[Jay's POV]
The security detail was tighter than usual as we pulled up to the private entrance of Peralta Hospital. Keifer—my Hubby—was in full "Protective Mode," his hand locked onto mine as if he expected a hostile takeover to happen in the elevator.
We weren't here for a regular appointment. We were here to see Ci N.
Ci N wasn't just any doctor; he was like a brother to me. We weren't related by blood, but he had been my "protector" long before Keifer entered the system. He was the only one who could tell Keifer to "shut up and sit down" without ending up on a blacklist.
The Brotherly Reunion
As we walked into the sterile, high-tech exam room, Ci N was already there, looking over a digital chart. He looked up, his face breaking into a wide, masculine grin.
"Well, if it isn't the most overprotective CEO in the country and my favorite 'sister'," Ci N said, standing up to give me a quick, one-armed hug before nodding firmly at Keifer. "I heard the news, Watson. I assume you've already tried to buy the baby its own satellite?"
"The idea is under review," Keifer replied, his voice dropping into that deep, territorial rumble. He stood right behind me, his hands resting on my shoulders. "Ci N, I need a 100% accuracy reading. No glitches."
Ci N chuckled, gesturing for me to sit on the exam table. "Relax, Keifer. I've known Jay since she was a kid. I'm not letting anything happen to her or the little Watson. Now, let's see the software."
The First Glimpse: Ci N's Verdict
The room went quiet as Ci N applied the gel. He was focused, his eyes scanning the monitor with the precision of a master engineer. Then, the sound filled the room—a fast, rhythmic thump-thump-thump.
The Glow inside me spiked. I looked at the screen and saw that tiny, flickering heartbeat.
"There it is," Ci N whispered, a soft, genuine smile on his face. He pointed to the screen for Keifer to see. "Look at that, Watson. The heart rate is strong, the position is perfect, and the development is exactly where it should be. This child is very good. Truly elite software."
The "Brotherly" Protection
Ci N turned his chair around, looking at Keifer with a serious, brotherly intensity. "Everything is 100% healthy, Jay. You're doing great. But as for you, Keifer..."
He leaned back, crossing his arms. "I'm the doctor, but I'm also her brother. If I see her heart rate spike because you're hovering too much or stressing her out with business meetings, I'm locking you out of this wing. Are we clear?"
Keifer didn't even argue. He just nodded, his eyes fixed on the ultrasound photo Ci N was printing out. "Clear, Ci N. The Empress's safety is the only protocol."
The Exit
As we walked out, I felt a massive weight lift off my chest. Having Ci N there—knowing my 'brother' was the one guarding this baby—made everything feel real.
Keifer tucked the photo into his suit pocket, right against his chest. "Ci N says the baby is very good, Wiefy," he murmured as we reached the car.
"He's never wrong, Hubby," I smiled, leaning into him.
"Good," Keifer said, his eyes darkening with that fierce, protective love.