She pauses for a moment, clearly hesitant to continue. “I’m thinking of not talking any further,” she says.
I give her a cold glare, which makes me bite my inner cheek. I love a good story.
Zoey finally looks up, “we can’t be together because he’s my stepbrother.”
I’m taken aback. “Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry. That must be incredibly painful.”
Zoey nods. “Yeah, it’s been tough. I didn’t expect things to turn out like this. It’s like every time we get close, reality pulls us apart.”
“I can’t imagine how hard that must be, but it’s clear you both care about each other. Sometimes, life just throws these curveballs.”
“Yes, it is,” Zoey agrees. “I can feel that pull whenever we’re together. There’s something that always draws me to him, but then I remember he’s my stepbrother, and everything just falls apart.”
“Tell me about it,” I say, genuinely interested.
“I’ve consulted books and searched online to see if anyone has ever given in to such a love,” she explains.
“I’m so sorry, Zoey,” I say, holding her hand and giving it a comforting squeeze. “I wish there were an easy answer.”
Zoey takes a deep breath. “Thanks, Nadine. It helps to talk about it. I’ve been so conflicted, trying to figure out if there’s a way to make things work despite the situation.”
“So… enough about me. I see you and Ethan are getting so close,” she says, drawing the ‘so’ out and giving me a playful wink.
I look upward, bracing myself for her teasing. Ethan has been incredibly supportive, and while I can’t deny I’m flattered by his attention, Logan still lingers in my thoughts.
“But I can see that you’re trying to be careful so neither of you gets burned,” Zoey adds.
I nod. “That’s the point, Zoey. Ethan is so good to be true, and I hate to think of breaking his heart if things don’t turn out well again.”
“No, no, don’t say that, Nadine,” Zoey replies, shaking her head. “I know you’re scared, and that’s one reason you’re saying this, but I believe you two are good for each other.” She gives me a reassuring wink.
“I know I’m scared of how everything will turn out,” I admit, “but dragging him along and him thinking that I can give him what he wants-a real relationship-is something I’m not sure I can provide. But let’s keep our fingers crossed and see how it goes.”
Zoey nods. “Sometimes, all you can do is take things one step at a time and see where it leads.”
As I return to my work, my thoughts drift back to Ethan. He’s been supportive and kind, and I can’t help but wonder about the future. The idea of a real relationship with him feels both exciting and intimidating.
I take a deep breath and try to focus on the present. I remind myself that I don’t have to have everything figured out right now.
Just then, it’s lunch break. I had planned to go to the nearby restaurant, but then I looked up and saw Ethan walking in with food bags. I smile widely as my stomach growls.
My pregnancy journey has been smooth so far, but recently, I’ve noticed a few changes.
I no longer feel nauseous, and I’ve been sleeping a lot. My dreams have become strange and unsettling, and I’ve been experiencing light cramps in my lower abdomen.
Ethan approaches, leaning in to give me a peck on the cheek. It’s the most physical contact we’ve shared-just hand-holding, pecks on the cheek, and forehead.
“I thought you might be hungry,” he says, setting the bags down on the counter.
I grin. “You’re a lifesaver. I was just thinking about how hungry I am.”
“You haven’t been around the flower shop today.”
“I was at the other restaurant, checking on the staff’s activities,” he explains.
“Okay,” I responded.
“How has it been here?”
“Me and Zoey are holding it down so far,” I say with a wink.
Ethan’s gaze lingers on me with concern. “You seem a bit off. Are you feeling alright?”
I hesitate, not wanting to worry him unnecessarily. “I’m just a bit tired, that’s all. Maybe a bit of the usual pregnancy stuff.”
Ethan nods, though his eyes show he’s not entirely convinced, but he just lets it go.
My phone suddenly starts ringing, and I’m startled. Ethan notices my reaction and looks at me sharply.
“Are you okay?” he asks when he sees I haven’t made any effort to answer the call.
I turn to him and nod. “I’m fine.”
“Then pick up your call, Nadine,” he insists, pointing to my phone.
I try to downplay it, waving my hand dismissively. “Don’t worry, I’ll call back once I’m done eating. I’m really hungry,” I say, grabbing the food from his hand.
I’ve been receiving strange calls where the other line is silent or only filled with soft breathing.
These calls make me anxious and on edge throughout the day, so I’m not ready to deal with that right now.
“Ready to eat?” I ask Ethan.
He nods, and we head together to the break room, where we can enjoy our meal in peace.
I sit down quietly after Ethan helps me pull out the chair. “Thank you,” I mutter.
As he sets out sandwiches, salads, and a couple of pastries, my stomach growls again, louder this time.
“This looks amazing. Thank you so much, Ethan.”
He looks pleased. “I’m glad you think so. It’s the least I could do after everything.”
We eat our food, chatting about various topics, most of which revolve around the baby. I marvel at his enthusiasm. It makes me wonder about the depth of his connection with the baby, even though he isn’t the father.
His excitement about the future child and how happy he’ll be when he finally has his own makes me think he’ll be an amazing father.
Ethan’s eyes light up as he talks about names, nursery ideas, and even what he hopes the baby will be like. His enthusiasm is infectious, and I find myself smiling.
“So, have you thought about any names?” Ethan asks, looking at me with interest.
“I’ve been thinking about it, I have a few in mind, but I’m still not entirely sure.”
Ethan nods, “Well, whatever you decide, I’m sure it will be perfect.”
“When are you going shopping for the baby?” Ethan asks.
I roll my eyes. “Ethan, it’s still four months away. I can take care of that when I’m six months along.”
He looks like he wants to argue but decides against it and goes back to eating.
The truth is, I have a list of things I need to buy, but the sheer laziness of actually going out and getting the baby items has been overwhelming.
The day flies by, and I head back home to Sydney. As I walk into the living room, I freeze at the sight before me.
My heart races as I take in the scene. Sydney and a guy were getting intimate on the couch, their faces close together, lost in their world.
“What the fuck?” I exclaim, wishing I could unsee what I’m witnessing.
The sound of my voice startles them. Sydney quickly pushes the guy away and scrambles to cover herself. “You’re back early,” she says, her eyes darting around, avoiding mine.
“Yeah, I’ve been having little cramps in my abdomen, so I was advised to come home and rest,” I reply, trying to steady my voice
I glance at the guy, recognizing him from the first night I arrived. He’s one of Sydney’s fuck buddy.
“Hi,” he says, stretching out his hand. “I think I’ve seen you before.”
Sydney glances between us, clearly puzzled. “Where do you know each other from?”
“It was in this house the other night,” I say, looking at Sydney to ease her curious gaze.
So, I leave them and head to my room. I’m not in the mood to eat; all I want is to rest. As I go to the bathroom to ease myself and take a bath, what I see makes me scream at the top of my lungs.