[Short Flashback]
Seated on the small new couch in her new apartment, Lola rested comfortably.
"And they lived happily... ever after."
She smiled faintly as she gazed down at her bulging belly, placing a hand on it. Setting the children’s book aside, she caressed her stomach lovingly.
"It was a good story, wasn’t it?" she whispered. "I liked it very much. Did you?"
There was no answer, but her smile only deepened. Months had passed since she discovered she was pregnant—though she never quite knew how. At first, it had been confusing, even terrifying. Carrying a child, bringing it into this world... had never been part of her plans.
But now, it didn’t feel so frightening anymore.
Pregnancy had been hard with everything else going on, yet she’d learned many things along the way. Most importantly, she had grown to love the life stirring within her. It was a blessing in disguise, one that made her see a new purpose in life.
"In just a few weeks, you’ll be here," she said, glancing around the new space. Boxes still sat unopened in the corner, proof she hadn’t finished unpacking. She was in no rush. It was just her here, after all, no one to help her. But that was fine too. It felt like starting over again, but this time, it felt right.
"What’s important is... we’ve got a really nice place," she said with a grin, her gaze softening on her belly again. "No more worrying about leaks when it rains. Hehe."
A giggle slipped out, her mood light. Life felt brighter now. Money was still tight, but she was comfortable enough. Even if it meant slowing her company’s progress.
Then, suddenly, a small jolt beneath her hand made her almost jump.
"Oh!" she gasped, eyes widening at her stomach. "Did you just—"
Another kick came. This time stronger.
For months, her baby had been so still, so well-behaved, never kicking even as her belly grew. It made her worry a lot, and she constantly asked the doctor about it. But even with the doctor’s reassurance, it worried her. This was the first time she finally felt a kick.
And though it stung a little, it made her laugh. It made her look forward to what was coming.
Lola was alone in this small but safe apartment, but in her heart, she wasn’t. With her child about to arrive, the home already felt full, warm with her voice and love.
Had she known silence would soon swallow this place... she would have missed that check-up. Had she known her world was about to shatter, she would have clung to that warmth with all her life.
*****
Weeks later...
Lola dragged her feet into the apartment. The warmth was gone. The space was dull, dim, heavy with nightfall.
[Present Time]
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Billionaire Twins Need A New Mommy!