In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 376

17 months later

Amelia stared at the pregnancy test, watching with a familiar sense of dread as the single line appeared. Again. Just like last month, and the month before that, and every month for the past year and a half.

Not pregnant.

She dropped the plastic stick into the bathroom trash, burying it under tissues before Niko could see it. These private moments of disappointment had become her ritual. Test in the early morning hours while he slept, hide the evidence, paste on a smile when he woke. The weight of failure pressed heavier with each passing month.

She washed her hands as she studied her reflection. She looked every inch the polished princess the public had come to adore. Her dark hair was swept into an elegant chignon for the day's engagements, her makeup subtle but flawless. The newspapers called her "The Elegant Princess," praising her warmth at hospital visits and her genuine interest in education reform.

But behind closed doors, one question hovered unspoken in every conversation, visible in every glance at her still-flat stomach: where was the heir?

"Amelia?" Niko's voice called from the bedroom. "Are you nearly ready? We have the new children's hospital wing opening in an hour."

"Coming," she replied, forcing brightness into her tone as she smoothed her plum dress and stepped out of the bathroom.

Niko was adjusting his tie in the mirror, every inch the commanding Crown Prince in his tailored suit and now, after 17 months, he sported slight silver at his temples which only added to how sexy he was. When he turned to her, his dark eyes softened as they always did.

"You look beautiful," he said, crossing to kiss her cheek.

She smiled, reaching up to straighten his tie. "So do you."

His hands lingered at her waist for a moment before dropping away. Was it her imagination, or did his gaze flicker briefly to her midsection? These days, she couldn't tell anymore.

"I was just informed that the car is ready," Niko continued, moving toward the door. "We should be done by two, and then you have the women's literacy afternoon tea while I meet with the Danish ambassador."

"Perfect." Amelia grabbed her clutch and followed him out.

Amelia's grip tightened imperceptibly on her champagne flute. "How kind of you to notice, Lady Maria. I'm simply enjoying these early years of marriage."

"Early?" Maria's eyebrow arched. "It will be two years before you know it. The people are getting anxious for an heir. After all, that is your primary duty, isn't it? Why Niko only married you in the first place."

Amelia swallowed hard, maintaining her polite smile as Lady Maria's words hit their mark just like the woman intended. She had always known exactly where to twist the knife, and tonight was no exception.

"Well, we haven't hit the two-year mark yet Lady Maria," she replied evenly. "But I appreciate your concern for the succession."

Amelia felt like snorting… It was this woman's favorite thing to do was overstep.