Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 833

James pressed his hand against her belly, feeling every kick and flutter from the life growing inside her. Each movement was strong and full of energy. It almost felt like two tiny hearts were dancing beneath his palm.

His eyes burned with emotion. He pulled her closer, burying his face in the curve of her neck. All the words he wanted to say tangled up and faded, leaving him with just one, hoarse whisper.

“Thank you.”

Thank you, Emmy.

Thank you for pushing yourself so hard and becoming so strong for our children.

Thank you for giving me a home, no questions asked.

Thank you for being there for me, for being my family when I had no one else.

Emmy felt the slight tremble in his arms. She lifted her hand and gently patted his broad back, slow and soothing.

Just as the moment settled into something warm and peaceful, a sudden vibration from the phone on the nightstand broke the quiet.

James frowned right away.

He let go of her and picked up the phone.

Emmy glanced over, spotting the familiar contact name: “Number Three.”

Her heart skipped. It had to be news from the military.

“You stay in bed. I need to take this call.” James’s voice slipped back to its usual calm and steady self.

He got out of bed and left the room, phone in hand.

Emmy no longer felt sleepy. She sat up slowly, leaning against the headboard, a wave of unease washing over her.

James was back a few minutes later.

He didn’t say a word at first. He just came over, bent down, and pulled her into a tight hug.

“I might have to go to the border,” he said quietly.

Emmy’s heart jumped.

“Claudia was taken during her transfer to the women’s prison.”

He tried to reassure her right away. “Don’t worry. This was part of the plan. We let her escape on purpose.

He leaned down and kissed her, slow and deep, his voice rough with emotion.

“Wait for me to come home.”

He turned and walked out of the bedroom.

Emmy followed him to the doorway.

His tall frame disappeared quickly around the hall’s corner.

The door was still open. A cool breeze drifted in from the end of the corridor.

The room that had just been full of his presence and their warmth suddenly felt empty and cold.

Her heart felt hollow, too.

Emmy stood there, her hand drifting to her belly, that same uneasy feeling twisting inside her.

She ate the breakfast Lorraine had made, then went to her study.

Only by keeping herself busy could she quiet the restless thoughts swirling in her mind.