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."

right, I shouldn't obsess," I agreed, even though something deep within me nagged that it was odd for my belly to be the only

junk," I thought to

mall-goers, drifting from one storefront to another. We were midway through

store.

soft, involuntary sigh escaped my lips, accompanied by a pang of sadness as the

felt the shift in me instantly, his arm snaking around my waist. "Hey, we'll have our family

not upset; I

too well for you to pull that

comforting smell of his

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

playfully punched his arm. "Hey! Don't go

despite my admonishment, Enzo laughed. And so

step. The words that Enzo had uttered just the day before-"new beginnings"-now felt even more meaningful. Yes,

anything, it gave me even more hope

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

morning light, the air rich with the scent of damp earth and fallen leaves. Lori, Jessica, and I set off on our Sunday morning hike, the conversation flowing as

Lori asked, navigating a rocky stretch with practiced ease.

right. We did talk about it. I

feeling a surge of emotions I still

and Lori exchanged glances. "You sound

my friends' knowing

okay. It's a good sign, you know? At