𝐄𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬: 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞|𝟏𝟖+

𝐀𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐲 - 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭#𝟒

(Smut alert)

A few days had passed since Rosetta's arrival, and she was starting to feel more settled in Ronan's underground home. One afternoon, while tidying up her room, and humming some songs when she heard a knock at the door. It was Harlow, standing with a somewhat forced smile on her face.

"Hi, Rosetta. Mind if I enter?" Harlow asked, her tone polite but laced with an undercurrent of something else.

"Of course, come in," she replied, trying to be welcoming.

Harlow walked in glanced around the room and crossed her arms over her chest. "Getting comfortable, I see. How are you finding everything here?"

"It's been great, everyone's been so supportive," she said sincerely. "I'm really grateful for Ronan and the rest of you."

Harlow's smile tightened. "Yes, Ronan is quite something, isn't he? He's always been the kind of man who takes care of everyone. Especially those he cares about."

Rosetta nodded, sensing a hint of possessiveness in Harlow's words. "He's been wonderful. I don't know what I would have done without him."

Her eyes flashed briefly with an emotion she couldn't quite place. "Ronan and I go way back. He's always been... important to me. I've always admired his strength and dedication. He's the kind of man any woman would be lucky to have by her side."

Rosetta felt a pang of unease but kept her voice steady. "Yes, he's certainly someone special."

Harlow's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Well, I just wanted to check in on you. Make sure you're settling in. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. We all want what's best for you... and the baby." With that, she turned and left, leaving Rosetta with a lingering sense of discomfort.

Why does Harlow seem uncomfortable about the fact that Rosetta is pregnant?

Later that evening, Ronan invited Rosetta for dinner in the communal dining area. They sat at a cozy table; the room filled with the warm glow of candlelight.

"This is nice," Rosetta said, taking a seat. "Thank you for arranging this."

"Of course," he replied with a smile. "I thought you might enjoy a bit of normalcy."

As they began eating, their conversation flowed easily. Ronan asked about the baby, his genuine interest putting her at ease.

"So, have you thought about baby names yet?" Ronan asked, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.

She laughed softly. "Not yet. It still feels a bit surreal. But I've been thinking about getting baby clothes and a crib soon. I want to be prepared."

Ronan nodded. "That's a good idea. We can go shopping together if you'd like. I know some places that sell really cute baby stuff."

"I'd love that," Rosetta said, her smile widening. "I've been trying to imagine what it will be like having a little one. It's a bit overwhelming, but exciting too."

He reached out and gently squeezed her hand. "You're going to be a great mom, Rosetta. And you have all of us here to support you. We're like family now."

Rosetta felt a warmth spread through her. "Thank you, Ronan. That means a lot. I've been feeling a bit anxious about everything but knowing I have you all make it easier."

They continued to talk about the future, sharing ideas and dreams for the baby. The dinner was filled with laughter and light-hearted conversation, starkly contrasting the tension Rosetta had felt earlier with Harlow.

As the evening drew close, he walked Rosetta back to her room. "If you ever need to talk or just need some company, don't hesitate to find me," he said warmly.