Chapter 472

Christian watched Nora as she slept. They had discharged from the hospital the previous day and their security and staff had helped them pack everything and get them to the jet in the early hours of the next morning.

She stirred and looked over at Christian. He grabbed her hand and kissed it.

"My heart is broken. It is broken for the loss of our baby and for the pain you are enduring because of it. I want you to know that I understand the devastation of this, I feel it also. But I am here for you, I will remain here for you, through not only this but anything else we must endure. I love you, Nora." Christian squeezed her hand and moved her hair from her face. Tears fell down her cheek.

"Thank you. I just need time. It hurts but it will be ok. I will be ok," she said softly. Christian nodded and pulled the blanket up to her chin.

"Rest, my love. We will be home soon." He kissed her forehead and left her to rest.

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Erik paced the study floor. His worries and hurt for Christian were getting the better of him. He felt sick about it.

"Erik." Christian greeted him at the door. Erik looked at him and saw how bewildered he looked. He walked over to him and gave him a big hug.

They didn't exchange any words at first, Erik just allowed Christian to sob as he held him.

"It's going to be alright. Your wife is safe. You can still try again." Erik did his best to comfort him.

Christian nodded and wiped his face.

"Thank you." Christian looked at Erik and nodded. "For everything."

"No need. I'm here."

Pearl walked in and hugged Christian. "I am so sorry. I love you so much honey."

They all sat down as Christian explained what had happened. Pearl moved her hand to her tummy as he spoke of the tragedy, not even thinking about it.

Christian noticed right away.

"Mum, your belly is, why are you rubbing your belly like that?" He stood up and looked at both Pearl and Erik.

"Oh my god. You're pregnant? Are you pregnant? How is that even possible? You're over fifty for god's sake!"

Erik stood up. "Christian, there is a lot we need to discuss with you. We were waiting until after your wedding to do so. You getting married and being settled with that was the utmost priority."

"My mother's health is a priority. And telling me I'm going to have a half brother or sister with…you…as the father, that is a priority. We have a kingdom to run. And now, now this will just throw salt into Nora's wound. How far are you along?"

"I'm in the second trimester." Pearl quietly answered.

"And it's yours not Dylan's?" Christian looked at Erik in disgust.

"Yes. Yes the child is mine." Erik proudly said.

"My god. Have you been to a doctor? They can't think this is a good decision?" Christian began to pace.

"Actually, there's more." Erik began. He told Christian of his mother's childhood and her real age.

"What? This is insanity! How can that be?"

"Christian, I know it's a lot and that you are going through so much right now. Please try to breathe and process this as you are able. I am still working through it in my head." Pearl reached for his hand.

"It's wrong. It's wrong and selfish. I can't even look at the both of you right now." Christian left the room.

"He's hurting right now. Give him time." Pearl said to Erik. He nodded but she could see the sadness in his eyes. He made Erik feel unworthy and the sad part was that deep inside, Erik agreed with him.