LOVE'S QUAGMIRE [18+]

Chapter 62: Care

1 Month Later-

Daphne's POV~

"Oh my God," I groaned a little as I eased myself onto the couch, feeling the full weight of my nine-month-old belly pressing down on me.

I spotted Ally, our housekeeper, walking toward me with a concerned expression. "Daphne, you okay?" 

Leaning back, I let out a breath and rested one hand under my belly while the other rubbed gentle circles over it. "Yeah, I'm fine," I murmured softly, giving her a small nod. But just as she turned to leave, I stopped her.

"Wait—uh, do you have a sec?"

She turned back to me, tilting her head. "What's up? You need something?"

"Actually," I started, chewing on my bottom lip, "I'm kinda craving ice cream. Could you grab me some?"

Her eyebrows shot up, and she gave me this knowing look. "Daphne, seriously? You were sick last week. Ice cream's probably not the best idea right now. And first thing in the morning? Absolutely not."

I clasped my hands together, "C'mon, Ally. Just a little, I promise. I'll be fine. Scout's honor!" I threw in my best puppy-dog eyes for good measure.

She sighed, looking torn but eventually caved. "And if he got to-"

"He won't." 

"But just a little."

"Yes! You're the best," I said, grinning like a kid while swaying my legs. As she started walking toward the kitchen, I called after her. "Oh, and Ally? One more thing—don't tell him, okay? If he finds out, you know him."

She shot me a look. "I won't say anything, but if he finds out on his own, you know I can't save you."

I grinned, waving her off. "Relax. He won't know unless one of us spills, and I'm definitely not talking."

A few minutes later, she came back, holding a white ceramic cup with little red hearts and a matching red spoon. It was so cute, I couldn't help but smile as I grabbed it. The cool, creamy flavor of mint chocolate hit my taste buds, and I let out a soft, satisfied moan. 

"Mmh," I hummed, savoring another big spoonful. 

This had been my go-to flavor all pregnancy, and honestly, it still hit every single time. As I took another bite, I felt a soft kick on my right side.

"Guess you like it too, huh?" I said softly, rubbing the spot where the baby had nudged me. 

I was so focused on the ice cream that I didn't notice Cyrus coming until I heard his voice, making me jump. 

"Baby?"

My spoon clinked loudly against the cup as I turned toward the stairs, heart racing, and there he was, coming down with that signature smile of his.

"Shit," I whispered, panic setting in. I quickly slid the cup behind the cushion next to me, hoping it would stay hidden.

He strolled over, his eyes scanning me before dropping to my feet. 

A soft chuckle escaped his lips as he dropped to one knee, grabbing my untied sneakers. "You're gonna trip if you keep walking around like this," he said, already tying the laces for me.

I froze, my heart pounding like crazy. I tried to act normal while the hidden cup of ice cream slowly melted beside me.

Since my belly had grown so much, tying my shoes had become a full-on challenge. If I managed to do it, the laces would eventually come undone, and I'd have to lean down again to fix them. Even sitting didn't make it much easier. Cyrus had noticed this struggle plenty of times, so now, without fail, he always tied my laces for me.