ca's

the positive result of my pregnancy was a victory, Nicholas's mood swings left m

ck me again. But I couldn't dwell on it. I had to ensure this arrangem

is tone is calm but carries an edge of command. "We need to

. I knew this was more of a business arrangement for him, but it wasn't t

is study, I quickly took the stairs, two at a time

mming his fingers as I entered. He motioned wi

meeting," he said, getting straight to the point. "There's a charity gala coming up

our agreement sinking deeper. "But what if some

oncern. "You've been out of the public eye. No

ning fast. But before I could voice any

ing a loud bite from the apple in his hand. The crisp sound echoed, and I coul

. "Who gave you the right to go into the fridge and take what's mine?" His fi

He glanced at Nicholas, then back at me, and leaned in "That's how he is whenever someone takes

, a clear warning that his patience was wearing t

us glint in his eye not fading. "Relax, Nicholas," he said,

ed onto Anthony's, and the room seemed to shrink around us. The tension was almost palpa

"Anthony, perhaps we should focus on the results," I suggested

ng it down on the nearest table. "You're right, Monica. So, wh

urning his attention back to me. "The results confirmed that Monica is indeed pregnant," he

elp but smile broadly "That's great news!" he exclaimed, all

ieved that the focus was

m now on. You know the rules and you just found out about one which says no touching of Nic

of amusement. Despite the tension, it was clear that Anthony had his unique

gument some minutes ago about an apple did nothing but make me chuckle as I ima

rom you. The noise Anthony makes in this house is already enough and I won't bear it if you also constitute more nuisance." Ni

sset to him," Anthony said. "I'm happy everyth

Nicholas wouldn't have listened to me and I'm grateful to him for

. "Just remember why you're doing t

eeded to focus on the bigger pictu