was comforting, grounding in a way she hadn’t realized she needed.

Even Elder Bellini invited her over to his mansion more than once. The old man seemed livelier than ever, and Dora quickly realized why—he wouldn’t stop talking about children. Every conversation somehow circled back to babies, grandchildren, names, and traditions. It was painfully obvious that he was desperately waiting, counting days even if he didn’t know exactly what he was waiting for.

Still, his company was pleasant. He was sharp, witty, and surprisingly playful. On one visit, he insisted they play board games together, and Dora found herself laughing far more than she expected. He even sat with her the entire time, refusing to let the servants interrupt them unless absolutely necessary.

Dora didn’t tell him she was pregnant. Dante didn’t see the reason to do so, and she respected that decision, even if it made things harder. In fact, it only caused Elder Bellini to hound her even more than usual, especially after Dante’s sudden departure overseas.

"I know, I know," Dora said with a practiced smile when he brought it up yet again. "Once Dante returns, we’ll figure it out."

The older man nodded slowly, clearly unsatisfied, and Dora knew with exasperation that he would bring it up again the very next day, as if the conversation had never happened.

A few weeks passed faster than Dora expected. Time slipped by quietly, marked by scheduled meals, doctor check-ins, and walks through the estate’s sprawling grounds. She often found herself touching her stomach absentmindedly, relieved every time she noticed it was still flat. There was something reassuring about that—about the secret still being invisible to the world.

It had been three weeks since she last saw Dante.

One evening, Dora sat on her bed, her back against the headboard, her phone resting loosely in her hand. The room was quiet, the curtains fluttering slightly as the breeze slipped in through the open window. The thought of calling him came suddenly, without warning. Before she could overthink it, she dialed his number.

The call barely rang before she ended it.

Her chest tightened, and she let out a slow breath before scrolling through her contacts and pressing another name instead.

"Can we meet?" Dora asked the moment the call connected, her voice edged with unease.

"Are you good? Did something—" LLara began, concern immediately creeping into her tone.

"I’m pregnant," Dora blurted out, not letting her finish. She pressed the phone tightly against her ear, a wry smile tugging at her lips—one LLara couldn’t see but could clearly hear.

There was a sharp intake of breath on the other end.

"We need to talk," Dora continued quickly. "I can send Ettore to pick you up."

LLara told her it was fine, explaining where she currently was. She was working an event, waitressing as part of the agency she was signed with. She rattled off the address without hesitation.

Less than an hour later, LLara arrived at the estate. She stepped out of the car and froze, her eyes widening as she took in the sight before her. It was her first time there, and she couldn’t help herself—her gaze skipped right over Dora, who had stepped out to greet her, and instead traveled across the endless grounds, the towering structure, the manicured gardens stretching farther than she could see.

"What is he?" LLara gasped. "A trillionaire?"

Dora laughed, shaking her head as she reached for LLara’s arm and pulled her along. fɾēewebnσveℓ.com

"I haven’t seen you in so long, and you care more about the building than me?" Dora teased, dragging her inside.

LLara chuckled, allowing herself to be pulled along without protest, though she kept glancing around in awe.

Once they reached Dora’s room, the door closed behind them. They hugged tightly, the familiar comfort of each other settling in as they exchanged quick greetings. Only after they sat down did the conversation truly begin.

"I can’t believe you’re pregnant," LLara said, her eyes bright, a wide smile spreading across her face. "You’re practically glowing."

Dora swatted her arm playfully, but her expression soon grew serious.

"Dante left for a month," she said quietly. "And he made it clear that once the baby arrives, the divorce will begin. I’ll leave."

There was panic in her voice now, raw and unfiltered. LLara blinked, surprised.

"Isn’t that a good thing?" LLara asked slowly. "He’s giving you millions. You’d make even more afterward."

"I—I..." Dora stuttered, struggling to find the words. Her face twisted with confusion and frustration. "I don’t want to lose the baby." fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com

LLara stared at her like she had completely lost her mind.

"What the hell are you—"

Dora jumped to her feet, cutting her off. She began pacing, gesturing wildly as she spoke, her hands moving as if she could physically shape her thoughts into something understandable.

"I know it sounds crazy," Dora said quickly, "but I don’t think I can give up this child immediately."

"Well, you’re going to have to," LLara snapped. "You’re a surrogate. There was an agreement. You want to go against Dante Bellini?"

"I’m not going against him!" Dora insisted. "I just want to convince him to let me stay—as a nanny."

LLara shook her head, disbelief written all over her face.

"You’re not going to be allowed. Stop dreaming," she said firmly, stepping closer and gripping Dora’s shoulders. "He’s not going to care about your feelings. You said it yourself—he’s cold."

"But he cares about the baby," Dora shot back. "If there’s a chance, I’m going to take it."

LLara opened her mouth to argue, but Dora continued.

"Maybe if I seduce him... maybe he’d listen. The sex is good."

LLara stared at her in silence, an unreadable expression crossing her face.

"The sex means nothing," LLara finally said. "I’m guessing he hasn’t slept with you since he found out you were pregnant."

Dora opened her mouth to argue—then stopped. She sighed, closing her mouth slowly.

LLara was right.