Baby For My Billionaire Rival (Billionaire Daddies)

19. Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Caroline

T he nausea has been unbearable. People call it morning sickness like it’s no big deal, but it’s actually like being tethered to a toilet like it’s your lifeline. Not to mention, “morning” sickness shows up whenever it damn well chooses.

This is why I'm sitting with Gram in her library, my lips pressed tightly, not hearing a single word she’s saying over the repeated prayer that I won’t throw up.

“Sometimes, Caroline, when you’re in a meeting, you do have to pretend to be dumb. That’s what men will expect of you. But you’ll be able to use that to your advantage if you play the game correctly,” Gram says from over her cup of tea.

Gram has been giving me her own lessons since I started grad school. Apparently, an MBA isn’t enough, I have to sit here and listen to how I can turn off my feminist gene in order to get things done for the company.

The company isn’t a fucking person. We’re people. And Gram doesn’t treat us like people, but like her own personal little minions. It’s why she tried to make Chase get married. And why I’m under her thumb, trying to prove myself as a future CEO.

“You also need to fix that glazed look that’s on your face, Caroline. I don’t know where it’s coming from. Am I boring you?”

I turn to look at her. I’m doing everything in my power not to throw up over the Persian rug, Gram.

“That’s better,” she says with a smile.

I feel a pang in my heart when she smiles at me. It journeys down my spine and into the pit of my belly. A jolt of emotions curls my tongue. I would never let anyone speak to my child like this. So why does Gram feel entitled to be cruel?

“Sorry?” Gram says.

Shit, did I say that out loud?

“You think I’m being cruel to you?” She laughs. “I’m toughening you up. You know that’s one of the most loving things a person can do for another.”

We stare at each other. I can’t believe I said any of that out loud. But now it’s out there. “That’s why you spoke to Jake the way you did, then? Because you were trying to show him love?”

“No, I was trying to show you love, Caroline. That you need to have higher standards and expectations for the men in your life. I mean, he was charming, I’ll give you that. I understand the appeal. Strapping and works with his hands. But that’s not our way,” Grams says with a calm sip of her tea.

“I should never have let you speak to him like that,” I say softly. It’s no good in hindsight. I should have said this in the moment, not now. But better late than never.

But the way he held me yesterday and gave himself over without any fear. To a life with me. To a life with our child.

How can that man not be worthy of me?

I didn’t have the courage to say it to him then. But I want the picture he painted with every ounce of my being. The family. The marriage. My mind is made up – I’m keeping this baby.

“You don’t value my opinion, Caroline?” Gram asks with a perked eyebrow.

“I don’t value things not said in kindness anymore,” I say. I learned that from Jake. And that’s what I want a life full of. Kindness. Softness. Especially with a baby on the way. I still can’t believe it. Doesn’t feel real, my own body and what it’s doing. I need to go to Jake. Need to settle this once and for all, commit myself to us. I push myself up from my chair. “I think we’re done for today.”

“You’re being impertinent.”

I shake my head. “I’m protecting my energy from people who want to tear me down, not build me up.”

“Is that what you think I’m doing? Just because I protected you from a life of pitchforks and hay?”

“That’s not all Jake is!”

“I thought you broke the poor boy’s heart.”

I wince. “I did. And I regret it.”

“You’ve got a business to run, Caroline Patricia. You’re going to be a CEO. You can’t do that with a man like that!”

“A man like what?!” I snap, harsher than I’ve ever been with Gram. It’s the mama bear in me, coming out for the first time with teeth bared. “Tell me what kind of man you think he is.”

Gram laughs darkly. She still thinks she’s in complete control of this situation but I’ll be damned if I let her back me down. “He is charming, yes. But his life is so different than the life you know.”

“It is not.”

“Money doesn’t create a common ground. Believe me, Caroline, that is the type of man who will keep you out in the country barefoot and pregnant and no granddaughter of mine will –”

My anger flares and bursts. No pros and cons on whether I should say it. It just comes out. “I’m already pregnant, Gram!”

Gram chokes on a sip of tea and stutters. “What?!”

“I’m… Jake and I are going to be having a baby. So I guess you should get used to me being barefoot and pregnant,” I say ruefully. I know that’s not what my life will be. I trust Jake to be good to his word. To let me fly and continue my trajectory. Because I know he’ll do anything to keep me.

And that means treating me like a powerful and competent woman, not just a mother.

“I… no… you’re lying,” Gram tries to take measured breaths between her words, but it’s not working. “You’re trying to… upset me…”

I shake my head. “It’s the truth.”

Gram tries to laugh. She grabs at her chest. “I can’t… no… I can’t…”

Something is wrong. Her anger is turning to panic. And her breathing is shallow. “Gram –”

“I can’t –” Her eyes shut tightly. “Can’t breathe.” The teacup drops from her hand and she pulls at the collar of her blouse as if it's choking her.”

“Oh my God. Oh my God, no!” I rush to her side and grab her hand. “Gram, look at me. Just look at me.”

Gram opens her eyes and focuses on my face, but nothing changes.

I hold her hand tighter and grab my phone. “I’m here, don’t worry,” I say as calmly as I can, dialing for an ambulance. “We’ll get you help. Just hold on .”