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 nagged that it was odd for my belly to be the

too much junk," I thought to myself. "I'll just have

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

store.

my lips, accompanied by a pang of sadness as the memories of that morning, which I had tried so

his arm snaking around my waist. "Hey, we'll have our family someday, okay? Don't

guard, I feigned indifference. "I'm not

brown eyes twinkling. "Nina, I know you far too well for you to pull that 'just looking' nonsense on me.

smell of his cologne and his natural scent. "You're too perceptive,

double down on it now, seeing as how I won't be around in a couple

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

my admonishment, Enzo

bit of lightness in my step. The words that Enzo had uttered just the day before-"new beginnings"-now felt even more meaningful. Yes, it didn't

me even more hope for

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

air rich with the scent of damp earth and fallen leaves. Lori, Jessica, and I set off on our

how did your chat with Enzo go?" Lori asked, navigating a rocky stretch with practiced ease.

words. "You're right. We did talk about it.

I

exchanged glances. "You sound disappointed."

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

know? At least you've got a glimpse of what you want in the future. A family. Something to