The celebration around us felt like a dream. I was still reeling from everything—Justin’s death, regaining my properties, and now this renewed engagement to Leon. It was overwhelming, but in the best way. I clung to Leon’s hand as our family and friends swirled around us, offering their congratulations.Aunt Lou was the first to pull me into a tight embrace, her familiar scent calming my nerves. “Oh, sweetheart,” she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. “I’m so happy for you. You deserve all of this—and now, every bit of happiness is finally coming your way.”I smiled against her shoulder, feeling the weight of her words sink in. For so long, I hadn’t believed I deserved happiness, not after everything that had happened. But now, standing here surrounded by people who loved me, I finally felt like somehow, I did.“Thank you,” I whispered back, my voice barely holding together.When Aunt Lou let go, I found myself facing Uncle George next. His expression was softer than usual, th
The past three months had been a whirlwind—an emotional rollercoaster of healing, hope, and quiet joy as Leon and I embraced our future together. Justin’s death felt like a distant, dark chapter finally closed, and now, as my baby bump began to show, life felt like it was on a brighter path. Our days were filled with preparations for our baby, and today was no different. We were at the summer house that my parents left me, making the final touches for our baby’s gender reveal celebration.The summer house had been renovated since we decided to live here. Though Leon and I could have afforded something grand, we agreed to keep our life simple and grounded. The house had a quiet charm, nestled close to the lake, where the breeze carried a sense of peace. We’d stripped away the extravagance that usually came with our wealth, keeping only what we needed for a comfortable life. It felt right. It felt like the start of something pure and new for our growing family.I stood by Leon, watch
As the gender reveal celebration goes on, the awkward atmosphere surrounding Sarah's arrival lingered like a shadow over what was supposed to be a joyous occasion. I seriously tried to stay focused on the event, reminding myself that today was about my baby and celebrating this new chapter in Leon and I’s lives, but Sarah’s presence was unsettling. Every time I caught her glancing at me or Leon, there was something in her eyes—something I couldn’t help but wonder if it was jealousy.The summer house was bustling with activity. Our friends and family all gathered and laughing as they discussed whether the baby would be a boy or a girl. And in that short instant, the backyard where a view of the lake was present, now adorned with the pastel decorations—blues and pinks fluttering gently in the breeze—were beautiful.However, every time I glanced toward Sarah, I simply couldn’t help but felt a knot in my stomach. She hadn’t said much since arriving, only offering polite but distant smil
The rest of the day moved in a blur of laughter and celebration. Our friends and family gathered around, offering their congratulations, talking about our future plans for the baby, and making bets on whether our little boy would take after me or Leon.The joy was overwhelming, and for a while, I was able to set aside the fact that Sarah’s presence was making me feel awkward to the back of my mind.Leon was by my side almost the entire time, holding my hand or keeping an arm around me protectively. I was fortunate for having a partner that could sensed my unease, even if I tried to hide it.As what Leon had often tell me, the two of us were a team, and today was supposed to be one of the
The days after our baby shower felt like a whirlwind of excitement and preparations. Leon and I were constantly buzzing with anticipation, making sure everything was perfect for our little boy’s arrival. It felt surreal, imagining a whole new life with a child, and neither of us could contain the joy we felt."Do you think this color will be just fine?" I asked, holding up a soft blue swatch of paint as we stood in the soon-to-be nursery. Leon was beside me, nodding thoughtfully as he considered the walls we were about to transform."I think it’s perfect," he said, his voice warm and full of certainty. "Not too bright, not too dull. It’ll be calming."I smiled, my heart swelling. "I want a corner over there," I pointed to the window, "where I can sit and read him stories. Maybe I could have a rocking chair too."Leon’s face lit up at the idea. "I can picture it already. You, with him in your arms, tucking him in after reading. And I’ll stand at the door, listening to you sing him to s
One morning, as I sat by the window in the nursery, sipping on tea, I felt a soft kick. A flutter at first, then a stronger nudge—our baby was moving. A rush of warmth flooded me, and I called out for Leon, my heart bursting with excitement."Leon!" I yelled, unable to contain myself. "Come here, quick!"Leon appeared in the doorway, a mix of alarm and curiosity on his face. "What is it?" he asked, rushing over to me.I grabbed his hand and placed it on my belly. "Did you feel that? He’s kicking."He stood still, his hand resting on my bump, waiting. And then, it happened—a little nudge from within.His eyes widened, and a huge grin spread across h
The separation anxiety hit harder than I thought it would.Leon had only been gone for a few hours, yet it felt like days. I kept telling myself it was just three days, but the thought of him being so far away, flying across the world to Italy, had my stomach in knots.I tried to distract myself by reading books, TV shows, even a long bath, but none of it worked. Every time I thought about him being gone, the tears just came, uncontrollably. I had already tried calling him through Viber, even though I knew he was likely still on the plane. It was irrational, I knew that, but I couldn’t help myself.Eventually, Aunt Lou noticed that my anxiety was getting out of hand. And I appreciate how she tried reassuring me that everything was fine, remind
After Sarah left, the mood at the park was ruined.I could see it in Aunt Lou’s worried expression, Letty’s frustration, and Lena’s quiet glances. We all knew that lingering here wasn’t going to make me feel any better, so we packed up our things and headed back home.And the moment I stepped through the front door of the summer house, I couldn’t help but felt a sudden overwhelming urge to call Leon.Once we were settled inside, I excused myself to my room, pulling out my phone and dialing Leon’s viber, this time I was certain that he would be able to answer. I could feel the anxiety bubbling up again as I listened to the dial tone.