"You're finally awake," Then he leaned close to my ear and whispered, "Try to run again, and next time you'll wake up in the psychiatric ward I just purchased. A lifetime of sedation might finally cure your disobedience."
The healer approached with a chart. "Mr. Blackwood, I must advise against this procedure. The risks to your wife's reproductive system—"
"The procedure happens now," Alexander cut him off. "Victoria needs those hormones for the baby, and Lauren isn't using her ovaries for anything important, are you, dear?"
I stared at him, uncomprehending, until the Healer explained in clinical terms.
"We'll be harvesting immature egg follicles and extracting hormones to create a treatment for Victoria's pregnancy complications. The procedure is aggressive. It will likely damage your ovarian tissue permanently."
My body went cold. "You're taking my ability to have children?"
Alexander's eyes hardened. "Victoria's baby is the only Blackwood heir that matters. Your role was always temporary."
From across the room, Victoria called out, her voice strained. "Alexander, the pain is getting worse! Please hurry!"
Without hesitation, he abandoned our conversation and rushed to her side.
The healer looked at me with genuine pity. "I have to sedate you now."
As the drugs pulled me under, I heard Alexander instructing the doctor: "Take everything you need. If she can't walk afterward, it doesn't matter."
Without another word, Alexander rushed out, leaving me with the doctor who looked at me with genuine pity just as the mask came down over my face.
Three days later, I woke in a private hospital room. The first thing I saw was Alexander sitting by the window, his laptop open on the small table beside him.
A nurse entered with a tray of hospital food and medications. Alexander dismissed her with a wave.
"You need to eat," he said flatly, picking up the spoon.
I turned my head away. "I can feed myself."
He sighed then set the tray down where I could reach it.
"The procedure was successful," he stated. "Victoria's body is accepting the treatment. The baby's vitals have improved significantly."
"I need my medication," I whispered. "My heart—"
Alexander checked his watch. "The healers say you're exaggerating your symptoms again. You should try to be less dramatic."
I reached for the call button, but he moved it out of my reach.
"Alexander, please," I gasped. "My pills are in my purse."