Page 84 of Nine Months to Love

The executive conference room is on the seventh floor. As soon as the elevator doors open, I spot her. Margaret Aster stands in the hallway, holding court with three board members. Hersilver hair is pulled back in her signature chignon, her white coat pristine and sharply pressed.

“There she is!” she announces, voice pitched loud enough for everyone to hear. “My brilliant daughter.”

It’d be a nice compliment, if I didn’t know better. Seeing as how I do, though, all I can notice is that her praise never comes without an attentive audience at hand and the hooks of her expectations attached.

“Dr. Aster,” one of the board members greets, extending his hand to shake as we approach. “Congratulations on the partnership.”

“Thank you, Dr. Clayton. It’s an honor.”

“Your mother was just telling us about your recent good fortune,” another board member says. Dr. Zola Middleton, if I remember correctly. “In your personal life, I mean.”

My stomach does a sickening 360. “My personal life?”

“Don’t be modest, Olivia.” Margaret’s smile is fanged. “Everyone’s dying to hear about Stefan.”

“Mother—”

“She’s living with him now,” Margaret continues, as if I haven’t spoken. “And expecting his child. Isn’t that wonderful?”

The hallway goes silent. Every eye turns to me. My face burns.

“That’s... that’s not really relevant to?—”

“Oh, but it is,” Mom interrupts. “The Safonov name carries weight in this city. And Stefan has already shown such generoussupport for Olivia’s work. I’m sure we can expect continued donations to the hospital as well.”

“Mother, please?—”

But she’s on a roll now, turning back to the board members. “You know how these powerful families are. They understand the importance of investing in healthcare. In prestigious legacy institutions like Mass Gen.”

Dr. Clayton nods thoughtfully. “That would certainly be beneficial for our expansion plans.”

“Exactly my thoughts, Doctor.” Margaret beams. “And with a grandchild on the way, well, I’m sure Stefan will want to ensure the best possible medical care is available for his loved ones.”

I want to disappear. If I could just melt into the floor and never resurface, that would be great, please and thank you. They’re talking about me like I’m not even here. Like the only value I’m bringing to this deal is the little piece of Safonov DNA currently blossoming inside of me.

“The clinic will succeed on its own merits,” I insist.

Margaret waves a dismissive hand. “Of course, dear. But there’s no harm in acknowledging the advantages of your situation.”

Advantages.Such a bland, simple word has never been so repulsive.

“We should probably head to the conference room,” Camille interjects, bless her. “Don’t want to be late for the official meeting.”

“Yes, of course.” Dr. Middleton gestures down the hall. “Shall we?”

As we walk, Margaret falls into step beside me. “You could look happier,” she chides under her breath. “This is a triumph.”

“Is it? Because it sounds like you think I only got this because I’m sleeping with Stefan.”

“Don’t be dramatic. You got this because you’re talented. But Stefan’s involvement doesn’t hurt.”

“It shouldn’t matter at all.”

“Olivia.” She stops and grips my elbow with her manicured talons, forcing me to stop, too. “This is how the world works. Connections matter. Influence matters. Money matters. You can either accept that and use it to your advantage, or you can keep playing the martyr. Your choice. But I won’t let you choose incorrectly.”

With that, she sweeps past me into the conference room. I stand there for a moment, hands clenched into fists, before following.

The meeting itself is a blur. Board members discuss timelines, budgets, expectations. I answer questions on autopilot, but my mind remains elsewhere. Every time someone mentions Stefan or asks about potential donations, I die a little inside.