Chapter 20: The Midnight Rescue

Julian had barely fallen asleep when his phone buzzed on the nightstand. He groaned, shifting onto his side, the dull glow of the screen piercing the darkness.

His first instinct was to ignore it. It was late—too late for any call that wasn’t bad news. But then he saw the name.

Sophia.

He frowned. She never called him. After everything, she had been determined to keep her distance, refusing any unnecessary interactions.

So why now?

A strange feeling settled in his chest. His thumb hovered over the decline button before he exhaled sharply and pressed accept.

“What is it Sophia?” His voice was rough with sleep, his tone clipped.

Silence.

Then, a shaky breath.

His body tensed.

“Julian…” Her voice was fragile, unsteady. “I don’t feel well.”

Instantly, sleep was forgotten. He sat up, muscles tight with unease. “What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know…” Her voice wavered. “My stomach… It hurts. I feel dizzy. I—I don’t know what’s happening.”

A curse slipped under his breath.

“Are you alone?”

“Yes.”

Julian’s jaw tightened. Of course, she was alone.

He was already swinging his legs off the bed, reaching for his car keys. “Stay put. I’m coming.”

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The drive to her apartment was a blur. Julian barely registered the empty streets, the traffic lights flickering from red to green. His hands gripped the wheel too tightly, his pulse pounding in his ears.

Something about this felt wrong.

She wasn’t the type to panic over nothing. For her to call him—him—meant she had no one else.

And for some reason, that unsettled him more than it should have.

By the time he pulled up to her apartment building, he didn’t bother knocking. He pushed the door open, stepping into the dimly lit space.

His gaze immediately landed on her.

Sophia was sitting on the floor, her back against the couch. One hand clutched her stomach, her other arm draped weakly over her knee.

She looked pale. Too pale.

His breath caught in his throat.

For a second, he just stood there, staring.

She wasn’t the same woman he had met that night—fierce, unyielding, stubborn as hell. This Sophia looked small. Fragile. Breakable.

The sight of her like that did something to him.

He crossed the room in three quick strides, kneeling beside her.

“Why didn’t you call me sooner?” His voice came out sharper than he intended, frustration laced with something he couldn’t quite name.

Sophia let out a weak chuckle. “Didn’t think you’d come.”

Julian’s jaw clenched.

She always did that—acted as if she didn’t need anyone. As if she was fine on her own.

But she wasn’t fine. Not even close.

Without another word, he scooped her into his arms.

She gasped. “Julian—”

“Don’t argue,” he muttered. “You’re not walking anywhere.”

The ride to the hospital was quiet.

Sophia leaned against the seat, her fingers gripping the fabric of his hoodie. She looked exhausted, her eyelids fluttering as if she was struggling to stay awake.

Julian kept glancing at her, his jaw tight.

By the time they reached the hospital, he carried her inside without hesitation. Nurses rushed over, taking her from his arms. The moment she disappeared into an examination room, an unfamiliar weight settled in his chest.

He didn’t like this.

Didn’t like the way his stomach twisted at the thought of something happening to her. Didn’t like the way his hands felt empty without her in them.

What the hell was wrong with him?

Minutes stretched into an eternity.

Then finally, the doctor stepped out.

Julian was in front of him instantly. “What’s wrong with her?”

The doctor smiled reassuringly. “Nothing serious. It’s a common phenomenon in early pregnancy—occasional dizziness, cramps. But she shouldn’t be alone. She needs someone close in case it happens again.”

Julian exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. “So what are you saying?”

“I’m saying she shouldn’t be left alone at all. Stress makes it worse.”

Julian’s gaze flickered to Sophia, who was now sitting up in bed, watching him. He could see it in her eyes—that hesitation, that stubborn pride.

She didn’t want to ask him for anything.

But she didn’t have to.

Because, as insane as it was, he already knew what he was going to do.

He wasn’t going to let her be alone.

….

Sophia shifted uncomfortably in the hospital bed, her fingers twisting in the blanket.

She could still feel the weight of Julian’s gaze on her, but she refused to meet his eyes.

The doctor had already left, but the words still lingered.

She needed someone with her.

The idea made her stomach twist.

She had always been on her own. Always relied on herself.

And now?

Now she was carrying a baby. Julian’s baby.

And as much as she wanted to push him away, he was still here.

Still staring at her.

Julian sighed, running a hand through his hair. “You heard what the doctor said.”

She swallowed. “I can take care of myself.”

He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “Sophia, stop.”

Her fingers tightened around the blanket.

“I’m not asking for your help,” she said quietly.

Julian scoffed. “Yeah? Then why did you call me?”

Her throat tightened.

She had no answer to that.

Silence stretched between them.

Then finally, Julian spoke again, his voice quieter this time.

“You don’t have to do this alone.”

Something in his tone made her chest ache.

She wanted to argue. Wanted to tell him that she didn’t need anyone.

But for the first time in a long time… she wasn’t sure if that was true.

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