Chapter 36

Embrace the Future:

Alice and Arnold experienced a rush of emotions in the weeks after their honeymoon. The newfound intimacy they had discovered on their secret getaway only helped to strengthen their bond, and Alice found herself falling more in love with her husband with each passing day. The remaining shadows of the past had vanished, leaving her with a sense of warmth and comfort that wrapped around her like a loving hug. Arnold, too, had undergone an amazing transformation, his once-stoic manner softening as he allowed himself to fully embrace the love that had bloomed between them. One afternoon, as Alice strolled through the large manor's lush gardens, her palm resting on the bulge of her tummy, she noticed Arnold's thoughtful expression. She approached him with a smile on her lips. "My love," she began, her voice smooth and musical, "you appear lost in your thoughts." Is everything okay? Arnold looked at her, his eyes filled with astonishment and affection. "Everything is fin