Built His Empire Then Watched It Burn When He Cheated novel Chapter 545

**Chapter 545: Pregnant**

Jonathan paid no heed to Anneliese’s frantic cries, his focus unwavering as he strode purposefully toward the woman. With a firm grip, he took her hand, and in an instant, they melted away into the swirling shadows, leaving Anneliese behind.

*What a nightmare… this is all so twisted and wrong.*

Anneliese jolted awake, her heart racing. She tossed and turned, struggling to shake off the remnants of that unsettling dream, but it took a while before she finally succumbed to sleep once more. When slumber reclaimed her, it was deep and dreamless, a welcome reprieve.

As she stirred awake, a wave of relief washed over her; the weakness and discomfort that had plagued her for days had vanished as if they had never existed.

With a cautious movement, she sat up, shaking her head gently to rid herself of any lingering dizziness. She stretched her limbs, feeling the pleasant pull of her muscles, then reached for the remote to draw back the curtains.

The dawn of the new year greeted her with a burst of brilliant sunlight, illuminating her room with a warm, golden glow.

Her phone buzzed incessantly as she turned it on, a cascade of New Year’s messages flooding her screen. Yet, her eyes were immediately drawn to the six notifications from Jonathan, pinned at the top of her contacts. They stood out like beacons in the sea of messages.

For a moment, she hesitated, her gaze lingering on those notifications, but she ultimately chose not to open them.

The clock had already ticked past ten in the morning, and today was significant. She and Jessica had made plans to visit the hospital for a check-up, an appointment that felt both routine and monumental.

With a sudden burst of energy, Anneliese leaped from her bed and hurried to the bathroom. After a quick breakfast with Jessica, they set off, arriving at the hospital around 11 a.m.

Fortunately, the hospital was nearly deserted, a blessing on New Year’s Day when many were still celebrating.

Anneliese accompanied Jessica throughout her appointment—through the blood draw and the anxious wait for results.

As expected, the doctor confirmed that Jessica was eight weeks pregnant, and everything appeared normal. Relief washed over them both.

Exiting the OB-GYN office, Jessica held the test results with a calm demeanor, her hand instinctively resting on her belly. “How did you manage to grow this big without me even noticing?” she mused, a hint of wonder in her voice.

Anneliese placed her hand over Jessica’s, their palms resting gently on her stomach. “It seems we have a little one who’s already quite considerate. I just saw a mother rushing in with her family—her morning sickness was so severe she nearly collapsed, but she was determined to see the doctor, even on New Year’s Day.”

“I truly believe this baby is already so thoughtful,” Jessica replied, a tender smile spreading across her face. “Honestly, I feel even more unreliable as the mom. How did I not even notice him arriving? I’ve only felt a bit of nausea for about a week, and it’s not even constant. It’s like the baby is just saying hello, letting me know he’s there.”

Jessica’s heart swelled with a bittersweet ache as she reflected on this new life. “And aside from that, I haven’t had any side effects at all,” she said softly, her voice laced with affection. “Yeah… my sweet baby who cares so much about me…”

“That’s lovely,” Anneliese said, her fingers lightly brushing over the back of Jessica’s hand, sharing in the moment.

*What terrible luck. Of all days, I have to run into this mess on New Year’s Day.*

Jessica, equally taken aback, stepped protectively in front of Anneliese. “We’ll wait for the next one,” she declared firmly.

What she really meant was clear: there was no need for pleasantries; Zacharias needed to leave.

Yet, oblivious to the tension, Zacharias stepped out of the elevator, his expression earnest. “Anne, it’s New Year’s Day. What are you doing here? Are you sick?”

Anneliese felt her irritation flare. She rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. “Aren’t you here too?”

At her words, Zacharias’s lips curled into a smile, and a spark of mischief danced in his eyes. “Anne, are you worried about me? I’m not sick. Something happened to Lenora…”

Anneliese felt a pang of concern; both Melody and Lenora had been struggling lately.

With the holidays behind them, the trial regarding their grandmother’s injuries loomed ahead, and there was nothing her connections could do to help. Anneliese had no interest in settling anything.

*This is just perfect.*