Three weeks passed, and Ava Collins felt like she had everything under control. She and Liam Kingsley maintained their distance in the office, careful with their glances and words, acting as if nothing existed beyond their professional roles.
But secrets have a way of slipping through even the tiniest cracks.
It all began with the morning sickness. At first, she brushed it off as stress, skipped meals, or exhaustion. But when the dizziness set in, accompanied by that sinking feeling in her stomach every morning, reality started whispering a truth she wasn't ready to confront.
She bought a test. Just one at first. Then another. And another.
Each one revealed the same outcome — two clear lines.
Ava sat on the edge of her bathtub, her hand shaking as tears welled up in her eyes. This wasn't supposed to happen. They had been careful, cautious, too afraid to let anyone know about their relationship. And now, there was no hiding what was growing inside her.
A life. Their life.
All day at work, she steered clear of Liam. Each time she heard his voice, her heart twisted with a blend of fear and love. How could she tell him? How would he respond? The powerful CEO — always so composed — now faced with something completely out of his control.
That evening, just as she was about to leave, his voice called out to her.
"Ava, wait."
She froze and turned to see him standing by his office door. His expression softened. "You've been distant lately. Did I do something?"
Her throat tightened. She wanted to share everything — to confess that she was carrying a secret neither of them had anticipated. But the words wouldn't come.
"No," she replied instead, managing a small smile. "Just tired."
Liam frowned but nodded in understanding. "Take some time off if you need it."
She thanked him and hurried away, feeling the weight on her chest grow heavier.
That night, as rain tapped against her window, Ava pressed a hand to her stomach. The fear was palpable, but so was something else — warmth. Love.
"I'll protect you," she whispered softly. "No matter what happens."
And though she didn't know how or when it would unfold, one thing was certain — nothing in her life or Liam's would ever be the same again.