Love Unspoken

Quinn was lost in her thoughts, a melancholy whisper in her mind, 'It's all meaningless now.' Her fingers hung stiffly in the air, a sad tableau that mirrored the sorrow in her eyes as she looked at Alexander.

His gaze was downcast, his attention focused on her motionless fingers before shifting back to her face. With a gentle touch, he lifted his slender finger to her cheek, asking with an air of nonchalance, "Do you prefer a boy or a girl?" His question prompted a reaction from Quinn. A laugh bubbled up through her tears, a strange mix of emotions that made it impossible to tell whether she was laughing more than she was crying. Alexander's gaze was intense, a silent demand for her response.Forcing a smile onto her face, Quinn raised her hand and slowly signed the words, "I like girls."

His fingers traced a gentle path across her cheek, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. He whispered in response, "I like girls too. They are obedient. We'll have a daughter." His words sent a cascade of tears down her cheeks, like pearls scattering from a broken necklace.

'Had he uttered those words a month earlier, how wonderful that would have been,' she thought. 'I could've shared my joy with everyone openly, proudly announcing my pregnancy. I wouldn't have to hide my happiness. I could go into stores to buy cute baby clothes, looking forward to my baby's arrival like any mother. And none of what followed would have happened.'

and said hoarsely, "Don't smile like that." Her smile

knitting with impatience. Abruptly, he stood up, wordlessly ascending the stairs. Quinn remained seated on the cold carpet, closing her eyes for a moment,

Alexander's words had sent her mind drifting again. For a brief

senses, she was already standing in front of a chef's knife. "What do you feel like for dinner?" Alexander's voice suddenly filled the doorway. Quinn's hand paused. The crazy impulse dissipated silently

turned to Alexander, who spoke to her as he always did. He didn't have to do anything. His mere presence tugged at Quinn's emotions and swayed her thoughts. Quinn gestured with her hand, "Soup." "I'll have someone bring it over," Alexander said, his gaze briefly falling on the water glass by her side before he turned to leave. Quinn exhaled, glancing once more at the knives on the rack. She

vibe between Alexander and Quinn and, not daring to linger, made a quick exit. Quinn stood up out