A month later; Anastasia POV: In the past month, we never crossed our paths. I was busy with work, and so was Ryan. However, from time to time, he would call or test me and inquire about my and baby's health. Truth to be told, whenever he does that, I can't help but have warmth elope me from all over. I have a feeling that he will be an amazing dad. He grew up in a lovely family. He always has been loved, and he knows how to love someone else too. "I wanted to remind you we are supposed to be hearing baby's heart beat today." I sent the press button and his answer instantly came. Ryan: Yeah, I do. Will be done with a meeting in 10 minutes. Buckle up. I chuckled as I read his message. "I am already all buckled up." I wrote and did not forget to add an eye rolling emoji in the end. Then, a winky wink came. I smiled and put the phone away. Before he would come to pick me from the office, I wrapped up the pending work and after exactly 30 minutes, Samuel came to let me know abo
Ryan POV: I still had that sonogram in my hands although it's been a few days since we got it. I can't proceed with the fact that I am the reason behind this human being and I hate myself for trying to kill it. What if my child will hate me one day for it? "Stop it. It will not pop out of that scanning if you stare at it for so long." Zayn said to me. I immediately put it in the drawer of my desk and turned to him. "When did you come to my office?" I asked him. Because I seriously do not know. "It's been over 15 minutes." He calmly said, and it made me gulp hard. Is he for serious? How I come I didn't know that someone's been in my office for such a long time? He settled on my table and took the paper weight before rolling it in his fingers. "I was trying to let you have your moment with the baby, but patience ran thin." He glanced at me. I could only grit my teeth. "What are you doing here, exactly?" I tried to brush my embarrassment. "Are you serious, bro?" He looked at m
Anastasia POV: In the morning, when I woke up, I felt aches all over my body. I groaned as I tried to get up and because of the lack of energy; I fell back. My eyelids felt heavy, my throat was unusually dry, and I was practically shivering at this point. Because of the stuffy nose, I was having a heard time breathing. I sighed and tried to call my Mom but my voice never came out of my throat. All I could do was to wait for someone to come and check on me. However, soon after a knock on the door, Mom walked inside. "Ana, why aren't you up? You will get late for work." She said. "Mom." I could barely say one word. "Hey, what's wrong with you?" She rushed towards me after she heard me call her. She put her hand on my forehead to check my temperature and gasped, "You are burning up. Why didn't you tell me?" She scolded me. I smiled in between the pain. "It's not that bad." I whispered. "Really? Did you look at herself? That's why I don't want you to work for the time being. Th
Anastasia POV:In the evening, Ryan dropped me back to my home and he made sure I was fine. I exhaled loudly as he tucked me in the blanket like I am some baby. "You don't have to do this." I murmured softly. He simply glanced at me and did not say anything. "I am sorry for wasting so much of your time." I felt guilty. He spent the whole day with me, I am sure that I became a hurdle in his work. "It's okay. I worked from the hospital." He assured me that it is fine. "And you should also stop thinking about work for the time being and just focus on your health. Else I will forget that we aren't married yet and take you to my place. I don't mind us living together." He threatened me. My jaws dropped as I speechlessly looked at him. He glared at me. "Okay, I will leave then. Have some rest." He gently said and ran his fingers through my hair. My eyes flattered at the tingling sensation. He leaned closer and kissed my temple. Mom suddenly cleared her throat. I was embarrassed as I got
Ryan POV:In the past couple of days, my mind was occupied by Ana. I clearly noticed that she looked haggard and weak. Perhaps going through the pregnancy for her isn't easy although she never said anything. "Sir, I have to report something to you." Kevin came to my office and said with hesitation. I switched my attention from the laptop to him and prayed for it to be good news. "What is it now?" "Actually, the branch in Boston isn't doing great. I just heard from the police and got a report that their manager is also involved in the tax embezzlement. The finance is messed up but even the ledger is missing." He gave me a detailed report and it made me cuss immediately. "One thing... I asked you to do one thing, Kevin and this is what you got for me?" I snapped at the pitiful man. "I am sorry, sir." He had his hands clasped together and apologetically looked down. "You being sorry isn't going to do anything. Book a first flight to Boston. I will check it personally." I ordered, "A
Anastasia POV:A whole week passed but I never heard from Ryan. Although I tried to figure out his whereabouts from Zayn, he only told me that he is busy in Boston. Furthermore, only 2 weeks were left till our wedding and my fiancée was nowhere to be seen."What if he changed his mind?" I whispered to myself and came to stand at the balcony in my room. 'He never wanted to marry me in the first place.' My insecurities started to engulf me and my hand immediately went to touch my belly. "Baby, what will I do?" I sniffed hard and tried to not crumble down. Since the time of our wedding is approaching, he must be getting wedding jitters. Me and my baby are nothing but a leash around his neck and he must want to escape from it. My heart shattered so hard that even I could hear the sound of it and I was torn apart because I thought that this wedding might work. But I guess, I was being delusional. I sighed and wiped the corner of my eyes. "I am so sorry for being such an incompetent mothe
Anastasia POV:I signed up for a yoga class which is for pregnant women. However, when I went there, I found that all the husbands were also there, helping their wives. It was only me who came alone.I nervously bit my lip and glanced at my surroundings. But what I got was a few pity stares and the smiles of sympathy. I know what they mean. They must be thinking that I am a single mother. "Ana, it is great to have you here." The instructor suddenly said to me, I smiled forcefully. "Didn't your husband come with you?" She inquired. "Actually, he is busy with work." I told her half truth and half lie. Yes, there is no doubt that Ryan isn't busy with work but I never informed him about this either. "What kind of a man is he? Shouldn't he make time for his wife and the baby?" A woman who was on my right side chimed in. It aggravated me but I let go of it. "Yes, his wife should be his first priority." Another one added. This time, I couldn't stay quiet, "I am his priority. You want me
Ryan POV:I sipped whisky from the glass and glanced at Zayn who has been staring at me for a while now. His judgemental eyes were making me anxious. "What is it, freak?" I rolled my eyes and tried to divert my attention but it was impossible. "You got such a horny a**, bro. I can't believe that you left in the middle of the meeting just to do yoga with her." He pinched his nose bridge as he said. "Shut it." I growled. "And it didn't hurt to wait for a few minutes." "Few minutes?" He was out of words, "It was more than an hour." Zayn exhaled loudly, "You are so whipped for her. Damn!! You love her." He punched my upper arm. "I don't, okay?" I defended myself although I also don't know what these emotions mean. Whenever she is with me, I don't want the time to end. I want to listen to her. It doesn't matter if she is complaining about her day or frustrated because of all those goddamn hormones. But everything seems perfect. It fits flawlessly. "Yeah, yeah. Go and deny all you want
Anastasia POV:The evening sky was adorned with twinkling stars as we gathered for a celebratory party at our spacious backyard. It was a special occasion, not only because it marked a significant milestone for Ryan. He led his company to another glory, but also because it gave us an opportunity to bring our loved ones together. The soft glow of string lights illuminated the space, casting a warm and inviting ambiance.Ryan and I were surrounded by laughter and lively conversations as we mingled with our friends and family. The sound of music filled the air, adding an extra layer of excitement to the festivities. I glanced over at Ryan, his charismatic smile lighting up the night, as he engaged in conversation with our guests.Spotting Zayn, Ryan's younger brother, across the crowd, I couldn't help but notice a hint of melancholy in his eyes. Zayn had always been the quiet and reserved type, and lately, he seemed burdened by something. Concerned, I decided to approach him."Hey, Zayn,"
Anastasia POV: The sun shone brightly as our family embarked on a much-needed vacation to a picturesque destination. IThe vibrant colors of the surroundings seemed to reflect the joy and excitement in my heart. Ryan, walked beside me, holding my hand tightly as we guided our two precious children through the serene landscape. I finally recovered after giving birth and this is our first vacation with the two kids. As excited I am for this, I am nervous at the same time too."Look, Daddy! Flowers!" Kai suddenly said, grabbing our attention. While, the relationship between the father and son is also blooming. He turned 2 and into a mature man. I could not help but simle at his cuteness. Those cubby cheeks, full lups and big round eyes, they will be the death of me."Yes, Kai, those are beautiful flowers. Do you want to smell them?" Ryan held him in his arms as he asked. Since we have always been busy with our workloads as well as parenting, we did not had time in our hands to bring him
9 months later;Ryan POV:That hard and painful time was once again there. Everything is fun until I see her in excruciating pain. Ana held my hand so tight that her knuckles went pale while my fingers turned blue as the circulation had been cut off. But that doesn't matter. She is popping my baby out of her vagina... I am in no position to complain. "Push." The doctor said. I put my other hand on her too and gave it a firm squeeze. "You can do it." I whispered and leaned down to kiss her sweaty forehead. "This is so-" her breathing was shallow and the tears were rolling from the corner of her eyes. Ana was practically wretched at this point and damn... I shouldn't have forced her into having another baby."We are never doing this again." I promised her and even in the exhausting state, she managed to smile. I can't help but fall harder for her every single second of my life. "You realised this really soon and I thought that you want a whole soccer team." She mocked me and on the
Anastasia POV:Soon, it was time for cake cutting but Beth wasn't here. Now, I was genuinely worried about her and Zayn was looking at me with disappointment filled eyes. I chewed my bottom lip and sent her a message. Ana: Where in the world are you? If you will not come to Kai's birthday, then don't even bother to talk to me. I threatened her with the hope that she might be willing to tell me whatever the hell is going on with her. I sighed as there was no reply even after 10 minutes. "Ana, we need to cut the cake. Everyone is waiting." Ryan said to me and when I looked around, it was true. The kids were about to fall asleep. I gave him a nod and Ryan held Kai in his arm and wrapped the other arm around my waist while we went to the area where we are supposed to cut the cake. All the attention was suddenly on us. The phone in my hand buzzed and when I glanced at the shining name on the screen, I immediately opened the message. Beth: I am really sorry, Ana. Something urgent cam
Four months later,Anastasia POV:Today Kai turned one and I can't believe how fast the time has passed. Although this year has been the hardest time of my life, still I don't have any regrets. Just because I have the people who love me and support me. Tonight, I was the first one to get ready. Since it is Kai's birthday, we are having a party at our villa. Just with the family and friends, with the people whom I can call mine. I looked at Ryan who was putting cufflinks in his sleeves and smiles but that smile faded upon listening to him, "Just because I can't have you, it doesn't mean you can act cheeky with me. Stop f**king me with your eyes before I change my mind and put you up to something good." His gaze bore in mine and I instantly looked away. After years of marriage, just a little eye contact is more than enough to make me feel butterflies in my stomach. "You should get ready instead of running your mouth. Our guests will be here anytime." I tried to act sassy when I knew
Anastasia POV:We enjoyed the time which we finally got for ourselves fully. Having s*x practically everywhere in the yacht was indeed the highlight of the vacation. The weather wasn't cold anymore. Thus, we laid under the bare sky, with our bodies tangled together and staring at the sky. I don't remember being this peaceful and calm in my life before. "Ana." He called me and I lifted my head from his chest to look at his handsome face. "Hmm?" I hummed both in response and at the feeling of his fingers that were running through my hair. All of my nerves were excited but relaxed too. "Are you happy?" Okay! This isn't what I expected. My eyes narrowed in confusion but I smiled looking at him, "What kind of a question is it? And here I was feeling giddy at the thought that you might slip another big ass diamond in my finger." I joked. "Ugh-" He winced, "What is it with women and their love for diamonds? You practically work with them 365 days a year and you still want a diamond rin
Anastasia POV:Today we are leaving for our vacations and by 'we', I mean just Ryan and me. Although I want to take Kai with us too but thinking that I am not giving much attention to Ryan these days... it didn't feel good to take him with us. I also wanted to enjoy some time which belonged exclusively to us. So, last night, Zayn took Kai with him as he will be staying with his grandparents these days and Ryan, he is over the moon today. "I can't believe that such a thing is really happening." He said excitedly, like a little teenager who is excited to go on a field trip with his friends but I guess being with your lover is even better. "Why are you acting like you have never been on a trip before?" I teased him as I arched a brow and applied some blush on my cheeks. "I have never been on one. Not with a girl before." He confessed while putting his swimsuit in the suitcase. My hand halted and I looked at him through the reflection of the mirror, trying my best to understand that
Ryan POV:Anastasia hummed as she played with Kai and just from her face, I can see that she is dying to tell me something but at the same time, she wants me to ask her. Okay, baby! If this is what you want.I smiled and wrapped my arm around her waist, pulling her closer into me while she sat on the bed with her legs crossed and all of her attention was on Kai. However, upon feeling my touch, she squealed and Kai frowned. "What are you doing?" She playfully slapped my shoulder. "Aren't you getting way too violent, sweetheart?" I said darkly, "And don't tell me I can't hug you in front of Kai. Kids need to see their parents being affectionate to learn something from them." I added. "Because there are so many things which I can't do in front of him. I can't say any bad words, I can't talk dirty."She scoffed, "What a creative way to justify your actions." "I am not justifying. I am telling the truth." I whispered and leaned forward to kiss her cheek. She blushed. I love how my effe
Anastasia POV:The collection which I released this time was a huge success. One of the best things which I managed to pull off and I never thought that I am a sucker for success. I just got to know about this side of mine. So, to celebrate the massive success of Stones, Ryan's mother, Katherine, invited us for dinner. I dressed up wholeheartedly. A white lacy dress, it is my favorite and when Ryan saw me, his brow quipped, "Are we going somewhere luxurious?""Yes, we are." I nodded frantically and pinched Kai's cheeks real hard before kissing them. Ryan was holding him and he was trying his best to get away from his grip. These days, he has started to crawl and the whole world appears to be really interesting, different and amusing to him and to soothe his curiosity, he is giving us a really hard time. "We are going to meet your parents and I want to look good in front of them." I added. He sighed, "I don't like it when you dress up for someone other than me." He pouted and I just