****Five Months Later *****
"Prudence, please get Aurora," Kim called from the breakfast room, adjusting the floral centerpiece on the long oak table.
"Yes, ma'am," Prudence replied, heading toward the staircase. "That won't be necessary," came a soft voice from the top of the grand staircase. "I'm already here."
Kim turned sharply, her face lighting up as she saw her daughter standing at the threshold. Aurora descended the stairs gracefully in a pale blue dress, her five-month baby bump just beginning to show. Her long hair flowed down her shoulders, and though there was sadness in her eyes, her smile was enough to brighten the room.
"Good morning, Mom," she said, voice gentle but strained. How are you feeling, my dear?" Kim asked, reaching out to touch her daughter's arm.
"I'm okay."
"Come," Kim said warmly. "There's someone special I want you to meet. We'll be having breakfast together as a family." Aurora hesitated. "Mom… can it wait? I don't really feel like eating."
Kim frowned and cupped Aurora's cheeks tenderly. "My baby, remember you're not alone anymore. If not for yourself, then think about my grandchild you're carrying. You've gone through too much to get here. You don't want to lose that precious little one growing inside you."
Aurora swallowed and gave a small nod. "You're right, Mom." As they began walking toward the dining room, Aurora's phone buzzed with a call from an unknown number. She paused and creased her brow, instinctively answering it. Just as she was about to say hello, strong arms twirled her around.
"Dad!" she squealed, laughing as William kissed her cheek. "My princess is glowing today," William beamed, placing a hand gently on her bump. "And hello to the little invader in there giving my daughter a hard time."
Aurora giggled, placing her hand protectively over her belly. "You're right, Dad. It's always kicking just like the father."
Kim and William both exchanged a look at her unexpected confession. Aurora froze, realizing what she had just said. A shy smile crept across her face, and she quickly wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. "Sorry… I have to take this call." She stepped back and checked the screen, but the caller had already hung up.
"Weird," she muttered, placing the phone away and walking toward her seat.
Kim had already served her toast and cheese, but as soon as Aurora caught the scent, her stomach turned. She covered her nose.
"Urghh, Mom, please take it away. I can't stand the smell. I feel nauseous." Prudence," Kim called. "Yes, ma'am?" "Please send the toast away." Kim turned back to her daughter. "Aurora, what would you like to eat then?"
Aurora thought for a moment and smiled sheepishly. "I think I'm craving chicken parmesan, bruschetta, and Greek yogurt. Oh and a little ketchup. And maybe a glass of turmeric milk."
Kim blinked. "Ketchup… with all that?" Aurora nodded proudly. "Yup." Kim's horrified expression made William chuckle. "What?" Aurora asked, creasing her brow. "Can't I get it?"
"Of course you can," Kim said with exaggerated calm, "but what kind of combination is that? At this rate, we'll go bankrupt before you deliver! "I never had this kind of appetite when I was pregnant with you," she added.
Aurora raised a brow. "Well, that was you."
Kim threw her napkin on the table with mock frustration and stood. "And I never had this level of temper and mood swings either."
She giggled, and William roared with laughter.
"Mooommm!" Aurora groaned, dramatically rising to her feet. She turned to walk away but ended up bumping hard into something or rather, someone.
"Ouch!" she gasped, stumbling slightly.
"I'm sorry, are you okay?" came a calm, rich voice. Aurora looked up and locked eyes with a pair of deep brown ones. The man was tall, broad-shouldered, with neatly trimmed black hair and a chiseled jawline. He looked to be around Mark's age, maybe a little younger, and wore a tailored navy suit that clung to him perfectly. His warm yet steady gaze lingered on her with a mix of curiosity and concern.
Kim, standing a few feet away, smiled knowingly. "Ah, good. You've met." Aurora blinked, stunned. "Met…? "Yes," Kim beamed. "Aurora, he is the special guest I was talking about." Aurora quickly adjusted herself, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear and offering a polite smile. But something in her chest tightened. She didn't know who he was.