Emeraude woke up abruptly with abrupt shakes, deprived of any morning gentleness. She grumbled in displeasure, but the shakes didn't stop. Upon opening her eyes, she found Cassian, already dressed in an elegant suit, casting impatient glances at her."It's been almost two hours since I've been calling you," he shouted, adjusting his tie. "Aren't you coming with me today?" Still groggy, Emeraude sat up in bed."You leave so early," she commented, getting up all at once but feeling a momentary dizziness that made her retreat to the bed. Cassian raised an eyebrow at her expression."I'll get ready," announced Emeraude, now more composed. In her room, she headed to the bathroom, going through her morning hygiene routine and taking a quick shower, as Cassian was already ready, probably having breakfast. Emeraude, wrapped in a towel, chose a white dress that outlined her bust and had a flared skirt with an exposed back. She put on flat shoes, applied light makeup, and grabbed a brown bag, c
A few weeks had passed since Cassian St. Clair delved deeply into his projects, exhausted and longing for a well-deserved rest. The phone rang, announcing Chloe's voice on the other end."Mr. St. Clair, Mr. Thaddeus St. Clair is calling you in his office," Chloe informed."Let him know I'm on my way," replied Cassian, rising from his chair and ending the call. Thoughts of vacation echoed in his mind as he headed to the elevator, towards the top floor where his father's office was located.The elevator doors opened, and Cassian crossed the reception without identifying himself to his father's secretary. Two knocks on the door, and he entered the spacious office."Take a seat," Thaddeus said without looking at Cassian, who settled into the chair. "What did you want to talk about? Can I leave after we're done here?""It's only 2 PM," Thaddeus observed, collecting some papers. "How are things with Emeraude?""Normal as always. Tomorrow, she has a check-up, and the doctor said we can find
The last two days have been a real rush for Emeraude. Leaving home in the morning and returning at night, running from one place to another, chasing the final details for her store. Exhaustion was evident, and doing all this with two children in her belly certainly tired anyone.Her mother had called, announcing that she would come with her father. Emeraude was happy and sad at the same time. Sad because of the lie they believed to be true, a charade that had been suffocating her for the past few months. Not that she didn't like Cassian; she did, but not with a passionate love. Over this time together, they got to know each other better, discovering things that neither knew, and that was interesting. Cassian was becoming a friend, caring, helping, and sometimes reprimanding, like now."Emeraude, you're not going," he said, and she huffed, crossing her arms, sitting on the sofa."I need to," she repeated for the tenth time, but he seemed indifferent."Tonight is the opening. I'm sure B
FLASHBACK...Emeraude's father approached Cassian while he leaned against the car, waiting with him. A conversation was necessary, and Cassian was sure her father wasn't thrilled about the birthday party."Cassian, what are you doing here?" her father said as he stood in front of him. "Did Emeraude invite you?""I wanted to talk to you first," Cassian said, and the father nodded, giving him a stern look. "But not here.""There's a café nearby," the father suggested, and Cassian nodded, opening the car door. They both got in, and Cassian started the car, heading to the mentioned café.The journey unfolded in silence. Cassian tried to think of things that would make him appear like a great son-in-law, but his mind was blank. So many qualities, and none seemed to fit. He parked the car in front of the café, and they got out. The father chose a table in the corner, and a waitress came to take their orders, but neither of them ordered anything."What do you want to talk about?" the father
Emeraude awoke, eager to share breakfast with her parents, whom she deeply missed. After freshening up in the bathroom, her cellphone signaled a response from her mother, bringing a smile to her face. A quick shower, followed by the choice of shorts and a loose tank top that revealed her pregnant belly, preceded slipping on comfortable ballet flats.Heading towards Cassian's room, she noticed his absence, deducing he had already left. She grabbed the car keys, locked the apartment, and smoothly made her way to the hotel where her parents were staying. At the reception, they awaited her with packed bags."Daughter," her mother said, embracing her. Emeraude expressed the desire for them to stay longer, but they promised to return after their trip. Her father, changing the tone of the conversation, speculated about the baby's gender. The discussion shifted to her father's wish to teach his future grandchild to hunt.After loading the suitcases into the car, she suggested taking them to t
The next day..."Come on, Emeraude," Cassian called from the living room.Emeraude grabbed her sunglasses and her bag, slipped on flat sandals, and left the room to join him in the living room."Let's go," he said as soon as he saw her in the living room."Are you nervous?" she asked, and he shook his head.They left the apartment heading to the elevator, and soon Cassian was by her side wearing his sunglasses. Today, they were going to look for an apartment for her."I've selected three that I thought were good, close to the store and here. If you don't like any, I can find some more later," Cassian explained.Emeraude nodded eagerly. Her belly was already enormous, and she needed to sort everything out as quickly as possible.Once they exited the elevator, they went straight to Cassian's car. Throughout the journey, they talked about various things. Before long, they were in front of a very beautiful building."The building is beautiful," Emeraude said, smiling weakly."It really is
The interior of the car was enveloped in a tense silence as Emeraude and her mother made their way to the hospital. In Emeraude's mind, a torrent of worries haunted her. Her heart throbbed with uncertainty about what awaited them at the final destination. Her mother remained silent, refusing to share details that could alter the course of their lives.The familiar journey to the hospital became agonizing, with Emeraude's anxiety increasing every second. The scenery outside went unnoticed, eclipsed by the worry that had settled in her mind. The final destination revealed itself as the hospital, and the parking lot became the starting point for a journey of bewildering emotions.As they exited the car, Emeraude felt a sense of dread. Her mother's words were scarce, and the plea for calm sounded empty in the face of the looming turmoil. Recognizing the path to the hospital entrance, Emeraude, with trembling hands, entered the building that would become the stage for a devastating turn of
Emeraude was already settled in her hospital room, the anxiety of being with her daughters growing with each passing moment. Cassian, her partner, was by her side, awaiting the moment of introductions. They hadn't received visitors yet, but the doctor assured them it would be allowed soon.Curious, Cassian asked gently as he approached the bed, "What are you thinking about?"Emeraude, with a tired smile, replied, "So many things. There was a time when I thought I was making a big mistake, but seeing our girls today, it felt like the best decision of my life."Cassian smiled back, understanding her.At that moment, the doctor entered, accompanied by a nurse carrying a mobile crib. "Here are your daughters," he said with a warm smile."Can we hold them?" Emeraude asked, barely able to contain her excitement."Of course," the doctor replied, "enjoy this moment together." He left the room after these words, leaving them alone with the newcomers.The nurse handed one of the babies to Emera