Submitting to my Ex Uncle-Chapter 236

2 Days Later:

The new nurse almost dropped the clipboard in her hand when she looked up.

Dominic.

He wasn’t someone you could mistake or overlook, not even in a crowded room. His suit was sharp as always, and dark enough to make the crisp white walls look dull beside him

The older nurses, the ones who had seen him before, still found it hard not to stare. He wasn’t a man you got used to.

Celeste walked beside him, in a soft cream dress that brushed against her knees. It was simple yet radiant.

Her hair was tied in a low knot, and even without a trace of makeup, she looked untouched by anything the world could ever throw at her.

There was something about them together. They looked like the perfect proof that the universe had gotten one thing perfectly right.

The new nurse leaned closer to one of the older ones, whispering, "Are they—?"

"Married? Not yet," the older nurse replied under her breath, smiling faintly. "But soon, perhaps. You’ll know when it happens. Everyone will."

The new nurse blinked, as if she’d been told she’d just seen a myth in real life.

Celeste turned to Dominic as they walked down the hall. Her hand brushed against his, and he immediately tightened his gentle hold around her fingers. His thumb traced slow circles over her skin.

She smiled faintly. "You know, you’re making everyone nervous again."

Dominic glanced around. "Good."

"Dominic," she laughed softly. "We’re in a hospital."

"I’m aware," he said. "But you’re glowing, and they’re staring. I’m just reminding them what’s off-limits."

Celeste rolled her eyes, but her smile deepened.

When they entered the examination room, it was calm and bright. The faint hum of the machine, the clean scent of antiseptic, and the gentle rustle of the nurse preparing the ultrasound filled the space.

Celeste sat down, and Dominic stood beside her, close enough that his presence felt like armor.

Dominic hated the hospital. It reminded him of so much, but he needed to be here. He wanted to be with her.

The nurse smiled kindly. "Alright, Mrs.—" she glanced up at Dominic and paused. There was a small hitch in her breath. "—Mr. and Mrs.?"

"No. Not yet." Celeste said, smiling lightly.

Dominic’s hand came to rest on her shoulder, as his thumb grazed her collarbone gently. "Very soon," he murmured.

The nurse blinked, momentarily distracted by the warmth in his tone, before she nodded and adjusted the machine. "Alright, let’s take a look, shall we?"

Celeste exhaled quietly, her fingers tightening around Dominic’s.

He squeezed back, his voice low. "You’re okay?"

"I’m fine," she whispered. "Just... nervous."

His thumb brushed the back of her hand again. "I’m right here. I’m here."

Dominic helped to position her properly.

The gel was cold when it touched her, and she shivered a little. Dominic immediately shifted closer. His free hand slid to her hair, brushing it back from her face. His thumb stroked her cheek in slow, steady circles.

"I’m right here," he murmured again.

"I know." Her voice was soft, almost trembling.

The nurse moved the transducer gently across her skin. The screen flickered once. Twice. Then steadied.

Celeste’s breath caught. There was a faint pulse of light

"There," the nurse whispered. "Do you see that?"

Celeste nodded, barely. Her heart was beating too fast. She looked at Dominic, but for once, he wasn’t looking at her. His eyes were locked on the screen. His face was unreadable.

"That’s your baby," the nurse said.

Silence swallowed them.

Celeste swallowed hard. "That’s... it?"

The nurse smiled sweetly, staring at Celeste. "That’s one of them."

Her head snapped toward the woman. "One?"

Dominic’s eyes flicked up. "What do you mean, one?" His tone was quiet, and controlled, but sharp enough to cut through the room.

The nurse turned the probe slightly, scanning again. Another flicker appeared. There was a second pulse.

"Two," she said softly. "You’re having twins."

For a moment, it didn’t register. The words hung there, absurd and impossible.

Celeste blinked at the screen, her voice broke out on a shaky breath. "That’s not... you’re sure?"

"I’m sure," the nurse replied gently. "You’re just about six weeks, but the heartbeats are clear."

Celeste blinked at the screen again. The sound of the nurse’s voice blurred at the edges.

"Twins?" she whispered, like the word itself couldn’t belong to her. "That can’t.... I mean, are you sure it’s not— maybe it’s a shadow or something?"

Dominic’s brows drew together slightly. His jaw tightened as he leaned closer to the screen. The image was still there. Two fragile distinct flickers of light. Two heartbeats.

"It’s not a shadow," the nurse said kindly. "They’re both measuring perfectly. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs.—" She caught herself again and smiled. "Congratulations."

Celeste’s chest rose quickly, her breath uneven. "No, wait. That’s— that’s two babies." Her voice cracked halfway through the word. "At the same time?"

She loves kids but she dreads having to take care of two kids at once. Surely, Dominic would be with her. He might suggest nannies, but she won’t want that. Whatever way, she won’t take care of them alone. Still, it startled her.

Dominic’s hand came down gently on her arm. "Breathe," he said quietly.

"I am breathing," she whispered, but it didn’t sound convincing. Her other hand instinctively pressed over her lower stomach. "How are there two? We only— I mean, we didn’t—" She stopped, realizing she was rambling, and exhaled shakily.

Dominic almost smiled. His lips curled upwards slightly. "You’re panicking," he murmured.

"I’m not panicking," she said too fast. "I’m just processing. Two. That’s two cribs. Two names. Two of everything, Dominic!" Her voice wavered, breaking between awe.

He reached for her hand and brought it to his lips, his eyes never leaving hers. "Celeste," he said softly, steady, "look at me."

She did.

"You’re okay," he said again. "They’re okay. This doesn’t have to make sense right now. It just has to be real."

Her lips parted, trembling faintly. "It’s so real," she whispered.

He nodded. "Good. Then let it be that."

The nurse pretended to focus on the machine, giving them a moment. Celeste’s breathing slowed a little, her pulse still racing under his palm.

"They’re both healthy?" Dominic asked without looking away from Celeste.

The nurse smiled. "Perfectly. Both heartbeats are strong. It’s still early, but they look great for six weeks."

Celeste let out a soft, choked sound that might’ve been a laugh. Or a sob. "Dominic," she whispered, as if saying his name would make her steadier.

He leaned closer, brushing a strand of hair off her face. "You’re doing perfectly fine. I’m proud of you."

"I feel like I’m floating," she murmured, half laughing through her nerves. "Two babies. Two."

He smirked faintly, his thumb tracing her jaw. "Of course. You never do anything halfway."

Her gaze softened, the corners of her mouth trembling. "You think this is funny?"

"I think it’s perfect," he said, low and certain. "Unexpected. Terrifying, yes. But perfect."

She stared at him for a long second, her eyes glassy. Then, quietly: "I wasn’t ready to hear that today."

He kissed her forehead, the motion grounding and firm. "You’re never ready for miracles. They just happen."

Celeste exhaled, a shaky laugh leaving her. The panic began to fade. Her gaze drifted back to the screen.

"They’re really in there," she whispered.

Dominic’s hand slid to her stomach, his touch was protective, and reverent. "Yeah," he said quietly. "They are."

The nurse printed the first sonogram and handed it to Celeste. She stared down at the small black-and-white image, her fingers trembling slightly.

Dominic leaned over her shoulder, his chin brushing against her temple. "Those are our special little darlings," he murmured.

Celeste nodded slowly, her voice barely a whisper. "That’s them."

He smiled. "Both of them."

Her lips curved, her eyes still glassy. "You sound proud already."

He chuckled under his breath. "You have no idea how proud I am."

The nurse excused herself quietly, leaving them alone. For a moment, neither spoke. Celeste turned toward him, the image still in her hand, and his arm came around her immediately. The tension in her shoulders eased at once.

"Dominic," she said softly, pressing her forehead against his chest.