Chapter : 1163

Nathan froze.

What? Massage Ivy’s stomach?

Yeah, no. That wasn’t happening.

“Doctor, that’s really not necessary,” Ivy said quickly. “My husband’s very busy.‘

She started to sit up.

Nathan stopped her. “It’s fine. I’ll learn.”

He placed his hand gently on her lower abdomen.

Ivy flinched.

“What?” he asked. “Are my hands cold?”

She shook her head. “No.”

They were warm. In the middle of winter, his touch felt like a heater. Cold was the last word she would use.

She had flinched because it caught her off guard. She didn’t expect the sudden contact, and in front of other people, no less.

“Good,” the doctor said. “Just rest your hand there and move in slow circles clockwise. Keep it gentle.”

Nathan followed the instructions, his palm moving carefully. He looked down at her. “How’s this? Does it hurt?”

Ivy’s small face turned pink. “No. It’s fine.”

“You can also talk to the baby at night,” the doctor added. “Lean close to her stomach and let the baby hear your voice. When the baby’s born, it’ll recognize its dad.”

Nathan listened seriously and nodded. “Okay.”

Madge beamed. “Mr. Lowe, you’re going to be a great dad.”

Ivy looked at Nathan. He didn’t even want this child. How could he possibly be a good father?

Nathan withdrew his hand, smoothed her shirt back down, and helped her sit up.

“Thank you,” Ivy said quietly.

“That’s it for today,” the doctor said. “Everything looks perfect. Keep up with your regular appointments. If anything feels off, call me.”

“Thank you, doctor,” Nathan replied.

The three of them walked out of the hospital.

“Mr. Lowe, are you heading back to the office?” Madge asked.

1/3

Chapter 183

+25 Bonus

“You should go back,” Ivy said to Nathan. “I’ll head to my studio.”

“I’ll drive you,” Nathan offered.

“That’s okay. We drove here.”

Madge jumped in. “How about this? I’ll take the car back to the studio. Ivy, you ride with Mr. Lowe.”

“I…”

Ivy was about to say no, but Madge was already backing away. “It’s settled. Bye!”

She took off before Ivy could stop her.

Ivy stood there for a second, then looked at Nathan, feeling awkward. “Thanks for staying today. I know you’re busy. You don’t have to drive me.”

“How are you getting back, then?”

“I’ll grab a ride.”

A faint smile tugged at his lips. He walked over to his car, a sleek black luxury sedan, and opened the passenger door. “Just get in. I’ll take you.”

The look in his eyes left no room for argument.

Ivy said nothing and slid into the passenger seat.

Nathan got into the driver’s side. “Seat belt.”

“Okay.”

She reached for it, but it wouldn’t budge. It was stuck. She pulled again. Nothing.

Nathan glanced over. “It’s not working?”

“It’s jammed.”

“I’ll check.”

He leaned across the center console, his tall frame closing in. He reached toward the belt near her shoulder.

Their bodies ended up inches apart. Their breaths mingled in the tight space.

Ivy instinctively leaned back.

Nathan noticed. He lifted his eyes to hers. “Why are you moving away?”