Chapter 21
Victoria felt as though the ground had shifted beneath her. Zayden Huntington was sitting behind the desk, flipping through her file like it was the most normal thing in the world. The man who had disrupted her life at the gala now sat before her as her gynecologist.
A gynecologist.
She had spent weeks trying to shake off the strange, magnetic pull of their encounter, and now, fate had thrown them back together in the most awkward way possible.
“Have a seat,” Zayden said smoothly, gesturing to the chairs in front of his desk. His smile was the same as always: charming, confident, and infuriatingly self-assured.
Behind her, Elena snickered.
Victoria shot her a glare, then discreetly slapped her upper arm. “Stop it,” she hissed under her breath before reluctantly sitting down.
Elena grinned as she settled into the chair beside her. “This just made my day,” she whispered, clearly enjoying the situation far too much.
Victoria ignored her, crossing her legs and clutching the ultrasound images tightly in her lap. Her cheeks were already starting to warm, and she hated how easily Zayden could make her feel off balance.
“So,” Zayden began, leaning back in his chair as he laced his fingers together. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here, Miss Cross. Or should I say Mrs. Cross? Though I remember you being very clear about disliking that title.”
Victoria’s lips tightened into a thin line. “It’s Miss Cross,” she said firmly, her voice cool.
“Ah, yes,” he said with a small, knowing smile. “Well, Miss Cross, I’ve had a look at your file, and everything seems to be progressing well with the pregnancy.”
Elena leaned forward, a teasing glint in her eyes. “Good to know, Doc. Any advice for the soon-to-be mom?”
Zayden chuckled, his gaze flickering back to Victoria. “A few things, actually.” He opened the file again and scanned the notes. “First, the ultrasound looks great. The baby is developing perfectly—healthy heart rate, good positioning, everything we like to see.”
Victoria exhaled a small sigh of relief, her hand instinctively resting on her bump. “That’s good to hear.”
“But,” Zayden continued, his tone growing slightly more serious, “you’ll need to be mindful of what you’re eating. A balanced diet is crucial. Avoid too much sugar or processed foods, and try to incorporate more lean proteins and vegetables.”
Victoria nodded, her cheeks still faintly pink. “I’ve been trying to be careful.”
“Good,” Zayden said, his voice softer now. “You’re doing well, but remember, you’re eating for two now. Everything you do impacts the baby.”
Elena smirked. “She’s already been cutting out caffeine, and you should’ve seen her at lunch last week. She skipped dessert.”
“Impressive,” Zayden said with a playful grin. “Though, Miss Cross, I hope you’re not depriving yourself too much. Pregnancy cravings are normal. Just make sure you balance the indulgences with the healthy stuff.”
Victoria rolled her eyes but couldn’t stop the small smile that tugged at her lips. “Thanks for the advice, Doctor Huntington.”
He chuckled at her tone. “Just doing my job, Miss Cross.”
The conversation turned to some routine questions about her pregnancy—any recent symptoms, changes in her energy levels, and whether she’d been feeling movement from the baby. Victoria answered as calmly as she could, though Zayden’s presence still made her pulse race for reasons she didn’t want to examine.
Elena, however, was having the time of her life, chiming in with little quips that made Victoria glare at her more than once.
Finally, Zayden closed the file and leaned forward slightly, his gaze settling on Victoria with a warmth that caught her off guard. “You’re doing great, Victoria. You’re going to be fine, and so is your baby.”
The sincerity in his voice made her heart skip a beat. She quickly looked away, muttering, “Thanks.”
Elena grinned, nudging her with her elbow. “See? Told you everything was fine.”
Victoria swatted her hand away, trying to regain her composure.
As they stood to leave, Zayden added, his voice casual but laced with mischief, “Oh, one more thing, Miss Cross.”
Victoria paused, turning back to him. “What?”
Zayden’s smirk widened, and he said with an infuriatingly calm tone, “Make sure you do the deed often.”
Victoria blinked, her brows knitting in confusion. “The deed?”
“For smooth delivery,” he clarified, though his tone carried a teasing edge. “It helps keep everything flexible, you know? Ensures the baby has an easier way out when the time comes.”
Victoria’s cheeks turned a brilliant shade of red as she realized what he was implying. “You—what?”
Elena, standing behind her, burst out laughing, doubling over as she clutched her stomach. “Oh my God,” she wheezed, tears forming in her eyes. “You mean—he means—”
“I know what he means!” Victoria snapped, her face burning as she glared at Zayden, who looked entirely too pleased with himself.
“Just a professional suggestion,” Zayden said smoothly, his expression innocent despite the twinkle of amusement in his eyes.
Victoria turned on her heel, grabbing Elena’s arm as she dragged her toward the door. “Come on, Elena. We’re leaving.”
Elena could barely walk, still giggling uncontrollably. “I’m never letting you forget this,” she managed to say between laughs. “Never.”
Victoria groaned, refusing to look back at Zayden as she pushed the door open. She could feel his gaze on her, could practically hear the smug smile in his voice as he called after her, “Take care, Miss Cross. And remember my advice!”
She didn’t reply, too mortified to form words.
As they walked down the hallway, Elena wiped her eyes, her laughter subsiding just enough to tease, “I think he likes you.”
Victoria rolled her eyes, though her cheeks remained pink. “He’s a doctor, Elena. He’s just doing his job.”
Elena smirked. “Sure. Because every doctor flirts with his patients like that.”
Victoria groaned, already regretting agreeing to this appointment. But deep down, she couldn’t deny the tiny spark of intrigue Zayden Huntington had ignited.
