The Neighbor

Chapter 54***

The next morning; The soft light of dawn filters through the curtains, casting a gentle glow over the bedroom. The quiet stillness of the early morning is broken only by the occasional chirp of birds outside the window. In the bed, you slowly wake up, the warmth of Wanda's bare body pressed against your bare back, her arm draped protectively over your growing belly.

You lie still for a moment, savoring the peace and the intimacy of the moment. Your thoughts begin to drift, recalling the events of the past 24 hours-the move to the compound, the boys excitement for the 'vacation', Wanda's intense protectiveness

You trace a finger lightly over her hand on your belly, lost in thought, reflecting on the love and the fear that have intertwined in your lives recently.

Wanda stirs beside you, her arm tightening slightly around you as she wakes. You don't notice at first, still caught up in your thoughts. She shifts slightly, propping herself up on one elbow to look down at you. The soft rustling of the sheets brings you back to the present, and you turn your head to see her emerald eyes watching you with a tender, knowing expression.

"Good morning, love," she murmurs, her voice still heavy with sleep. She places a soft kiss on your shoulder, her lips warm against your skin.

"Good morning," you reply, a small smile tugging at your lips. Her auburn hair is tousled, framing her face in a way that makes her look even more ethereal.

Wanda's hand moves to your belly, her touch gentle and reverent. She notices the faraway look in your eyes, the way your gaze seems to drift beyond the present moment. She leans closer, her breath warm against your ear. "What's on your mind, baby?" she asks softly, her voice filled with concern and love.

You blink, brought back to the present by her gentle question. You turn to look at her, seeing the sincerity and depth of her feelings reflected in her emerald eyes. "I was just thinking about everything that's happened," you admit quietly. "How much our lives have changed within 24 hours."

Wanda's fingers trail down your arm, her touch light and soothing. She leans in closer, pressing a soft kiss to your ear, nibbling at it gently. Her lips linger for a moment, and you feel a shiver run down your spine. Her breath is warm against your skin as she whispers, "I'm sorry."

You turn slightly, your brow furrowing in confusion. "For what?" you ask, your voice gentle and curious.

"For everything," she murmurs, her lips brushing against your ear with each word. "For the stress, for the fear, for the times I let my emotions get the best of me."

You cup her cheek, feeling the smooth, warm skin beneath your palm. Slowly, you turn on your side to face her. Her eyes dart to your belly as she gently caresses it, her touch filled with love and reverence. You notice the way her fingers trace light, tender patterns across your skin, as if she's communicating silently with the life growing inside you.

"Don't apologize," you murmur to her, your voice soft and soothing. You lean in, your lips brushing hers in a tender, intimate gesture. "You have nothing to apologize for," you whisper against her lips, feeling the warmth of her breath mingle with yours.

Wanda's eyes close briefly, a small single tear escaping and sliding down her cheek. She leans into your touch, her hand moving up to cover yours on her cheek. The connection between you feels electric, every sensation heightened by the intensity of your emotions. Her eyes, glistening with unshe tears, lock onto yours, conveying a depth of vulnerability and fear.

Wanda's voice trembles as she murmurs against your lips, "I feel so guilty for dragging you and the boys into my life. Sometimes, I feel like I don't deserve you... I don't deserve this." Her voice crackes, and you can feel the raw emotion in every word she utter.