Chapter 76

Chapter 76
The driver navigated the car through the hospital's entrance, and Anna's heart raced with every passing second. Jason's menacing face lingered in her mind, but Fernandez's reassuring presence calmed her nerves. As they arrived at Citadel Hospital, the car came to a gentle halt, and Fernandez opened the door for Anna.
"Let's go, we have an appointment," he said, offering his hand to help her out.
Anna took his hand, and they walked towards the hospital's entrance. Inside, the receptionist greeted them with a warm smile. "Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Antonio. You're right on time for your appointment."
Fernandez nodded curtly, his expression unreadable, while Anna returned the receptionist's smile. "Thank you, please lead us to the doctor's office."
The receptionist led them to the obstetrician's office, where Dr. Manson awaited their arrival. "Ah, wonderful to see you both! Mrs. Antonio, you're two months pregnant, and we'll check on the baby's progress today."
Anna's eyes widened as Dr. Manson began the examination. "Everything looks great, and the baby's heartbeat is strong. You're doing wonderfully, Anna."
Fernandez stood beside Anna, his eyes fixed on the ultrasound screen. "What's the baby's condition, Doctor?"
Dr. Manson smiled. "The baby is healthy, and we'll continue to monitor the pregnancy closely. I recommend regular check-ups and a balanced diet for Anna."
As the appointment concluded, Anna felt a sense of relief wash over her. Fernandez's protective presence and the doctor's reassuring words eased her fears, and she began to look forward to motherhood.
"Thank you, Doctor," Anna said, her voice softening slightly. "We appreciate your care."
Dr. Manson smiled. "It's my pleasure, Mrs. Antonio. I'll see you both at the next appointment."
As they stepped outside the hospital, Fernandez opened the car door for Anna, his movements swift and precise. Anna hesitated, not wanting him to be late for work. "Fernandez, why don't you drop me here? I'll find a cab to take me home, and you can head to the office."
Fernandez's expression turned incredulous. "You're not serious, are you? You're receiving threatening letters from your obsessed ex-lover, and you want to take a cab home alone?"
Anna's eyes flashed with annoyance. "I'm trying to consider your schedule, Fernandez. I don't want you to be late for work."
Fernandez's voice turned cold, his words laced with disapproval. "I'm not taking any risks, Anna. Your ex-lover is lurking around, and if you won't think of yourself, at least think of our baby."
Anna gasped, taken aback by his words. "Why are you making it sound like it's my fault that Jason is coming after me again? I only suggested you drop me off because I didn't want you to be late for work."
Fernandez's glare intensified, his jaw clenched. "Whether I'm late for work or not is not your concern, Anna. I'm driving you home, and that's final."
Anna's anger simmered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Stupid man, he's so rude and ungrateful!"
Fernandez heard her words but chose to ignore them, his mind focused on ensuring her safety. He secured her seatbelt, his movements efficient and detached.
As they drove away from the hospital, the tension between them was palpable, a heavy silence filling the car. Anna's eyes narrowed, her thoughts racing with frustration, while Fernandez's gaze remained fixed on the road ahead, his expression unyielding.
As they arrived at the Antonio's mansion, Fernandez helped Anna out of the car, his hand grasping hers to assist her. But instead of releasing her hand, he held it firmly, his gaze locking onto hers. Anna's questioning eyes met his, wondering why he hadn't let go.
Fernandez's eyes, like piercing emeralds, seemed to bore into her soul. He moved closer, his face inches from hers, and Anna's heart skipped a beat. His cold, chiseled features softened, and his lips, pressed into a thin line, curved into a gentle smile.
Anna's heart thrummed erratically, her pulse racing like a wild animal. She tried to step back, but Fernandez's grip on her hand held her in place. He leaned in closer, his breath whispering against her skin, and Anna's eyes widened in shock.
Fernandez's lips brushed against her forehead, leaving a lingering kiss that sent shivers down her spine. His cold lips seemed to sear her skin, leaving a burning sensation that refused to fade.
As he pulled back, Anna's eyes remained fixed on his, searching for answers. "Take care," he whispered, his voice low and husky, before releasing her hand and stepping back into the car.
The driver sped away, leaving Anna standing alone at the mansion's entrance. She lifted her hand, touching the spot where Fernandez's lips had kissed her forehead. The sensation still lingered, as if his lips were still pressed against her skin.
Anna's mind reeled, trying to process the sudden change in Fernandez's behavior. He had scolded her earlier, and now he was showing her kindness? She couldn't understand him, and his conflicting actions troubled her mind.
As she stood there, frozen in confusion, Anna couldn't shake off the feeling that she had glimpsed something in Fernandez's eyes - a warmness that seemed to contradict his hostile demeanor. But it was fleeting, and she couldn't be sure if she had imagined it.
As Anna stood still, lost in thought, a pair of eyes watched her from the shadows, burning with deep-seated hatred. The air seemed to vibrate with malice, and the trees surrounding the mansion appeared to lean in, as if they too were witnessing the sinister scene unfold.
Unknown to Anna, the owner of those eyes dialed a number on their phone, and the person picked up on the first ring. A low, menacing voice spoke, sending shivers down the spine. "Fernandez has dropped her off, get to action. I'll be leaving now, Anna is yours!"
Anna, oblivious to the danger lurking nearby, entered the mansion, expecting silence and solitude. But instead, she was surprised to see Reyna.
"Reyna, how come you are here?" Anna asked, curiosity etched on her face. Her voice broke the silence, and the tension in the air seemed to dissipate momentarily.
Reyna looked up, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Ah Anna, I came back home because the food there was shit. I needed to pack a good homemade lunch." Her voice was cheerful.
Anna smiled at her nodded, Reyna packed the food and peck Anna's cheek before dashing out of the mansion.