ᴛᴀɪɴᴛᴇᴅ ʙʏ ʜᴇʀ

ᴛᴡᴇɴᴛʏ ɴɪɴᴇ

Akira's POV

"Desiree: So you told him. 👀 How did it go?"
"Eve: Ma'am?"
"Trey: 🧍🏾"
"Me: Yes. We went to the doctor as well. What if I say I don't want the baby—"
"Trey: 🗑"
"Desiree: Trey I- 💀"
"Eve: ..."

"Are you okay, baby?" Ciel's voice brought me back to the present as he slowed the car, coming to a stop at the red light.

I glanced up from my phone, locking it absentmindedly. "I'm fine," I said, my voice softer than I intended, betraying my unease.

But the truth was, I wasn't fine. Not at all. My mind was a whirlwind. Should I tell him I don't want a baby right now? The thought gnawed at me. He looked so happy, so excited—how could I crush that? I didn't want to make him sad, not after everything we'd been through.

I tried to quiet the storm inside my head, but my thoughts spiraled. Graduation was right around the corner. I had big plans—plans that didn't involve being pregnant. I needed a job, something decent that could support me, something to build my future. But my Aunt's voice echoed in my mind, reminding me of all the responsibilities that came with a baby. And yet, I didn't feel ready for any of it.

A heavy sigh slipped from my lips, and I turned to stare out the window, watching the rain as it fell in sheets. The gray sky mirrored the heaviness in my chest. Water droplets raced each other down the glass, just like the thoughts racing in my mind. I rested my forehead against the cool window, closing my eyes to escape it all, hoping for some clarity.

"We're here," Ciel's voice cut through the fog of my thoughts as he pulled into the parking lot of my apartment. "I told you, you could've stayed with me."

I gave him a half-smile, trying to muster some semblance of normalcy. "It's fine. I have work tomorrow, and I don't have my clothes at your place."

"Can I come in? I mean... can I stay with you?" His voice was tentative, almost shy. His nervousness was endearing, and I couldn't help but smile. He fiddled with the collar of his shirt, avoiding eye contact, his cheeks tinged with pink. How could I say no? He was too adorable.

"Sure." My voice was soft, and the smile I gave him felt real, even if my heart was heavy.

As we stepped out of the car, the rain eased up just enough for us to make a run for it. He rushed ahead, opening the door for me, his protective instincts kicking in. "Hurry inside—I don't want you to catch a cold."

I nodded and walked quickly toward the entrance, Ciel following closely behind me.

Once inside, I kicked off my shoes and moved into the kitchen, suddenly craving something hearty. I remembered the shrimp in the freezer and decided I would make something simple but satisfying.

Ciel entered behind me, and without a word, he wrapped his arms around me from behind, his warmth enveloping me. He'd been clingier since the pregnancy news, and while I appreciated his affection, there were moments when it felt overwhelming.

"You didn't have to do this, baby," he murmured, his voice soft against my back. "We could've just ordered something."

"But I already took the shrimp out to thaw," I replied, a hint of frustration creeping into my tone. I didn't want to snap at him, but everything felt so much harder than it should have been.

"I just don't want you to overexert yourself," he insisted, the concern in his voice making me feel even more suffocated.

"Fuck, Ciel, I'm pregnant, not fucking disabled!" My words came out harsher than I meant, and I immediately regretted it. I pushed him away, storming off toward my room. The door slammed behind me as I threw myself onto the bed, burying my face in the blankets.