<h4>Chapter 317: Chapter 317 Unexpected Discovery</h4>


    Cecilia’s pov


    As the end of the workday approached, I slipped into the restroom for a quick check.


    I stared at myself in the mirror, frowning. This wasn’t like me.


    It was one dayte, then two, now three.


    Of course my mind started reying the worst memories, especially Xavier’s desperate behavior before I left.


    The way he tried to trap me. How obsessed he was with the idea of getting me pregnant.


    I shook my head, hard.


    "No," I whispered, hands gripping the sink. "Not happening."


    It had to be stress.


    Maggie was stalking me, the Moonveil Ascendancy was a nightmare, and Zane... well, that was a disaster on its own.


    No wonder my body was freaking out.


    I left the bathroom, went straight to the break room, and poured a ss of water. I drank half before stopping, eyes fixed on the surface.


    I couldn’t do this guessing game. I needed answers.


    Ten minutester, I’d grabbed my purse and ordered a ride to the nearest pharmacy.


    The whole way there, I kept telling myself I was overthinking.


    The pharmacy was bright and too clean, smelling like hand sanitizer and fake vani.


    I made a beeline for the family nning aisle, grabbed the priciest pregnancy test they had (because if I was doing this, I wanted uracy), and headed to the checkout.


    "Cecilia? You okay?"


    Tang’s voice behind me nearly stopped my heart.


    I fought the impulse to jump and turned slowly, trying to look casual.


    "Just a little cold," I said, shifting to block the test with my hand. "Nothing serious."


    I grabbed a few bottles of vitamin C and some cold medicine off the shelf, tossing them into my basket like they’d been the n all along.


    After I paid, I clutched the bag like it was something fragile.


    "Let me carry that for you," Tang said, reaching for it.


    I pulled back without thinking.


    "No, I’ve got it."


    His eyes narrowed a little.


    "You scared me, you know. You disappeared without saying anything. If you needed something, I could’ve gone for you."


    "Sorry," I muttered. "I forgot you were with me."


    "You really don’t look good," Tang said, his voice softer now. "It’s almost the end of the day anyway. Let’s get you home."


    I nodded. I didn’t have the energy to argue.


    "Okay."


    In the car, I stared out the window, watching the city blur by.


    I held the pharmacy bag tight in myp, my fingers curled around it like it might explode.


    Please, God, I begged silently.


    Let this be nothing. Let it just be ate period.


    --


    By seven o’clock, Sebastian was back.


    I yed it well. Went straight to bed as soon as I got home to make the "I’m sick" story believable.


    Liam brought up some kind of herbal broth. Even Cassian stopped by to check on me.


    When Sebastian arrived, he came straight to my room. His tall frame filled the doorway, making it feel smaller. He sat on the edge of the bed, the mattress dipping under his weight.


    "You looked fine when you came to my office earlier," he said, voice low and concerned.


    He pressed a hand to my forehead, then my neck, checking for a fever.


    "What happened?"


    "Sore throat," I said, making my voice raspy, like it hurt to talk.


    "My sinuses are all messed up too."


    His brows pulled together. That little line between them deepened.


    "Did you take anything for it?"


    "Yeah, I’m fine," I said quickly, not wanting him to fuss.


    "Probably caught a chill during lunch. Nothing serious."


    His hand slid down and rested lightly on my stomach. Even through the fabric, his palm was warm.


    He traced slow circles, gentle but steady.


    "You’ve been feeling off a lottely," he said softly.


    His touch was tender, but his eyes had changed. They were darker now, sharper. He was watching me too closely.


    "You say it’s a cold," he murmured, voice dropping to almost a whisper.


    "But I don’t smell anything sick on you."


    He paused, nostrils ring slightly.


    "There’s something else. It’s... different."


    I froze, then forced augh.


    "What are you now, part bloodhound?" I teased, keeping my tone light.


    "It’s just a cold, I swear."


    He didn’t argue, but he didn’t look away either. His gaze stayed locked on mine, like he was waiting for me to crack.


    My heart thudded so hard I was sure he could hear it.


    "Maybe it’s hormones," I said, adding a shrug for good measure.


    "Could be my period messing with things."


    His expression changed again. It got darker, harder to read. He was figuring something out, but decided to drop it. For now.


    "Get some rest," he said finally, standing up.


    "I’ll have Liam bring you something to eat."


    The second he left, I shot out of bed and rushed to the bathroom.


    My hands were shaking so badly it took me two tries to lock the door.


    I ripped open the pregnancy test box, scanned the instructions three times just to make sure I didn’t screw anything up.


    My fingers trembled as I followed the steps. I set the test down and backed away like it might explode.


    Three minutes.


    Easily the longest three minutes of my life.


    I paced the tiny room, catching glimpses of myself in the mirror. I looked pale, anxious, and I couldn’t stop biting my lip.


    The buzz of my phone made me jump


    I drew a breath.


    Lifted the test.


    Two lines.


    Clear. Unmistakable.


    Positive.


    My whole world tilted.