GABRIELLA’S POV
The morning had started off with an unexpected interruption. Nicklaus and I were enjoying a quiet moment together when a loud knock on the door shattered the tranquility of our space.
Frowning, Nicklaus rose from the bed and went to answer it. I could sense the tension building within him, and as he swung the door open, his expression turned into a mask of fury. It was his beta, and from the urgency in the man’s voice, it was evident that something crucial had arisen.
I watched from a distance, feeling the waves of anger radiating from Nicklaus. He seemed ready to explode at the slightest provocation, his voice rising with each passing moment. The beta, clearly taken aback, tried his best to relay the information as calmly as possible, but Nicklaus’s temper seemed uncontainable.
As soon as the conversation ended, Nicklaus stormed out of the room, leaving me standing there, feeling the cold emptiness left in his wake.
Clutching a piece of fabric in my hand, I slowly folded it, my mind filled with thoughts of finding another way, a solution that didn’t involve such anger and chaos.
The morning had started off sweet but ended with conflict, and I longed for the warmth that had been abruptly snatched away. It was a physical ache as if his touch on my skin had been a lifeline that was now severed.
Lost in my thoughts, the hours drifted away, and before I knew it, the afternoon had arrived. I was in the midst of organizing my clothes when Estella, my daughter, entered the room. Her presence brought a renewed sense of joy, her cute smile lighting up her beautiful face. She approached me, her steps light and carefree.
“Hey, Mum,” she greeted, her voice filled with genuine warmth.
“Hey, baby,” I replied, unable to resist returning her infectious smile. “How are you doing?”
Her eyes sparkled mischievously as she took a seat at the edge of my bed. I could tell there was something on her mind, a topic she wanted to discuss or a favor she wanted to ask.
“I’m fine,” Estella answered, her voice carrying a hint of playfulness. “How about you?”
I paused for a moment, considering my response. I didn’t want to burden her with the weight of my concerns, but at the same time, I knew she was perceptive and could sense my emotions.
“I’m quite alright,” I replied, attempting to sound reassuring. But I knew Estella could see through my facade. Her gaze was intense, her curiosity shining through.
“What’s on your mind?” I asked, unable to contain my own curiosity. I wanted to know what she was thinking, what had brought that mischievous glint to her eyes.
Estella’s expression softened, and she took a deep breath before speaking.
“Well, Mum,” she began, her voice filled with a mix of apprehension and determination. “When will I be getting a younger sibling?”
My heart skipped a beat as Estella’s question hung in the air. Panic surged within me, and I searched desperately for an escape, avoiding eye contact. How could I explain the complexities of the situation without shattering Estella’s innocent hope?
“Mum,” Estella urged, her voice laced with anticipation.
“You see…” I started.
Before I could respond, Nicklaus, who had quietly entered the room, interjected, his tone unexpectedly gentle. “All she’s trying to say is that you see, we’ve been trying, but there have been a few interruptions along the way. But don’t worry, sweetheart. You’ll have a baby sibling soon.”
My jaw dropped to the ground in disbelief. Was he serious?
Estella’s eyes widened with excitement, her face transforming into a delightful mix of joy and curiosity. “Really?” she gushed, her voice filled with innocence and anticipation, making an adorable face as she clasped her hands together.
My heart ached at the sight of her unfiltered happiness. I couldn’t bear to let her down, to shatter her expectations. But at the same time, the weight of the situation pressed heavily upon me. Having another baby was a lot.
“Yes, baby,” Nicklaus reassured, his voice brimming with warmth as he looked at Estella. His smile was a mix of pride and tenderness.
“Pinky promise?”
Estella’s face lit up at the mention of the sacred pact, her pout forming as she outstretched her index finger, an irresistible tactic she knew all too well.
Sneaky little thief! She knew exactly what she was doing, using the power of a pinky promise to seal the deal. My eyes met Nicklaus’s, and there was a shared understanding, a silent conversation passing between us. Despite the chaos and uncertainty that had surrounded us, this moment offered a glimmer of hope, a chance to bring light into the darkness we had experienced.
“Pinky promise,” Nicklaus replied, his voice filled with sincerity, as he wrapped his larger fingers around Estella’s tiny hand, their pinkies entwined.
A jubilant squeal escaped Estella’s lips as she threw herself into Nicklaus’s embrace. The room was suddenly filled with the sound of her contagious laughter, and my heart swelled with an indescribable mixture of emotions. It was a moment of relief, of renewed faith in the possibilities that lay ahead.
Nicklaus exchanged a knowing look with me, his eyes reflecting a blend of determination and vulnerability.
We had a long road ahead, one filled with challenges and uncertainties, but we would face it together.
And at that moment, as I watched them embrace, I couldn’t help but smile at the sheer beauty of their connection, their unbreakable bond.
As the emotions settled within me, I joined their embrace, wrapping my arms around both of them. In that tight circle, I found solace and strength, knowing that we were united in our quest for happiness and a future filled with love. Together, we would navigate the complexities of life, overcoming obstacles and cherishing the moments of joy that bloomed along the way.
Loosening the hug, Nicklaus turned towards our daughter, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “So, young lady, if you wouldn’t mind,” he began, his voice laced with playful authority, “I’d like to spend some private time with my wife.”