OLIVIA

I hoped Nick would come home early today. He hadn’t been around much since he started working with my best friend, Sandra. Things had been hectic at the office, but I still hoped today would be different, seeing how it was our fourth-year anniversary. I also had big news; I was finally pregnant, and we were about to have the family we’d always dreamed of.

I couldn’t wait to see his reaction when I told him, and I didn’t even want to think about my mother-in-law—she’d be thrilled. I’d call and tell her after telling Nick. I was sure they’d cut their trip short once they heard the news of my pregnancy.

I hummed as I moved around the kitchen, cooking. I was happy, despite knowing things hadn’t been the same between Nick and me lately. I hoped that after hearing the news of my pregnancy, he would become the man I fell in love with again.

Just as I placed the last dish on the dining table, the front door opened. My heart leaped with excitement, and I rushed to greet him. Nick was taking off his jacket when I reached him, but he didn’t look pleased to see me. I smiled and greeted him anyway. “Good evening, my love,” I said, then went to hug him as Sandra walked in, wearing a smile.

Why was she there? I’d told her it was my anniversary and that I wanted to spend the evening alone with Nick.

“Sandra, you’re here?” I forced a smile.

She hugged me. “Yes, friend. Nick and I still have a few work things to sort out, but I suggested we finish here.”

Fine. I would talk to Nick after dinner, once Sandra was gone.

the table. I’ll just grab the juice,”

we were seated at the dining room table. I decided to make some small talk. “Nick, how was your day? I hope things are calming down now at the

the house. Why do you care about work now? It doesn’t concern you

was my husband, and I thought I had the right to ask how his

gift,” I said, standing to

with derision. “And why are you acting so

since when did he talk to me like this? What had happened to my husband? He

Nick. Olivia just misses you. She didn’t

worked together constantly, forming a bond? That bond shouldn’t interfere with my marriage. Nick should still love

as if I wasn’t there. Nick smiled more at her, a gentleness in his demeanor that I hadn’t seen

I said, “I’ll clear the table. Are you

his plate toward me, while remaining focused on Sandra. My hand went to my stomach, caressing it. Oh, baby, your dad’s not ready to hear about you yet. But I’ll

I left the room, Sandra said, “Oh, did you want me to help you clear the

to the kitchen. Once I placed them in the sink, I gripped the edge, taking deep breaths, trying to calm myself and

does it feel, huh?” she asked, her tone

turned to face her, confused.

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