?Chapter 356:


    Dominic’s expression darkened further as he scowled. “You’re pregnant now. You need to act responsibly.”


    His constant references to my pregnancy irritated me, making me feel reduced to merely a vessel for childbirth. In a burst of anger, I raised my voice. “What? Are you worried about something? Do you think that if I move too much with your child, I might lose it and you’ll miss your chance at the throne?”


    “I’m concerned for your health!” Dominic eximed, his body tensing as the words tumbled out.


    His statement left us both momentarily taken aback. I could hear genuine worry in his tone, but I also caught a brief glimpse of panic in his eyes.


    Realizing his inadvertent slip, Dominic took a deep breath and his expression turned cold once more. “You still serve a purpose to me; don’t get the wrong idea.”


    Makenna’s POV:


    Dominic worried about my health? How ironic! Did he ever consider it while we were tangled up in the sheets? An overwhelming sense of injustice swamped me. I knew that carrying their child was a perilous road, and it was never my choice to begin with. But what options did I have? I was merely a pawn in their game. What could I possibly do?


    Perhaps it was the pregnancy, but a tide of negative thoughts surged through me, leaving me exceptionally raw. Tears cascaded down my face uncontrobly.


    Dominic, caught off guard by my tears, looked genuinely shocked. His usual icy demeanor softened, and with an unusual trace of gentleness, he asked, “Why are you crying?”


    I struggled to rein in my emotions, dabbing at my tears with the back of my hand, my voice wavering. “I’m scared too. What can—I’m not ming you…”


    Dominic seemed at a loss, unsure how to handle my reaction. He awkwardly reached out, trying to brush away my tears.


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    Just then, the door swung open, and Bryan walked in with the doctor in tow.


    “What are you doing!” Bryan’s voice boomed. He hurried over, shoved Dominic aside, and ced himself protectively in front of me. “Dominic, are you tormenting her? She’s pregnant!”


    The doctor cast a disapproving nce at Dominic, shaking his head. “Your Highness, a pregnant woman shouldn’t be subjected to such emotional upheaval. It’s harmful for both her and the baby.”


    Dominic stammered, opening his mouth as if to exin, but words seemed to escape him. The atmosphere grew increasingly ufortable.


    “You scoundrel!” Bryan, his anger palpable, raised his fist, ready to confront Dominic.


    “Hold on!” I quickly grabbed Bryan’s arm. “I’m okay.”


    Bryan paused, eyeing me with concern, his toneced with worry. “Are you certain you’re not being mistreated? Don’t hesitate to tell me the truth; I’ll make sure to stand up for you.”


    “I’m truly fine.” I nodded vigorously to reassure him, anxious that their impending fight might escte uncontrobly.


    Bryan, visibly relieved, still insisted on having the doctor conduct a thorough examination.


    After a series of careful checks, the doctor reassured me gently, “Everything seems to be in order. Your body is a bit weakened, but you can be discharged. Be sure to follow your medication schedule and maintain proper rest and nutrition.”


    A wave of relief washed over me at the news. Bryan immediately instructed the servants to begin packing my belongings. He pulled me aside, his nerves evident, and asked once more, “Have you been feeling unwelltely? You must tell me if you have.”


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