A shiver ran through me like ice water trickling down my spine. I knew that look on his face all too well - the eerie calm that usually meant a storm was brewing underneath. The room suddenly felt electric, like everyone was holding their breath. My relatives' faces were murderous. Karl strolled in like he owned the place. "Morning, everyone!" he chirped. "Sorry to barge in, but I'm here to collect my wife. I miss her very much."His eyes swept over us all and lingered on me for a second too long. I swear I could feel the anger radiating off my family in waves. Me? I was frozen in my chair, fear gnawing at my insides like a hungry rat.Robert’s hot-headedness went from zero to ninety in about half a second. "Are you out of your goddamn mind?" he roared, jumping up so fast his chair nearly toppled over. He stomped towards Karl, looking ready to commit murder. "You got a death wish or something?"Suga and Martin were right on Robert's heels, all puffed up like angry cats.
"Wake up, sleepyhead. It's already 3 o'clock in the afternoon," a warm, familiar voice gently roused me from my slumber.I blinked my eyes open to find Rosie sitting on the edge of the bed with her hand tenderly stroking my hair."Rosie!" I exclaimed groggily, still trying to shake off the lingering fog of sleep.She gave me a sad little smile. "My beautiful girl, I'm so sorry I wasn't there by your side during your whole ordeal earlier," Rosie said as she reached out to delicately wipe away a stray hair from my face.I shook my head, trying to brush it off. "It's okay, Rosie, really. There was nothing you could have done anyway since I didn't tell you anything about it. S0, don't be sorry.""Lavinia..." Rosie's eyes shone with concern and just the faintest hint of hurt. "Why didn't you tell me what was going on? I thought we were best friends. Didn't we promise each other not to keep secrets?"A tightness formed in my chest as the painful memories and swirl of emotions threatened to
Rosie and Robert went back and forth, each stubbornly lobbying for their preferred movie genre while I rolled my eyes at their antics."Oh for the love of... How about we all just compromise and watch some supernaturals?" I finally cut them off in an exaggerated tone of boredom. "That way, nobody has to protest or threaten to go to sleep instead."I tried to sound annoyed, but the teasing grins on both their faces told me they could see right through it. Then Rosie and Robert both nodded at my suggestion. Rosie's hand found mine and gave me a comforting squeeze as I reclined on the couch between the two when the opening credits began to roll. I could just let myself get lost in the world on the screen and push everything else aside for these few hours at least.Of course, it was never that simple to escape the darkness. Not for me.The scene around me suddenly shifted in a dizzying way. One moment, I was on the couch, and the next, I was standing alone in the middle of a dim
A new day dawned, marking the start of a new and daunting chapter - the beginning of my treatment. My bed beckoned me to stay tucked away in its safety, but I knew I had to get out from under its protective embrace. Now was the moment to confront my worries. I dressed slowly, pulling on a pair of simple black pants and a crisp white cotton shirt, which I topped off with a matching lightweight coat. The familiar routine of getting ready helped ground me as I mentally prepared myself for what was to come. “Deep breaths,” I told myself. “You can do this.”Breakfast was filled with lighthearted conversation and the reassuring presence of my loved ones around the table. I felt a surge of gratitude for their unwavering love and support, knowing they were the unshakable pillars holding me up when I felt like crumbling."I can come with you to the appointment if you'd like?" Rosie offered once we were done eating, her eyes shining with genuine care and concern for me.I shook my
It was upsetting to have the rug ripped out from under me after summoning the bravery to come here and take this initial step.Pete must have sensed my distress because he quickly pushed on reassuringly. "Please don't worry, I've already found the perfect solution. I'm going to refer you to a colleague of mine, an exceptional doctor who I think will be an even better fit for you."He shuffled some papers on his desk for a moment before pulling out a simple white business card, which he slid across the desk to me. "Here are all her details. I've already spoken to her about your case, filled her in on everything, and she's ready to take you on as a patient effective immediately."Disappointment still churned in my gut, but I couldn't help feeling a glimmer of relief at how quickly Pete had arranged for someone else to pick up where he left off. At least I wouldn't be left aside."O-okay, thank you..." I managed to murmur, taking the card from him with a tight smile. "I really apprec
Two days drifted by in an uneventful calm. The residual entanglements of fear and worry still had me in their grasp. I was unable to muster the courage to venture beyond the familiar confines of our home. The panic attacks and overwhelming sense of dread clung to me like persistent, unyielding companions in my daily struggle to find footing in this new, uncertain chapter of her life.I sat nestled in the living room with my family, drawing comfort from their reassuring presence surrounding me as had become routine. The soft murmurs of conversation and the warmth of being together provided a welcome respite from the turmoil raging within my mind. Yet, there was one noticeable absence that tugged at my attention."Mom?" I spoke up with a furrowed brow etched with both curiosity and concern. "Where's Suga? I haven't seen him around today."My mother merely smiled warmly and mysteriously, reaching out to give my hand a comforting pat instead of providing the explanation I was exp
While the Carlon household was enveloped in the warmth and liveliness of Talia's arrival, a very different scene played out in the cold atmosphere of Karl's mansion. He sat alone, as he so often did these days, staring almost unseeingly at the large framed photo hung prominently on the wall before him.It was a wedding picture of him and Lavinia caught in a tender embrace as newly professed husband and wife on their happiest day. The smiles spreading across both their faces seemed so brilliant, full of hope and love and the promise of the future stretching out ahead of them.Karl's eyes traced every line, every curve of Lavinia's joyful expression, and his heart twisted painfully in his chest. The thought of losing her, of having her turn her back on him was a waking nightmare he could scarcely fathom...yet, it was his new reality. The consequences of his own unforgivable actions.A heavy sigh slipped past his lips as he finally tore his gaze away, unable to bear dwelling o
~Back at the Carlon household~The lively energy of Talia's arrival began to wind down as the evening stretched. Lavinia's parents had long since retreated to the sanctuary of their bedroom, leaving the younger family members to their own devices.The pair curled into each other's arms in the warm shared bedroom, finding comfort in each other's consoling presence. Yet, a palpable air of worry still clung to them, weighing heavily on both their minds."I'm so very afraid for our Lavinia, my dear," Mrs. Carlon spoke at last in a hushed murmur as she nestled her head against her husband's chest. "She's just...not herself these days. I hardly ever see that beautiful, bright smile of hers anymore."Mr. Carlon exhaled a weary sigh and his arms tightened around his wife. He pressed a tender kiss to the crown of her head. "I know, my love. You're right...I miss her energy, her light. It's like life has been drained right out of her."His statements were laced with obvious anguish—the h
When they finally broke apart, he maintained a feigned frown. “Is that all we’re going to do?” he asked gruffly.Lavinia giggled at his attitude. "You're being ridiculous."Before he could retort, she carefully lifted Jan from his arms and settled onto the couch, preparing to nurse the hungry infant. She pulled out her breast from under her light shirt and guided the baby's mouth to her nipple so he could contentedly suckle.Karl watched them for a moment with a complicated mix of tenderness and jealousy. "I think we need to start weaning him off breastfeeding soon so he can drink regular milk," he commented.Lavinia just rolled her eyes at him. She was long used to hearing this complaint from her husband. "Are you seriously jealous of your own child? He's still so young, I can't just stop breastfeeding him like that," she sighed.Karl turned his gaze away, feeling unreasonably envious of the peaceful intimacy between mother and child. He tried to push the feeling aside.“Finally, he's
No sooner were the words out of her mouth than a piercing scream tore from her throat. “Aaaaaggghhhh! It hurts so bad! Karl, help me, please!” She clutched at him wildly.Karl was at a complete loss, watching his wife suffer so terribly.All he could do was hold her and try in vain to comfort her. "I'm here, I'm here...you're doing amazing, just keep breathing..."The medical team burst into the room in a flurry of chaos at the sound of Lavinia's screams. They swiftly but gently transferred her to the bed with the doctor taking charge."Okay Lavinia, you're fully dilated. It's time to start pushing on the next contraction," she instructed."No no no, I can't...I can't do it!" Lavinia shook her head even when the next contraction seized her body.Karl stroked her damp hair back. "Yes you can, baby. You're the strongest person I know. Just focus on me and push, I'm right here..."With a guttural, almost primal scream, Lavinia bore down hard. Her face turned beet red from the exertion."I
~Time flew by in a blur~"I am very nervous," Lavinia confessed while fidgeting with the hem of her maternity dress.The swell of her belly was now undeniable. It was a constant reminder of the life growing within her.Karl reached out, taking her hand in his and giving it a gentle squeeze. "It's okay, everything will be fine. No need to stress," he reassured her before turning his attention towards the doctor in anticipation.The doctor was getting ready to deliver the news that everyone had been waiting for."Here we go. Are you both ready to find out the gender of your little one?" the doctor asked.Lavinia and Karl nodded eagerly. They had discussed this moment countless times while imagining the different scenarios that could unfold.The doctor smiled. “Congratulations, you will have a son."Karl's face lit up with joy, "Did you hear that, my love? We're going to have a little boy, a little Sulivan who will look just like you," he exclaimed.Lavinia's smile mirrored his happiness.
Now that he was fully awake and alert, Karl pushed himself up on one elbow to study her expression. “Are you in pain?” he asked urgently, his mind instantly leaping to worst-case scenarios about her and their unborn child’s wellbeing.But Lavinia was quick to ease his fears, offering him a small, almost embarrassed smile. "No, no, it's not that at all," she reassured him before pausing momentarily. "I...well, I have a craving. For oranges."The tension seeped out of Karl's shoulders after registering her words. He let out a quiet chuckle of relief.He reached out and gently caressed her cheek. "Oranges? At this hour?" he teased. "You do realize it's well past midnight, and we're not exactly in peak orange season right now."Lavinia's expression fell into a mild pout. The desire for those oranges seemed so strong, so urgent in that moment, even if she understood the unlikelihood of finding any at this late hour.Sensing her letdown, Karl quickly backtracked. "But don't worry, my love. I
It was truly a night to remember.Andre and Rosie found themselves in the quiet of their hotel room, where they were able to spend some quality time together.While Andre's hands were softly put next to Rosie's head against the door as he gazed into her eyes intensely."What are you doing?" Rosie's voice trembled."Why are you so tense? Are you afraid?" Andre asked before caressing her cheeks tenderly.Rosie offered him a smile and shook her head. "I'm not... I just...""Don’t be nervous, just let yourself go. I'll never hurt you, my love. Everything will be fine, trust me," Andre reassured her.Rosie battled to restrain her reactions as he moved in and pressed soft kisses along her neck. She bit her lip in an attempt to suppress her moans."I love you, Rosie, you know that," Andre murmured.Rosie nodded. "I know, my love, and I love you too," she managed to say before their lips met in a tender kiss.Andre carefully lifted Rosie in his arms before carrying her to the bed. He gently s
Karl’s grin broadened at her words and he drew the quilt over them both before they welcomed dreamland together.The next day, Lavinia was standing in the middle of the dressing room, clad in just her underwear, angling her body towards the full-length mirror. With a small smile, she ran her hands over the gentle swell of her baby bump, admiring the changes pregnancy was bringing to her figure.She grabbed her phone and started snapping a series of photos from various angles in an attempt to document this special journey.The bathroom door opened and Karl stepped in, fresh from the shower with a towel slung low around his hips.He raised an eyebrow at his wife's actions. "Uh, what're you doing there, babe?"Lavinia glanced over her shoulder with a smile. "I'm taking belly pics! Wanna get in on this?" She motioned for him to join her. "I want to have photos documenting my whole pregnancy so we can look back on it."Without hesitation, Karl crossed the room and wrapped his arms snugly ar
“Is my husband still angry with me?” she murmured.She could feel the scorching heat of his body through the thin silk of her negligee and smell the warm, musky scent of his skin. It made her head spin with a dizzying rush of want.Before Karl could respond, Lavinia closed the scant distance between them and captured his lips in a deep, hungry kiss.For a long, heated moment he seemed to melt against her. His mouth moved in tandem with hers as one of his hands slid up to fist in her hair.A low rumbling groan of pure masculine appreciation vibrated against her lips and it made her shiver with delight.Then, all at once, Karl seemed to come to his senses. He tore his mouth away from hers with a harsh curse. His hands quickly dropped away from her as if she had scorched him."Dammit, Lavinia," he growled.There was an unmistakable bulge tenting the front of his pajama pants. "Don't do this, not tonight. I'm serious."Lavinia felt her heart plummet at the rejection. "But Karl--""No buts.
Lavinia felt her stomach twist itself into an anxious knot when the realization struck her. Karl must have retreated upstairs to their bedroom, no doubt seeking the solitude and space his anger and hurt seemed to demand.She wavered in the doorway for a long moment, chewing nervously on her lower lip while weighing her options.Part of her wanted nothing more than to leave him be, to give him the time and distance he so clearly needed to process whatever emotions were raging inside him over the disastrous misunderstanding.Another, deeper part of her, however, knew that putting off a reconciliation would only breed more resentment and pain between them.No, better to bite the bullet and face the awkwardness head-on no matter how painful it might be.Drawing a fortifying breath, Lavinia finally turned on her heel and slowly headed for the stairs.By the time she reached the bedroom door, her heart was pounding a staccato rhythm against her ribcage. She could hear the muffled sounds of
Martin gestured grandly at the table laden with boxes of crispy fried chicken, mounds of buttery mashed potatoes, biscuits, and other picnic fare. “We were talking about food, you nutters! This glorious chicken, to be exact.”The revelation hit the women like a ton of bricks.Rosie’s face flushed a brilliant crimson, slowly lowering the rolling pin, suddenly feeling very foolish.“We…we thought…” She stammered, unable to meet anyone’s eyes when the weight of their overreaction crashed down on her shoulders. “Oh god, I’m so sorry.”Talia scoffed loudly. “Wow? After our whole dramatic scene?” She shook her head in disbelief, but carefully set the skillet down.Andre stepped forward. “It’s okay, really. I can totally see how it sounded out of context.” He shrugged. “But we were just a bunch of guys enjoying some food and…well, guy talk. That’s all.”Lavinia forced an awkward laugh while pressing a hand to her reddened face as the absurdity of the situation fully registered.“Chicken…we re