Entwined feelings.

He put the test results back and decided to drive away and he'd return it back to her tomorrow.

Astrid stood by the window and watched Andrew as he drove away,so we weren't an item,it was just a tag. She was never important to him,he never thought of her as something serious he only said it in order to excuse himself,she's happy that at least he defined their relationship today so she'll know where she stands and today she knows who she is to me and to her he's now nothing but a business partner who keeps giving her bad luck in all their deals.

He'll remain that way even when they get their marriage certificates and she must make sure that she collects all her payment not leaving a dime of hers with him, because of him she'd lose her newly found job- she can't work when she's pregnant.

But the bright side is the fact that once their contract expires she'd have enough money to start her life as she thought about this she remembered what she said in the car.

.Deep down she doesn't want to separate, she's asking herself why she feels this way for someone who doesn't regard her as someone important. After a year,she doesn't want to leave him or her child,she wants to have them both

"Am I being too greedy" she asked herself as she wiped her tears.

Andrew drove away from Astrid's place, his mind reeling with thoughts.

Their conversation had left him unsettled.

Why did she react so strongly to his marriage proposal?

Didn't she understand it was the right thing to do for their child?

He thought about their relationship, or lack thereof.

Astrid was just a business partner, but somehow, she'd crept under his skin.

He remembered the way she smiled, the way her eyes sparkled when she laughed.

But he pushed those thoughts aside.

He couldn't afford to get tangled in emotions but why couldn't he get her out of his head.

Astrid woke up with newfound determination. She wouldn't let her emotions dictate her decisions.

She took a deep breath and began planning her next steps.

First, she needed to secure her finances. She couldn't rely on Andrew's payments alone.

She started researching business opportunities that would permit her to work from home, leveraging her skills to create a safety net.

As she worked, her phone buzzed with a text from Andrew:

"Meet me at the lawyer's office at 2 PM. We need to finalize the marriage arrangements."

Astrid's stomach twisted, but she calmed herself.

This was just a business deal.

She replied:

"I'll be there."

The rest of the morning passed in a blur of research and phone calls.

At 2 PM sharp, Astrid arrived at the lawyer's office, her shoulders squared.

Andrew was already seated, looking impeccable in his tailored suit.

Their eyes met, and for an instant, Astrid felt a flicker of uncertainty.

But she pushed it aside.

This was about securing her child's future.

The lawyer, Mr. Oliver, greeted Astrid warmly and began explaining the marriage contract.

Astrid listened intently, her eyes scanning the documents.

Andrew seemed distant, his expression unreadable.

"As you know, this is a mutually beneficial arrangement," Mr. Oliver said. "Andrew will provide financial support, and Astrid will ensure the child's well-being."

Astrid nodded, her mind racing.

"What about custody?" she asked.

"Joint custody," Andrew replied, his voice firm.

Astrid hesitated, unsure if she trusted Andrew with their child's future.

"But what if—"

Mr. Oliver interrupted, "The contract outlines clear terms for co-parenting. You'll both have equal rights and responsibilities."

Astrid sighed, feeling a sense of unease.

Was she really ready to tie her life to Andrew's?

As they signed the documents, Astrid's hand brushed against Andrew's.

Their eyes met, and for a fleeting moment, Astrid saw something unexpected – a glimmer of tenderness.

But it vanished as quickly as it appeared.

As Astrid left the lawyer's office, she couldn't shake off the feeling that she'd just made a deal with a stranger.

Andrew's tenderness had caught her off guard.

Was it genuine or just a facade?

She pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the reality.

But as they walked out, Astrid found herself stealing glances at Andrew.

She noticed the way his eyes crinkled when he smiled, the way his hair curled slightly at the nape and she felt something weird,she almost smiled while looking at him but she held herself, what 'was that feeling?' she asked herself.

It unsettled her.

Was she developing feelings for Andrew?

Or was it just gratitude?

One evening, as Astrid was eating and Andrew appeared at her doorstep.

"I brought some baby clothes" he said calmly, his eyes locked on hers.

Astrid's heart skipped a beat.

"Don't you think it's too early? Astrid asked "

" I saw them at the store so I decided to buy them before they run out of stock. Do you want to run around searching for baby clothes " Andrew said trying to justify himself but Astrid saw through it all and it made her smile. When she found out that she was smiling she snapped out of it and kept a straight face.

"Thanks," she replied, taking the boxes from him.

Their hands touched, and Astrid felt a spark.

A jolt ran through him.

He hadn’t expected the spark.

Astrid’s cheeks flushed.

“Thanks,” she said softly.

Andrew lingered, taking in the gentle curve of her face.

For the first time, he saw Astrid as more than just a business partner.

He saw a woman.

A woman carrying his child.

Andrew's gaze lingered, and for an instant, Astrid thought she saw something more.

Andrew couldn't explain why he’d brought the baby clothes himself.

Maybe it was the look in Astrid’s eyes during their last meeting.

Or perhaps it was the realization that he was about to become a father.

Whatever the reason, he felt an inexplicable connection to Astrid and their unborn child.