Amelia’s heart sank. She had been so careful to keep their personal lives private, especially with the baby on the way. The last thing she wanted was for her pregnancy to become a spectacle for strangers and the media. Before she could say anything else, their driver pulled up in front of the hotel, and Alexander wasted no time in guiding her towards the car. He opened the door for her, his hand resting reassuringly on her back as she climbed inside. Once inside the safety of the car, Amelia let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. "I wasn’t expecting that," she said, her voice soft. "I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again," Alexander promised, his tone firm. "No one has the right to invade your privacy like that." Amelia looked at him, grateful for his protectiveness. She knew he would do everything in his power to shield her from unwanted attention, but the thought of being photographed without her consent made her uneasy. She placed a hand on her belly, feeling the
"—I just know it." Amelia finished her sentence, her heart swelling with warmth. She looked into Alexander’s eyes, finding solace in his unwavering support. His grip on her hand was firm but tender, a reminder that he would be there for her every step of the way as they prepared for the arrival of their child. As they continued to eat, the conversations grew lighter. They laughed about the cravings Amelia had been having lately. "Remember that night you woke me up at two in the morning because you wanted pickles and ice cream?" Alexander teased, a playful grin spreading across his face. Amelia giggled, covering her mouth with her hand. "I couldn’t help it! I never thought I’d have such strange cravings. But honestly, this little one has me eating things I never imagined." Alexander chuckled. "I’ll admit, it’s been an adventure. But I’d do it all over again if it meant making you happy." The sincerity in his voice melted Amelia’s heart. She never imagined her life would look like t
We’ll come back, I promise," Alexander replied, his voice low and soothing. "This is just the beginning. We’ll make more memories here, with our little one." Amelia smiled, her hand resting protectively over her belly. She could already feel the love that would surround their child, the warmth of family, and the promise of a bright future. Paris had given them a taste of what life could be—beautiful, full of love, and overflowing with possibilities. As they pulled up to the hotel, Amelia stirred from her light doze, blinking her eyes open. The doorman greeted them as they stepped out of the car, and Alexander wrapped an arm around Amelia’s waist, guiding her inside. They made their way to their suite, and once inside, Amelia kicked off her shoes and collapsed onto the couch with a contented sigh. "Today was perfect," she said, her voice full of gratitude. "I feel so lucky." Alexander sat beside her, pulling her close. "We’re both lucky, Amelia. We have each other, and soon, we
Hello, Dad," she said, trying to sound calm despite the turmoil she felt. "Amelia!" her father’s voice was a mix of concern and disappointment. "Why didn’t you tell me about the pregnancy? I had to find out from the news!" "I’m sorry, Dad," Amelia said, feeling a pang of guilt. "We wanted to wait until we were ready to share the news ourselves." Her father’s frustration was evident. "You should have called me directly, not left me to hear it from the gossip columns. This is big news, Amelia. I should have been the first to know." "I understand," Amelia said, her voice barely above a whisper. "We were planning to tell you soon, but everything happened so fast. I didn’t mean to upset you." Her father’s tone softened slightly. "I’m not upset about the news itself. I’m happy for you and Alexander. I’m just hurt that you didn’t confide in me personally. I’ve always been there for you, and I feel left out of such an important moment." Amelia took a deep breath, trying to gather
There was a soft chuckle on the other end of the line, though it sounded a little strained. “Kinda,” Mark admitted, though there was an undertone of something more—something deeper. “But, you know, it’s not just about the news. I’ve been meaning to call you anyway.” Amelia let out a small laugh, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. She knew Mark well enough to see through that. He had always been good at deflecting, at pretending things didn’t bother him when they clearly did. “Come on, Mark,” she teased gently, her voice soft. “We both know why you’re calling. You don’t really have to say it.” There was another pause, this one longer than the last. She could almost picture him on the other end, running a hand through his hair, trying to find the right words. “Okay, fine,” he finally said, his voice quieter now. “Yes, the news kind of surprised me. But I called because… well, I just wanted to tell you I’m really happy for you, Amelia.” Those words, simple as they were, touched so
After a while, Mark said he had to go, and they both said their goodbyes. Amelia hung up the phone, her heart heavy with the weight of everything that had been left unsaid. She sat in silence for a while, staring out the window at the fading light of the afternoon.Alexander entered the room a few minutes later, his eyes immediately finding her as she sat on the edge of the bed. He walked over and sat beside her, wrapping his arm around her shoulders.“Everything okay?” he asked softly.Amelia nodded, leaning into his embrace. “Yeah, everything’s fine. Just… catching up with an old friend.”Alexander kissed the top of her head, his touch gentle and reassuring. “You don’t have to worry about anything, Amelia. I’m here, and we’re going to get through this together.”Amelia smiled, feeling a sense of peace settle over her. She knew that there would be challenges ahead, but in that moment, with Alexander's comforting presence beside her, she felt a sense of calm that had been missing for
Soft, rhythmic beeping medical equipment filled the room, contrasting with the sterile white walls that surrounded it. Sunlight filtered through the partially drawn curtains casting a gentle glow over the frail figure lying in the hospital bed. Amelia sat beside her grandmother, clutching her hand, feeling the coolness of her skin against her own. Margaret, Amelia's grandmother, had always been a source of strength for her. While she fought the illness that had ravaged her body, she still had a determined gleam in her eyes. She gently squeezed Amelia's hand and motioned for her to come closer. Amelia,' Margaret whispered, her voice a mere shadow of its former vibrant self. There's something important I need to tell you. Amelia's heart was heavy with dread and sorrow as she leaned in. I'm here, Grandma. What is it? Margaret took a quick breath, never letting her eyes leave her granddaughter's. “I need you to do something for me It’s my last wish and I wouldn’t ask if it weren’t so
Are you sure about this? Alexander asked, his eyes searching hers for any signs of hesitation. Amelia nodded, her resolve steady. “I am. The terms have been made clear and I think this is the appropriate move forward. Let’s do it.” Together they walked to the courthouse, surrounded by a feeling of solemnity, Upon their arrival they were greeted by a clerk who guided them through the required paperwork Amelia signed her name on the contract followed by Alexander. Officially placing the agreement was done with their signatures. Subsequently, they stood in front of a judge who scrutinized their papers and listened to their agreement Alexander Sterling and Amelia Thompson are you in favor of free and willingly entering into this marriage contract? “Yes, Your Honor,” they both replied in unison. The judge nodded, satisfied. “Very well. By the power vested in me by the state I hereby recognize this marriage contract. Congratulations to both of you.” As they exited the courthou