"Are you really pregnant, Ra?" Laura exclaimed in surprise.
"Tell me, how did your pregnancy planning go?" Aurora nodded as her response and then asked her friend.
"Just pray, Ra, that I can get pregnant as quickly as you did!" Laura replied with a smile that turned somber. The cyst disease that had been removed through surgery in the past had returned, making it difficult for Laura to conceive again.
Seeing the sadness in Laura's eyes, Aurora quickly changed the subject. She looked at the twins who were currently arguing about something. Nathan and Nafla, Laura and Aryan's 7-year-old twins, always stole the spotlight whenever they gathered. Although they were born from the same womb and at the same time, it didn't mean they always got along. On the contrary, there was never a day without them quarreling. Among the dozens of toys they had, they always fought over the same one. And when one of them gave in, they would toss the toy aside. Even worse, if you looked
While the plane carrying Aurora was in the air, she couldn't shake off her restlessness. Her soul seemed to be left behind at home. The image of Dave's disappointed eyes was vivid in her mind. Gracia, who was sitting beside Aurora, could only remain silent. This was not the first time she accompanied Aurora in this state. She knew the cause of her friend's anxiety. Most likely, earlier that morning, before heading to the airport, Aurora and Dave had another quarrel, as usual. Gracia, as a friend, never stopped advising Aurora to focus more on her family and be obedient to her husband. But what could Gracia do if Aurora didn't heed her advice? Aurora was at the peak of her career right now. Leaving behind everything she had achieved wasn't easy after the long struggle she had been through. Gracia had been a firsthand witness to Aurora's journey from starting her modeling career during college until her success."Ra, let's take a break, okay? We still have two hours to relax in
At midnight, Aurora finally arrived home. She was overwhelmed with mixed emotions when she saw Dave sound asleep, lying on his back with Elora and Ivand cuddled up to him. As quietly as possible, Aurora retrieved her change of clothes from the walk-in closet to avoid making any noise. She then moved to the children's room to freshen up and perform the Isha prayer before returning to her own bedroom.Aurora couldn't help but smile as she gazed at Dave's handsome face. In his mature years, he didn't appear older but rather more attractive and alluring. She delighted in admiring her husband's face. Her gaze then shifted to her two beloved children who seemed so comfortable in their father's embrace. Aurora imagined how happy it would be if she could join them in that bed, but she knew it wasn't possible. Her actions would disrupt their comfort.Aurora arranged the pillow she had brought from her children's room and lay down on the sofa she had turned into a makeshift bed.
Slowly, Dave removed Aurora's hand from his body. However, he couldn't escape when he heard Aurora's faint murmur, "Stay here!""I thought you were asleep," Dave chuckled and stroked Aurora's cheek. "We should eat first; your stomach needs to be filled. Come on, put on your clothes; we're going downstairs," Dave continued.Reluctantly, Aurora got up from the bed. With sleepy eyes, she raised both hands to tidy her tousled hair. Unconsciously, the blanket covering Aurora slipped, and Dave's hazel eyes became hazy once again. "Hurry, put on your clothes before our little one asks for more!" Dave said, trying to divert his attention from the enticing view before him. If Aurora weren't in the early stages of pregnancy and exhausted, they would have spent the entire day in bed making love.Just as Dave put on his boxer shorts and shirt, Aurora's phone rang loudly. "Can you get that for me, Dave?" Aurora's raspy wake-up voice made Dave hesitate to get up. He looked at
Saturday afternoon, the whole family had gathered at Dave and Aurora's house to head to Watu Kodok Beach together, except for Anton and Brian's families, who would meet them at the destination. Since the distance from Yogyakarta to the beach wasn't too far, just a two-hour drive, they had decided well in advance to travel in their own vehicles.Concerned about Aurora's condition, who was still in her first trimester of pregnancy, Dave chose to bring their private driver along. Dave was very grateful because Aurora had never encountered any major issues during her pregnancy. Her sensitivity and occasional demands were the only challenges. Dave never minded whenever Aurora complained in the middle of the night, either about craving something hard to find or simply asking for a back or foot massage. What pleased him even more was that during her pregnancy, Aurora was often the one teasing him.Dave's concerns became a reality when they had to stop at gas stations four tim
In the early morning, the kids were already excited, begging to see the sunrise. The grandparents were struggling to persuade their grandchildren, while their parents were still busy in their rooms.Alan, enjoying his coffee with Ferdinand and Hendrik, jokingly said, "You should knock on your parents' door to finish their chess game!" The grandmothers looked at Alan with confusion, while Ferdinand and Hendrik appeared indifferent to the morning chaos."Okay, Eki, let's just play chess since they're too busy. Besides, we came here for a vacation, and they're just hanging out all the time," Ricky quipped, now with Azka. The 12-year-old walked toward his parents' room, followed by Nathan and Nicholas."Besides, they intended to have a vacation here, but they're always together. Plus, these grandkids are wide awake and can't sit still!" Alan continued, looking at the grandmothers casually. Seeing Erika's stern gaze, Alan quickly got up from his seat and approached h
All family members were going about their usual activities, except for Anton and Brian, who planned to return to Surabaya on Monday afternoon. The ladies had gathered at Aurora's house. They talked about various topics as women often do. It seemed they never ran out of things to discuss. They began with the amusing antics of the toddlers and then moved on to favorite movies, eventually leading to conversations about how besotted their husbands were."Ra, are you sure you want to be a stay-at-home mom?" Arabella raised an incredulous eyebrow when her sister expressed her desire."Yes, Arabella, I've decided to leave the modeling world. I want to focus on my boutique. When I reflect on it, I've missed out on so much while chasing my career when true happiness lies in being with family. I want to enjoy being a mother who can always be there for every milestone of my children. I don't want to miss moments that will never come back. I realize that, when they become teenager
"Honey, please don't stay silent like this," Dave pleaded while gently caressing Aurora's shoulder as she lay with her back turned. Aurora remained unmoved, pretending to be asleep. It was clear that Aurora was angry and jealous upon discovering WhatsApp messages from another woman on her husband's phone.Negative thoughts started to creep into her mind as she recalled how she had been too indifferent to her husband's personal affairs while being preoccupied with her own. Could it be that Dave was tempted by women out there who were sexier, prettier, and younger than her? Aurora herself had witnessed how Dave seemed to attract the attention of women when they picked up their children from school. Yet, it was clear that Dave was with his legitimate wife.Failing to get a response from the woman he loved, Dave slowly moved under the covers and reached out to Aurora. He held her tightly and began kissing her shoulder with love. He knew his wife hadn't really fallen asleep
Six months later..."Mommy has something for you all!" Aurora exclaimed, instantly diverting the attention of her three loved ones.Aurora, with her slightly bulging belly, appeared carrying a tray of food and drinks for them all. Brownies she had baked herself, accompanied by apple juice. Not forgetting a hot cup of coffee for the hazel-eyed man who was now gazing at her with deep affection.Aurora took a seat and waited for her three loved ones to join her, gently caressing her belly.Elora, who had become a skilled swimmer, was sitting by the edge of the pool on her own, while Ivand, still learning, was in Dave's arms. Seeing Dave's six-pack abs made Aurora swallow hard. She had an overwhelming desire to hug that broad chest and kiss it. Aurora quickly shook her head to redirect her thoughts. She focused on Elora and Ivand, who were enjoying the brownies she had made.During this third pregnancy, Aurora admitted to experiencing a different sensa