His unexpected mate

Paul chuck watched carefully as Dr. Dave his friend examined his daughter’s eyes, his mind racing with concerns. “she’s pale, how about you both come to the hospital tomorrow morning. I’ll arrange for some tests” the doctor said. Dr. Dave had been Paul’s friend for a long while and had watched Selena grow, her health was his concern as well. “very well then, my mind hasn’t been at ease.” Paul replied as Selena nodded in agreement. At the hospital the next morning, Selena sat nervously at the waiting area, her father beside her. Doctor Dave had ordered a series of tests. As they waited for the results, Ryder Steel an influential wealthy man strode through the hospital corridors, he was never seen in hospitals except on rare occasions when visiting an ailing business associate. “Humans” he muttered under his breath, “weak and frail.” As he took carefully coordinated and confident strides, his feet clad in a pair of bespoke, hand stitched Italian leather oxfords came to a halt. His keen senses picked up on something unexpected. Curiosity piqued; he altered his course seeking out Dr. Dave. “the Doctor, what brings you to this wing?” Ryder asked, his tone friendly but laced with underlying authority. Dr. Dave hesitated, sensing trouble. He and Ryder had only been acquainted due to his rare visits to the hospital, Ryder was known for his ruthless and commanding ways, so the doctor was slightly puzzled at the uncomfortable conversation. “running some tests for a friend’s daughter.” “friend…that empty face over there at the waiting area with the brown eyed girl?” Ryder questioned. “Paul Chuck and his daughter Selena” Dr. Dave replied. Ryder’s gaze narrowed “what kind of tests?” Dr. Dave’s uneasiness grew, most of his influential patients were either business partners or friends with Ryder. He had to answer the questions patiently. “standard procedure, Mr. Ryder. Nothing out of the ordinary.” “I see” Ryder’s eyes locked unto the doctor. “I want those results, and I want the girl.” “why? I mean is that necessary?” Doctor Dave’s heart sank. The billionaire’s smile turned cold. “Necessary? You want to keep your hospital’s reputation intact. Find a way to get the girl to me. You are a smart man” The doctor’s face paled, trapped in Ryder’s web of influence. He knew resistance was futile. “okay Mr. Ryder, I’ll uhm…. take care of it” As Ryder walked away, Dr. Dave felt a weight settle upon his conscience. He was about to alter the course of Selena’s life forever. Meanwhile, selena waited with her father, unaware of the fate being decided for her. “so” Dr. Dave began, his face somber as he brought the test result to the waiting duo. “Selena, you’re… pregnant. He announced gently. Her father’s face fell, silent for a minute to process the news, disappointment etched on his features. “how…who Selena?” he demanded, his voice rising. Selena shook her head, “Dad, I…” But her father wasn’t listening, he stormed out of the room leaving selena in tears. She chased after her father, catching up with him at the parking lot. “Dad please listen! I haven’t been with anyone. This can’t be right.” She pleaded. Paul’s expression softened slightly, but his voice remained firm. “I’ll call Dave to arrange for a retest tomorrow. But if it’s true Selena, your life will never be the same.” The drive home was tense, Paul’s old worn out Honda Civic creaked and groaned, the faded blue paint job seemed to blend with the dull gray sky, mirroring the grave mood within. Selena’s eye travelled to the rearview mirror, where a faded “family” sticker clung, reminding her of the warmth and laughter that once filled the timeworn vehicle. That evening Selena’s father called Dr. Dave. “Dave, we’re coming for a retest tomorrow” Dr. Dave hesitated. “of course, Paul. I’ll ensure everything is ready” After the call the doctor quickly sought Ryder who was surprisingly still at the hospital. “they’re coming back tomorrow; the results don’t sit well with them” Dr. Dave informed him. Ryder’s voice was low but commanding. “Be ready. I’ll be there, ensure the results remain the same.” The next morning, Selena and her father returned to the hospital, tension between them palpable. As the lab technician prepared for the retest, Paul’s anger boiled over. “This is ridiculous! You must have made a mistake” “I’ll be careful this time” the technician replied, her expression depicting remorse. Soon, the wait was over. “I’m sorry Paul, but the results are the same” Doctor Dave said as he read through the result. Paul snatched the results from Dr. Dave’s hand, his eyes scanning the page frantically. But in a split second, he returned it, overwhelmed by the medical jargon. “how can this be?” he demanded. Dr. Dave’s expression remained sympathetic. “would you like to take a look selena?” Selena shook her head vehemently, tears welling up in her eyes. “no.” Dr. Dave nodded understandably and tucked the results back into the file. Paul’s countenance darkened, his face trembling with rage. “Selena, how could you? you’re pregnant and you’re telling me you haven’t been with anyone? Who is the father?” Tears streamed down her face. “Dad, I swear, I don’t know.” “Don’t lie to me, there goes my 24 years of strict upbringing down the drain” her father said, his expression turning ugly as his fingers drummed against his worn-out jeans. “Dad please…” But Paul cut her off, his voice cold. “Bring the father here, or leave to wherever. I won’t support your reckless behavior.” Selena’s eyes widened in horror. “Dad, you can’t mean that” “Oh! I do not? Here’s what I mean. How about Dr. Dave brings a drum, the nurse gets a flute and they play a beautiful tune to celebrate this awesome moment what do you think?” her father said, his eyes squeezed in annoyance, letting out a sad disappointing smile. Selena couldn’t help but let her river of tears flow, her world crumbled around. There’s was nothing she could do to prove her innocence, “maybe it is an immaculate conception” she thought sadly to herself. “I mean every word. You’ve made your choices, now face the consequences” her father continued. With a heavy heart, she whispered “I’ll find him.” “you have one week” he completed, his vibrating finger pointing straight towards her. As he turned to leave, his voice lingered in her mind. “remember, Selena, you’re no longer my daughter if you don’t bring the father.” But a rich smooth baritone cut through the tense atmosphere like a sharp blade, low yet laced with a hint of sophistication, causing Paul to stop in his tracks and Selena’s tears to cease, her breath caught in her throat. “I am the father.”