Twilight of Shadows | LingOrm (GxG)

FOURTY SIX

Earn stepped into the penthouse, still glowing from the attention of the media and the rush of the evening. It had been a whirlwind—after months of silence, she finally announced to the world not only her marriage to Fahlada Worachai but also their big news: they are expecting a child together. The excitement lingered in her, but as she walked into the quiet of home, all she wanted was to see Lada.

She spotted Aunty Sum folding laundry in the corner. "Aunty Sum, is Lada home?" Earn asked, her voice soft but eager.

Aunty Sum glanced up with a warm smile. "Yes, dear. She's in her study. Narin's already gone to bed. Have you eaten? I can cook up something quick for you."

Earn waved her off gently. "Its fine, Aunty Sum. I have grabbed a bite at the event. I'll head up to see Lada—I haven't seen her all day." The excitement in her voice was clear, but so was the exhaustion.

"Alright, but make sure you rest too," Aunty Sum said, her tone more serious as she pointed to Earn's stomach. "You're not just resting for yourself now. You've got that little one to think about."

Earn smiled warmly at the reminder, placing a hand on her tummy. "I will, Aunty Sum, I promise." Leaning in, she kissed her on the cheek before heading towards the stairs.

As she ascended, her thoughts drifted back to the evening. The flashing cameras, the flood of congratulations—it all felt surreal.

•••

Earn knocked gently before cracking the door open, peeking inside. "Baby... what are you doing?" She walked in fully, making her way over to Lada, who was sitting in her study chair, staring at her laptop.

"Hey, you're back," Lada said, though she didn't look up.

Earn, not one to be ignored, slipped onto Lada's lap, wrapping her arms around her neck. "Miss me? I missed you. And lil bean here misses Mommy too." She guided Lada's hand to her small baby bump, leaning in to plant a soft kiss on Lada's cheek.

Lada smiled, pressing a kiss to Earn's forehead, but it lacked the usual warmth. Normally, after not seeing each other for a whole day, Lada would kiss her on the lips—especially now that Earn was pregnant, Lada had been extra clingy and, well, a bit more... horny.

Earn pulled back, just a little. That's weird.

Normally, Lada would be all over her by now. Ever since they found out about the baby, Lada had been acting like she is the one with the symptoms—constantly needing to touch Earn, her sex desires heightened. And although the first trimester had made it hard for Earn to even be close to Lada without feeling nauseous, things started to shift as her pregnancy progressed. Still, they hadn't had sex in months, and for Lada to act distant now, of all times, felt off.

"How was the event?" Lada asked, eyes still focused on the screen.

"It was good, baby," Earn replied softly, her arms tightening around Lada.

"I saw the pictures on social media. You looked beautiful as always. Everyone congratulated you." Lada's voice was steady, but there was an edge to it—one that Earn couldn't miss.

Earn gently cupped Lada's face, turning it so she had no choice but to meet her gaze. "What's wrong, hmm? You don't seem too excited that I'm back home."

"Nothing. I'm fine." Lada's eyes flicked back to the laptop. Earn followed her gaze and saw the pictures Lada had been scrolling through—photos of her from the event, laughing with a well-known, stunning actress. The woman's arm draped casually around Earn's waist, fingers grazing her, their faces close as they whispered to each other.