Chapter 2

Two heartbeats. One womb. Dante’s words echoed louder than the machines humming beside her bed.

Kelvin’s hand came down on the phone as if he could crush the message into nothing. His knuckles were white. The tendons in his wrist stood out like cords pulled too tight.

How does he know? Ruby asked. Her voice sounded far away to her own ears, thin and trembling. The doctor just told us.

Kelvin didn’t answer immediately. He paced once, the polished hospital floor squeaking faintly under his shoes. The smell of antiseptic burned her nose. Somewhere down the hall, a baby cried. The sound pierced straight through her.

He has people everywhere, Kelvin said finally. Hospitals. Labs. Offices. Places I thought were secure.

Ruby swallowed. Her mouth tasted metallic. Fear coated her tongue. So what now?

He stopped pacing and looked at her. Really looked at her. His eyes were dark, unreadable, but she could see the tension beneath the surface. The fight he was having with himself.

Now, he said slowly, we leave.

Her heart skipped. Leave?

Yes. He moved closer, lowering his voice. You’re not staying here another minute. This room isn’t safe.

As if summoned by his words, there was a soft knock at the door. Ruby flinched so hard her hand slipped from her stomach.

A nurse peeked in, smiling politely. Mr. Blackwood, we’ll need to run a few

Cancel everything, Kelvin said without raising his voice. We’re discharging her.

The nurse hesitated. Sir, that’s not advisable

Kelvin turned just enough for the woman to see his face fully. Whatever she saw there made her straighten instantly.

I’ll handle the paperwork, he added. Now! 

The nurse nodded quickly and disappeared.

Ruby watched the door shut, her pulse pounding in her ears. Kelvin… what if leaving makes this worse?

He softened slightly, reaching for her hand. His palm was warm, steady. Familiar. It hurt.

Staying gives Dante time, he said. And time is the one thing I won’t give him.

His phone buzzed again.

Ruby felt it before he even looked. The air shifted, heavy and thick.

Kelvin read the message. His jaw clenched.

What did he say now? she whispered.

Kelvin locked the phone and slipped it into his pocket. Nothing you need to hear.

That’s not fair, she snapped weakly. This is about me. About my body.

He leaned down until they were eye level. That’s exactly why you don’t need to hear it.

Her eyes burned. I’m not made of glass.

No, he said quietly. You’re made of leverage.

The words stung worse than cruelty. They were too honest.

Before she could respond, the door opened again. Two security men entered, followed by Kelvin’s personal driver. The sight of them made the situation feel suddenly real. Dangerous.

Kelvin helped Ruby sit up. The paper gown crinkled loudly as she swung her legs over the side of the bed. The floor was cold beneath her bare feet.

As she stood, dizziness hit her hard. Kelvin caught her instantly, his arm firm around her waist.

I’ve got you, he murmured.

She wanted to believe that more than anything.

They moved quickly through back corridors, away from the main hospital wing. Ruby kept her head down, the sound of footsteps echoing too loudly in her ears. Every face felt like a threat. Every shadow felt like Dante.

When the cool night air hit her skin, she gasped. The smell of rain-soaked pavement filled her lungs. The city lights blurred in her vision as she was guided into the waiting car.

The door shut with a heavy thud.

Only then did Ruby allow herself to cry.

Silent tears slid down her cheeks as the car pulled away. She pressed her forehead to the glass, watching the hospital disappear behind them.

I didn’t do anything wrong, she whispered.

Kelvin sat beside her, stiff, his gaze fixed ahead. I know.

But she heard the hesitation hiding between the words.

They didn’t go home.

Ruby realized it when the car turned off the familiar route and onto a long, private road lined with tall iron gates. Her stomach tightened.

Where are we? she asked.

A safe house, Kelvin replied. No staff. No cameras Dante can access.

The gates opened slowly, groaning like something ancient waking up. The house beyond was smaller than the Blackwood estate but darker, surrounded by thick trees that swallowed the light.

Inside, the air was cool and smelled faintly of wood and dust. The silence pressed down on Ruby’s ears.

Kelvin guided her to a bedroom upstairs. The bed was neatly made. Too neat. Like no one ever slept there.

You should rest, he said.

And you? she asked.

I have calls to make.

He turned to leave.

Kelvin, she said quickly. Don’t shut me out.

His hand paused on the doorframe. For a moment, she thought he might come back. Might sit beside her and hold her like he had that night when everything felt almost real.

Instead, he said, I need to think.

The door closed softly behind him.

Ruby sank onto the edge of the bed. The room felt unfamiliar, unclaimed. She wrapped her arms around herself and stared at the wall.

Two heartbeats.

Her mind replayed every moment of the past months, searching for something she had missed. Something that could explain this. But there was nothing. No secret night. No hidden betrayal.

A knock sounded hours later.

Kelvin returned carrying a tray of food she couldn’t imagine eating. He set it down without comment.

Sit with me, she said.

He hesitated, then took the chair opposite her instead of the bed.

Talk to me, she pleaded. Please.

He exhaled slowly. Dante is pushing for early testing.

Her breath caught. Is that even possible?

Not safely. But that won’t stop him from trying.

Fear wrapped around her spine. He can’t do that. He doesn’t have that right.

Kelvin’s eyes hardened. Dante believes rights are things you take.

She nodded weakly. What if… what if one isn’t yours?

The question hung between them, fragile and dangerous.

Kelvin stood abruptly, turning away. His reflection stared back at him from the dark window. A man split between fury and fear.

If one isn’t mine, he said quietly, then someone has violated the contract.

I didn’t, she said, her voice breaking. I swear it.

He turned back. Then someone else did.

Her blood ran cold. What does that mean?

It means, he said slowly, that the night you don’t remember might not be empty.

Her stomach twisted violently. What are you saying?

I’m saying, Kelvin continued, each word heavy, that Dante has been circling you since the wedding.

She shook her head. He has  never…

Touched you? Kelvin finished. No. But Dante doesn’t always leave fingerprints.

Memories surfaced uninvited. Dante’s gaze lingering too long. His smile sharp at the edges. The way he always seemed to know where she was.

Ruby’s hands trembled. You think he???? 

I think, Kelvin interrupted, that nothing about this is coincidence.

Tears spilled freely now. I’m scared.

He crossed the room in two strides and pulled her into his arms. She stiffened for a heartbeat, then collapsed against his chest, sobbing.

I won’t let him touch you, Kelvin whispered fiercely. Or them.

She clutched his shirt, breathing him in. For the first time since the hospital, she felt anchored.

Downstairs, a phone vibrated.

Neither of them heard it.

On the screen, a new message waited.