My Hockey Alpha by Eve Above Story PDF

Chapter 0478

Nina

The brightly lit mall, covered in colorful banners and flashy storefronts, was a stark change from the gentle green and blue hues of Mountainview. It wasn't a regular occurrence for us to come to the mall, but when we did, it was always fun.

I always loved browsing the sale racks, trying on funny hats, and pointing out unique displays. But today, I was just happy to be near Enzo. His hand was warm in mine as we wandered through the mall, surrounded by the buzz of Saturday shoppers.

"Let's check out that store," I suggested, nodding toward a trendy boutique. "I've been wanting to get something new,"

Enzo grinned. "As you wish."

The store smelled like vanilla and lavender, with tall racks of clothes neatly organized by color and type. My fingers brushed over soft fabrics, lingering on a few summery outfits. I eventually picked out a few things that caught my eye and headed to the fitting rooms.

And yet, as I stood before the mirror in a beautiful green dress, I found my eyes drifting to my midsection. My belly still looked a little more pronounced than usual. For a second, I felt a strange mix of insecurity and concern. I tried to push it away, blaming it on bad lighting or an unflattering angle, but the feeling persisted.

"Hey, babe, how's it going in there?" Enzo's voice broke through my internal monologue as he peeked into the fitting room.

I twirled awkwardly, watching his eyes for a reaction. "What do you think? Does it look okay?"

Enzo smiled. "It looks perfect. You should get it."

I paused, though, glancing nervously in the mirror. My hand lingered on my belly. "It's not... too tight around my stomach?"

Instantly, Enzo shot me a warning look. "You look stunning, Nina. You always do," he assured me, his eyes eamest. "And healthy, too. Don't start obsessing over your size."

still uneasy. "You're right, I shouldn't obsess," I agreed, even though something deep within me

been eating too much junk," I thought to

from one storefront to another. We were midway through our window-shopping escapade when I found myself stopped in front of a

store.

matching booties. A soft, involuntary sigh escaped my lips, accompanied by

felt the shift in me instantly, his arm snaking around my waist. "Hey, we'll have our family someday, okay? Don't be

guard, I feigned indifference. "I'm not upset; I was just looking,

know you far too well for you to pull that 'just looking' nonsense on

head on his shoulder, enveloped by the comforting smell of his cologne

he quipped, pulling me closer. "I might as well double down on it now, seeing

words, I playfully punched his arm. "Hey! Don't go bringing that up when we're having

my admonishment, Enzo laughed. And so did

Enzo had uttered just the day before-"new beginnings"-now felt even more meaningful. Yes, it didn't

gave me even more hope for

whenever the time came, we would be able to start our family

scent of damp earth and fallen leaves. Lori, Jessica, and

Enzo go?" Lori asked, navigating a rocky stretch with practiced ease.

right. We did talk about it. I even took a pregnancy test." Jessica's eyes widened instantly.

I replied, feeling a surge of emotions I still couldn't quite comprehend. A

"You

admitted, feeling vulnerable beneath my friends' knowing gazes. "I didn't think I would be,

sign, you know? At least you've got a glimpse