Carrying The Billionaire’s Heir

Chapter4 - NewBeginning

It was finally time to move into my new apartment in Briarwood Estate. I was so excited for this but also scared at the same time. I knew I would be completely alone there because my father would have to stay in our old home close to the bakery. I felt bad for my father, because he would have to do all the work in the bakery alone but he reassured me that he would be fine on his own.

The day I moved into the Briarwood Estate apartment felt surreal. My father, Lily, and I stood together in front of the sleek building, sunlight catching on its polished facade. It was quiet and elegant, nestled among manicured gardens and tree-lined streets that promised peace.

When the door swung open, we were greeted by a spacious, fully furnished apartment that seemed more like a luxury hotel suite than a temporary home.

Soft cream-colored sofas, gleaming hardwood floors, and elegant chandeliers. Every detail—from the carefully chosen artwork to the delicate scent of fresh flowers—spoke of comfort and class.

Inside, we were welcomed by an elderly woman who introduced herself as Mrs. Daniels, the home keeper assigned to assist me during my stay. She wore a simple yet neat uniform, and she seemed friendly and warm. I felt safe and more importantly, I felt happy that I wouldn’t be alone.

“I’ll be here to help you with anything you need, Miss Johnson,” she said softly, her voice steady and reassuring. “Consider me your guide and support.”

Mrs. Daniels assisted us with my bags and she gave us a tour of the beautiful apartment. Showing us the elegant kitchen, the grand balcony, the huge rooms and every other wonder the apartment housed.

Lily’s eyes widened. “Zoe, this is incredible!”

My father smiled, pride swelling in his chest. “The Valenti’s didn’t skimp on this.”

“This is too beautiful. I’ve never seen anything this beautiful.” I said in awe and admiration of the place.

“I can’t believe I’ll be living here.” I continued.

“I’ll be visiting you a lot, Zoe. A lot!” Lily screamed in excitement and I giggled.

“Let’s finish unpacking.” My father said as he smiled and continued eyeing the beautiful apartment.

“Yes dad” I agreed.

That evening, after the last box was unpacked, I sat on the balcony overlooking the estate. Lily and Dad joined me, their presence felt warm but it dawned on me that they would soon leave, and it would be just me.

I know Lily said she would visit a lot, but we both know that reality would quickly set in. The Briarwood Estate is quite far from home, Lily might have the intentions of coming to visit often but the distance might make it difficult for her to keep to that promise.

And as for my father, he would be twice as busy with the bakery without me. So he won’t have time to visit me so much. Life will definitely be so different waking up without him in the building with me.

“We’re with you, Zoe,” Dad said quietly as if he could read my mind and feel my hurt.

Lily nodded. “Every step.”

*****

The next morning, I found myself back at Ardenia Medical Pavilion. The hospital felt less intimidating this time.

Mrs. Valenti greeted me at the entrance, “Ready for the next step?”

I nodded, trying to steady my nerves.

The procedure was scheduled in a private suite designed for discretion and comfort. Insemination was explained carefully by the medical team: it was a simple, minimally invasive process where Hunter’s carefully collected sperm sample would be introduced directly into my uterus to increase the chances of conception.

The doctor assured me it was quick and painless, done under gentle observation, and that I would be monitored closely afterward to track any early signs of pregnancy.

As the nurse prepared everything, I lay back on the soft examination table, fidgeting lightly. My nerves were all over the place, and my heart paced in my chest. This was really happening.

The procedure itself was brief—a small catheter guided the sample with precision. I closed my eyes, imagining the tiny spark of new life beginning inside me.

Afterwards, Mrs. Valenti handed me a folder with all the details of post-insemination care and scheduled appointments. “We’re all rooting for you, Zoe,” she said quietly.

I nodded with gratitude and smiled lightly.

*********

The apartment was quiet in the early morning, soft beams spilling across the polished floors and delicate curtains. I sat by the window, my hands folded over my stomach.

I wondered what events were happening inside me, was there a baby already? Or would I have to get inseminated again? I was hopeful and anxious at the same time. I knew whatever happened was beyond me, but I couldn’t help but worry, because I didn’t want to disappoint the Valentis.

Mrs. Daniels, who had now become a constant presence in my life, moved quietly around the kitchen preparing tea. She had settled in as much as I had, and I had grown fond of her. She anticipated my needs before I spoke them, and gave a comforting rhythm to my new life.

She poured the tea carefully and set the steaming cup beside me before settling herself into the chair next to me.

“Some tea for you. It’s good for you and the baby.” She said.

“That’s if there is a baby in me.” I said, holding up the cup of tea to my lips “But thank you.” I smiled.

“Don’t be pessimistic, Miss Johnson. You look like a very fertile woman. I’m sure the baby’s there already.” Mrs. Daniel assured me.

“I hope so.” I said anxiously.

“I know so.” Mrs. Daniels said firmly but I only smiled lightly and took a small sip then turned to look out of the window.

“What’s bothering you, sweetie?” Mrs. Daniels asked with a concerned look on her face.

“It’s nothing, Mrs. Daniels. Thank you.”

“No no, sweetie. I’m here for a reason, you shouldn’t be all alone as you go through this. You can talk to me about anything.” Mrs. Daniels said giving me a warm, reassuring smile.

“It’s just… it’s just starting to feel like too much.” I started.

“This opportunity is going to be a lifechanger for my family, but I’m scared I’ll mess it up. And the worst part is that I can’t do anything about it, I can only just hope. But the wait is killing me, I’m so anxious all the time.”

“Sweetie, that’s normal. It’s completely normal to feel a bit anxious. Especially when there’s so much weight on you. But you can’t dwell on it, you need to distract yourself.” She said.

“It’s all I can think about. And being in this house is a constant reminder that I’m here because I’m expecting a baby.” I said with my voice shaky.

“You won’t disappoint, sweetie. You already look pregnant to me, your skin is radiant and you’re getting quite emotional, that’s a good sign and trust me I’ve worked with many pregnancy women.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m positive, now drink your tea before it gets cold. For the baby.” Mrs. Daniels said knowingly and I couldn’t help but smile.

“You’re not just a vessel for this child. You are a person, and I want you to know that you are seen.” She added as though she could read my mind and feel my pain.

I swallowed the lump in my throat, grateful for the permission to feel. “Sometimes it feels like I’m just a contract, a business deal that Hunter’s family signed off on. They don’t see me as me. Just as a means to an end.”

Mrs. Daniels nodded knowingly. “That is the hardest part. Being seen only for what you can give, not who you are. But trust me, you are seen and I’ll be here, living with you, every day, to remind you of that.”

Her words wrapped around me like a warm blanket. She wasn’t just a caretaker—she was becoming a guardian of my heart, someone who understood the silent battles I fought. I barely knew her, but I knew I liked her.

“Thank you Mrs. Daniels.” I didn’t know when I left my seat and embraced her in a hug, tears almost left my eyes. It really felt good to be seen.