His empress to Claim (Book Three)

5. Chapter Five.

I found myself gazing up at Dimitri, a potent mix of disbelief and shock mirrored in his captivating eyes.

My throat felt inexplicably dry, and an unfamiliar sensation rippled through my body, causing me to take a fleeting glance at my once familiar stomach, now prominently displaying the unmistakable signs of pregnancy.

Furrowing my eyebrows, I struggled to comprehend the surreal turn of events. How had my stomach expanded so rapidly, and why did I find myself confined to a bed? Questions swirled in my mind, desperately seeking answers.

"Rena," Dimitri's voice broke through my bewildered thoughts as he approached, still visibly taken aback by the situation.

"Take it easy, baby girl," he said, gently urging me to remain lying down. As I attempted to sit up, a slight dizziness washed over me, and I leaned back with Dimitri's reassuring hand steadying me.

Unexpectedly, he drew close, his presence enveloping me, and bestowed upon my lips a breathtaking kiss that sent shivers down my spine. His eyes held a mix of delight and contentment, a sight that made me both smile and blush in response.

Amidst the whirlwind of emotions and the enigmatic circumstances surrounding me, one thing was abundantly clear – Dimitri's presence filled me with a sense of comfort and safety. I knew in my heart that no matter how peculiar the situation might be, we would face it together, hand in hand.

"W-what happened?" I croaked, my voice barely above a whisper, my mind still struggling to make sense of the hazy situation.

Dimitri's caring demeanor was evident as he swiftly fetched a cup of water and thoughtfully inserted a straw before guiding it to my lips, allowing me to drink, even though the act was both painful and strangely refreshing.

"How are you feeling?" Dimitri inquired, his voice tender with genuine concern as he gently cradled my chin in his warm hand.

"I'm fine, but what happened?" I pressed, my curiosity and bewilderment growing as I attempted to piece together the missing fragments of memory.

"I'll get the doctor," Dimitri stated, clearly worried about my condition. My hand instinctively reached out to grasp his, not wanting him to leave my side, and I couldn't help but emit a soft groan as the pain momentarily intensified.

Memories began to resurface like fragments of a jigsaw puzzle, and suddenly, it all became clear – the events leading up to this moment.

As flashes of my confrontation with Sofia played before my eyes, my heart raced, and I gasped in realization. The heated argument between us had escalated beyond control, and I had found myself in a vulnerable position, succumbing to the strain both physically and emotionally.

"How long have I been out for?" I asked, my eyes fixated on my now prominently swollen stomach, a clear sign that more than three months had passed since I last remembered anything.

The stark contrast between my previous self and my current state felt surreal, the weight of the months gone by evident in both my appearance and emotions.

Dimitri's gaze softened, his caring presence a comforting anchor amidst my confusion. He sat down beside me on the bed, his reassuring hand finding its way to mine. "You've been out for almost four months," he gently informed me. The revelation sent shockwaves through my consciousness, leaving me breathless.

"I-I've been in a coma for four months?" I stammered, my mind struggling to process the enormity of the time I had lost. "Which means I'm almost seven months pregnant?" The realization hit me like a tidal wave, and I instinctively clutched my stomach, feeling the precious life growing within me.