The Royal Contract

She had already finished all her appointments for the day. Her husband had left strict instructions with her secretary not to overbook her schedule.

Of course, as his previous secretary, her loyalty was still inclining to her husband as she followed him more than her. But she did not mind since she knew it was only for her good and the baby that her husband, her best friend, and her secretary had conspired against her.

She found it adorable that they loved her so much to go to such length as to check on her every chance they had. Although she would admit that it could also be slightly suffocating, still, she appreciated what they were doing.

“You should go home.” She heard her friend, who was standing by her office door. Her face looked like she was about to scold her as her arms folded across her chest.

Jacky told her she should go on a vacation, or at least a few days rest just while she was in her late trimester, but she could not leave the office unattended. She wanted everything arranged before she took her maternity leave.

Although Alex had volunteered to take over her responsibilities while on leave, she felt she could not dump all her obligations on him just like that. After all, Alex also had other companies he had to manage.

.....

Her father had already put his dreams on hold when Ethan asked Alex to take over from him. She could not ask him to do the same.

She knew how important it was for Alex to achieve his dream without the backing of the Hamilton Empire. He needed the satisfaction of earning the title of King because of his effort, not because someone gave it to him.

“I will as soon as I finish these papers,” Dani informed her friend as she signed another document she had finished reviewing. “Then, I am leaving.” She promised her. It was just a few more, and it would not take her an hour to get through them.

Her friend remained by the door, just watching her. She could not help but notice the worry lines etched on her face. But she believed her friend was exaggerating the state of her condition, just like her husband. They were worrying over nothing.

“I don’t think you should take your dizzy spells lightly. The doctor said that you should take it easy with work.” Jacky could not help but be anxious about her health.

She had read from books and witnessed from her other friends how complicated pregnancies put mothers and children in a dangerous situation because the mother refused to acknowledge they had a problem.

It was avoidable if the mother was extra careful and would heed all the doctors’ warnings. But her friend seemed too lax about her situation. She was afraid Dani was ignoring her symptoms.

“I plan to take it easy. I am considering going on a vacation.” Dani had thought about it earlier. After having some serious discussion with Adam.

She had come up with an idea and planned to surprise her husband about it later over dinner. But before she could do that, she had to get rid of these papers, not wanting to leave any loose ends before abandoning her post.

“That is great.” Jacky smiled after hearing her announcement. “You should also see your doctor soon.” She did not want to see her friend having some complications with her pregnancy just because of her stubbornness.

“I already scheduled an appointment for tomorrow.” Dani proudly told her friend as she leaned on her chair, stretching her legs underneath her table. “Now, get out of here. You also have a lot of work to do once I am on my relaxing spa vacation.” She teased her friend.

Sitting down for long hours had started to become a struggle for her. But she believed it was usual for pregnant women to suffer such a condition. Still, it was the least of her favorite about having a child.

However, she enjoyed the backrubs and the foot massages Alex gave her every night. That was something she looked forward to before they went to sleep.

“Fine. I am going before I envy you and trick Marcus into getting myself pregnant.” Jacky laughed a little before waving to her, even blowing her a kiss as she disappeared behind the door.

Jacky had told her that she and Marcus had considered holding their plans to have kids until next year. At the moment, they wished to enjoy their newlywed state and had no plans to leave the honeymoon stage of their relationship.

“I am sure motherhood will suit you.” She shouted even if her friend had closed the door. She knew her friend still heard that. Nevertheless, despite Jacky’s fear, she believed her friend would still be a great mother.

However, she could not blame Jacky and Marcus for taking some time. After the rocky road of their relationship, they needed time to build their relationship and develop a solid foundation before adding a child to the mix.

She could already tell the tremendous responsibility of having a child in a relationship. She had seen how a child had broken marriages because the couple was not ready to build a family.

She could only hope that she and Alex could pass the test with flying colors and enjoy being parents to this child. She knew how much she wanted to have a child. Alex also expressed the same. So, hopefully, it was enough.

“Ms. Dani, I hope I am not disturbing you.” A middle-aged lady knocked on her door before entering. “I told your secretary I am just taking your trash, but I was hoping I could also have a few minutes of your time.”

Her face automatically looked up from the papers before her. She initially thought that Jacky had come back, but when she heard her voice, she knew it was not her friend. But the tone was familiar.

But she looked like a woman who badly needed help, so how could she turn her back on the person before her? She might not have expensive clothes, but she still deserved her time. She was still a valuable person.