The One

Mood Swing: Part 1

 After their lunch, they headed back to the mall while she continued her grocery shopping.

"Do you need anything from this mall, Leo?" she asked, finishing up with her last few items before heading to the payment counter. Leo pushed her cart alongside her, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Nope, I'm just here to keep you company," he replied.

She narrowed her eyes, suppressing a smile. "Why do I have the feeling you meant it otherwise?" She shot him a suspicious look, making Leo chuckle softly.

"I promise you, I only want the best for you, baby girl," he said, a twinkle in his eyes. "Don't overthink it, okay?"

As they reached the payment counter, she instinctively began unloading her items onto the conveyor belt. But as she lifted a third item, Leo gently interjected.

"Stop, baby girl. Let me handle this; you need to take it easy," he insisted, taking her hands in his and guiding her away from the cart.

She felt a rush of warmth at his attention, realising they had drawn the smiles of other shoppers and the cashier. She looked slightly embarrassed as she caught the cashier's eye.

"What a loving couple you two," the cashier beamed, her voice ringing with genuine warmth.

"Thank you," he replied, still focused on unloading the groceries, while she pretended to busy herself, feeling the blush creep up her cheeks.

As the cashier scanned the items, she leaned toward Leo, a knowing smile on her face. "And I bet you can't wait to meet your baby," she said in a motherly tone.

Karol's heart raced; she looked at the cashier, then down at her slightly open coat, instinctively covered it up and averted her gaze, hiding the surprise on her face.

The cashier carried on with her work, effortlessly packing their groceries until they were ready to go. Leo finished loading everything into the trolley and wheeled it out of the mall as she trailed behind him, happily munching on her dark chocolate.

Once they reached the car, she slid into the passenger seat, relishing the sweetness of her chocolate as he returned the cart. He hopped in beside her and started the engine.

As they drove away from the mall towards the apartment, she suddenly turned serious. "Leo, give me your bank account details. I'll transfer the money for the groceries."

"Don't worry about it, okay?" He glanced at her, trying to brush off her concern.

"I know you have money, but I do too, so just give it to me!" she insisted, her tone playful yet firm.

"Let's say I bought all of this because I want you to cook for me," he said with a wide grin, eyes sparkling.

"Thank you, I guess," she replied, her heartwarming slightly.

"You are most welcome," he replied smoothly, his tone teasing.

"Here, drink this," he said, stopping at a red light. He unscrewed the cap of a bottle of mineral water and handed it to her. "Stay hydrated."

"Thanks," she said, taking a sip, her mind racing with thoughts she'd held back earlier.

"Leo?" she began, her voice more serious this time.

"Ye-yes?" he stuttered, noticing the change in her tone, sensing something deeper.

"Answer me truthfully—how do you know that I'm pregnant?" She set aside her chocolate, her eyes searching his face for honesty.

Leo's voice dropped to a near whisper. "Em, em... the moment I smelt you and noticed your belly... it just clicked, I guess."

"Why didn't you tell me?" she pressed, frustration mingling with anxiety.

"Karol, I didn't want to invade your privacy. I knew it wasn't my place to ask. I wanted you to share that beautiful news with me when you felt ready," he explained softly, gauging her reaction.

His coaxing tone aimed to ease the tension in the car, but guilt flickered across her face. She felt bad for Leo; he was such a good man, so considerate of her feelings.

"Thank you for saying that. Honestly, sometimes I feel like I'm turning into a devil with these mood swings. It's so crazy," she admitted, her voice softening.

"It's not your fault, Karol. It's the hormones. They make you go haywire sometimes," he reassured her, a gentle smile breaking through his concern.

"Did you just subtly say I'm a madwoman?" she raised her left eyebrow, folding her arms protectively over her visible belly.

"No! God, no! I just meant... I understand if you vent your anger, and I'll always be here to help you calm down," he rushed to clarify, glancing at her with a warm smile.

With a playful huff, she turned her face toward the door, and before she knew it, she grabbed the handle and exited the car.

Leo, chuckling softly, took a moment to admire her swollen belly as she stepped out before following her.

As they made their way to the apartment, he struggled to carry a handful of grocery bags while she punched in the access code.

"Leo, you do know I'm not a disabled woman, right? I can help carry some of the groceries," she said, half-teasing, half-earnest.

"Yes, I know, but I'm here now, and it's my duty to help. I actually want to do this too, so please stop asking me and reminding me about it. It's my responsibility to carry your stuff," he declared, his tone deadpan as he tackled her incessant questioning since the moment he'd become the unofficial grocery mule.

"Fine, jeez! Pregnant man in the house!" she shot back, rolling her eyes with a dramatic flair as she sauntered off toward her bedroom.

Unfazed, Leo merely shook his head and swiftly unpacked the groceries, returning each item to its rightful place.