Chapter 43

Elena’s POV:

I was surprised to see them this early in the morning, but I gestured for them to join me. “Come join me for breakfast.

I was interested in knowing if they visited this morning. I watched them as they walked elegantly, carefully swaying their hips from side to side.

“Sit down.” I spoke and gestured for them to sit down.

The chefs served us breakfast, and the atmosphere was weird.

I became curious, and I narrowed my eyes. “What brings you here?” I asked, breaking the silence.

My stepmother looked at me and reached for my hands to gently squeeze them. Her eye fell on my baby bump.

“Elena, I am so sorry for everything that happened. We wanted to save you from the disgrace of Caleb leaving you on your wedding day,” she said.

“Mother, that's enough. I know you did it for Dad’s company, and it's fine.” I spoke.

She nodded her head nervously. “Yes, that was also included, but look at you. You are very happy right now. I am so happy for you, Elena. Please forgive me,” she pleaded.

I tried to end the discussion, so I nodded my head, feeling a little irritated. “It's fine. It's all in the past.” I said.

My stepmother nodded, and we continued our meal. I felt totally uncomfortable, and I couldn't wait for them to leave.

After breakfast, and my stepmother brought out something from her purse. It was a card.

“Uh, Elena, I want to invite you to our Sunday night party. Your father’s company is back to normal, and we want to celebrate that win with you. If not for you, there wouldn't be a reason to celebrate. Here is the card,” she said, extending her hand to hand it over.

I collected it, my eyes fixed on her.

“Uh, I don't think.” I tried to come up with an excuse, but she cut me off.

“Please, just do this for me, and then I will know that you have forgiven me and I will be at peace with myself.” She pleaded.

“Alright, it's fine. It hasn't gotten to you kneeling,” I said. “Please stand up.”

“Thank you so much, Elena. You are so kind,” she said, and she thanked me with a huge smile on her face.

I saw them off to the front door and watched as they zoomed off. I exhaled and felt relieved that they had gone. I couldn't stand them. Something was off about them; I just couldn't know what it was.

I decided to take a quick rest to recharge because Nicklaus's dad and his grandparents will be here for dinner tonight.

I lay on the bed and slowly drifted off to sleep.

*****

“No, not my baby.” I cried.

“Please give me back my baby,” I screamed and stirred on the bed.

Immediately, my eyes opened. I was filled with sweat and started panting. Nicklaus hugged me tightly and called me down. My hands were on my stomach.

“It was just a nightmare, baby. Calm down. I am here for you,” he said. “It's normal for pregnant women to have such nightmares; you just need to relax.”

I hugged him back tightly and never wanted to let go. He kissed me on the forehead. “Thank you?” I spoke.

“Now let's get ready. My family will be here soon,” he said, helping me out of bed. We headed into the bathroom.

I stood in the mirror and watched my baby bump. Nicklaus held me from behind and placed his hands on my stomach.

“Our baby is going to be so beautiful. I can't wait to have her in my arms, my little one,” I said.

“I also can't wait,” Nicklaus said. I knew how badly he needed this child.

We had our bath and got prepared. I brushed my hair and carefully applied concealer to my face. I applied mascara to my eyes and let my hair cascade down my back.

I dressed in a flared white dress that revealed my curves. Nicklaus likes it when my curves are revealed. He proudly announces the pregnancy and tells the whole world that he will be a father soon.

Nicklaus wouldn't stop staring at me. “You look beautiful, baby. Every colour suits your skin,” he complimented.

“Thank you so much; you look good too,” he said.

We walked downstairs, and we heard the sound of cars entering the vicinity. “That must be them,” Nicklaus said.

We walked outside the front door, and we welcomed them. I smiled broadly, as I was happy to see his grandmother. It had been a while since I set my eyes on her, and we shared a bond way before I got married to Nicklaus. So I felt comfortable around her.

Her warm embrace always makes me feel happy.

“It is so nice to see you, grandma. It's so nice to see you, Mr. Coleman, and Grandpa.” I spoke.

Nicklaus hugged his grandmother tightly and extended his hands to the men for a handshake.

“It's so nice to see you both here. Thank you for honouring our invitation.” Nicklaus spoke up.

“The food is getting cold. Let's go eat.” I said that and chuckled lightly.

I felt comfortable; it was nothing compared to how uncomfortable I felt in the morning when Sarah and my stepmother visited.