Emily slipped the pregnancy test into her pocket before emerging from the bathroom, her face carefully composed despite the storm of emotions raging inside her.
"I'm fine," she told Alexander, who was hovering just outside the door with barely concealed worry. "Just stress. It's been a lot lately."
Alexander studied her face with that intensity that usually saw through every lie, but Emily kept her expression neutral. "Are you sure? We should call Dr. Chen—"
"I'm sure," Emily interrupted gently. "I just need some rest. Let's deal with the media situation tomorrow when we're both calmer."
She saw the conflict in his eyes—the desperate need to push, to ensure she was truly okay, warring with his recent promise to trust her, to be her partner instead of her guardian. Finally, he nodded.
"Tomorrow," he agreed. "But if you feel unwell again—"
"I'll tell you immediately," Emily promised.
