Page 98 of When Love And Destiny Collide

"I miss you, Sweetheart," he says, his tone heavy with longing. "I need you like I need breathing. I don’t know how much longer I can bear being away from you."

"I feel the same way," I whisper, gently caressing the life growing inside me.

***

The last few weeks have been more difficult than I expected. The morning sickness has been relentless, leaving me feeling weakand unable to keep anything down. I've lost weight, and Laila calls me every day to check in, ensuring I’m eating and staying hydrated. She’s even threatened to move in with me if I don’t follow her instructions to a tee.

Following Dr. Larsen's recommendation, I've had my second ultrasound. I'm eleven weeks along, and I find myself wondering how much longer I can hide my pregnancy. So I've decided that tonight, at Sunday dinner, I'll share my news.

"I spoke to Noah this morning," Jon says as we gather around the table. "He'll probably reiterate everything to you, Lily, when you talk to him later."

I nod, feeling… how did Laila put it?Peaked.

"The Central Authority is trying to arrange a meeting between Noah and Marian to discuss the custody situation," Jon continues. "But Marian wants no part of it."

"If and when they do meet," Sharon says, her tone laced with worry, "I just hope they can avoid a confrontation. Noah has to keep his temper in check."

"Isn't the court hearing coming up?" I ask, feeling suddenly more nauseated by the second.

"Wednesday," Jon replies. "He's compiling whatever evidence he has to present."

"Could the court rule against him?" I ask, my heart twisting at the thought.

"I don't see how," Adam chimes in. "She left them and then had the nerve to take Davey."

Aaron is sitting next to Loren, listening intently, but his gaze is focused on me. "Lily, are you feeling okay?"

I shake my head before putting my hand over my mouth and quickly leaving my chair, running down the hallway. I barely make it to the bathroom before getting sick as soon as I shut the door.

"Are you okay?" comes Laila's voice from the other side.

"I'm okay," I say. "I'll be right out."

When I walk back into the kitchen, all eyes are on me while Laila, Sam, and Adam avert their gazes. They know what's coming.

I look around the table. Jon looks concerned. Aaron looks suspicious. Sharon, Loren, and Katherine… they know.

My heart races as I take a deep breath, my hands trembling slightly as I grip the edge of my chair for support. “I have something to tell you all,” I say, my voice wavering.

Laila’s eyes widen, encouraging me to continue. Sam shifts in the chair beside her, ready to lend support if needed. Adam maintains a poker face, pretending not to know anything. Smart move, Adam.

“I’m pregnant,” I finally blurt out, and the room falls into complete silence.

I focus on Jon's reaction; it hardens at first but then softens with understanding.

Aaron shakes his head, his expression unreadable until he glances at Loren. She gives him a look that prompts him to shift his approach. Locking eyes with me, he offers a slight smile that conveys he may not be thrilled about the news, but he understands and will support me every step of the way.

"And before you all ask," I begin, "Noah doesn't know. I never had the chance to tell him before all hell broke loose."

"Why didn't you say something sooner?" Sharon asks. "You shouldn't have to deal with this alone."

I glance at my accomplices sitting across the table, their eyes pleading with me not to throw them under the bus. Sharon follows my gaze and instantly reads the room.

The chagrin on their faces is unmistakable. "With a show of hands," Sharon begins, "Who here knew about this?"

Laila and Sam raise their hands. Adam looks away, avoiding eye contact until Laila elbows him in the ribs. "Ouch!" he exclaims, rubbing his side.

"Adam?" Sharon murmurs. When his hand goes up, laughter erupts at the table, instantly putting my mind at ease. Not one of these people is judging me.

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