Chapter 51— The Weight of Truth

(Ella POV)

The morning light broke softer than usual, sliding through the curtains in golden threads. My stomach twisted again, this time sharp and insistent, even before I could steady myself I ran towards the washroom before the nausea could hit, leaving me kneeling against the cool floor, breath shuddering.

By midday, I just couldn’t keep the secret to myself. The walls of the cabin seemed to press in, suffocating me. My friends had always been my anchor, and Marcus—he had been more father to me than anyone else. If anyone could steady me now, it was them.

I gathered my courage and walked into the village. The hum of voices, the smell of fresh bread, the rhythm of daily life—it should have been comforting. Instead, every sound felt sharpened, every glance felt like it weighed a ton. My hands shook as I tightened my shawl around me.

I found them where I knew they’d be—by the well, laughter spilling between them like sunlight. Mia, with her bright eyes and endless energy, waved me over. While Jasper leaned against the stone edge, his smile calmer but no less warm.

“Ella!” Mia called. “You look pale. Are you—”

Her voice faltered at my expression.

I took a breath. “I need to tell you guys something.”

Their smiles softened into concern. Mia straightened, stepping closer. “What is it?”

The words stuck in my throat, but I forced them out. “I’m… I’m pregnant.”

Silence.

Then Mia shrieked, throwing her arms around me so quickly that I almost lost my balance. “Ella! That’s—oh, that’s wonderful!”

Jasper embrace came next, steadier, grounding. His eyes searched mine, catching the tremor behind my smile. “Are you happy?” He asked softly.

“For now. I don’t know,” I admitted, my voice breaking. “I want to be. But things with Cole—they’re not—” My throat closed.

Mia squeezed my hands. “Then let us be happy for you until you’re ready to be. You don’t have to carry all of this alone. Not anymore, you know we will always be here for you.

Tears burned my eyes, spilling before I could stop them. Their arms wrapped around me again, warmth pressing in where doubt had lived. For the first time in weeks, I felt like I could finally breathe.

But there was still Marcus.

The thought of telling him filled me with nerves I hadn’t expected. He had always been stern but kind, protective in his own way. Whenever I needed guidance to keep me from going adrift, he was always present. Would he be proud of me? Or would he see the cracks in my marriage and pity me?

I found him in the training yard, barking instructions at two young recruits. His presence was as commanding as ever, shoulders broad, voice sharp. But when his eyes landed on me, his expression immediately softened.

“Ella,” he greeted, dismissing the recruits with a flick of his hand. “You look tired.”

I swallowed hard. “Can we talk?”

He nodded, leading me into his office. The space smelled of parchment and steel, the air heavy with the weight of decisions made here. He gestured for me to sit, but my legs just wouldn’t let me.

“I… I have news,” I began, wringing my hands. “I’m pregnant.”

For a moment, Marcus stayed silent. His brows drew together, not in anger, but in something deeper. Then, slowly, he stood and came around the desk, resting a large, calloused hand on my shoulder.

“A child,” he said at last, his voice quieter than I’d ever heard it. “That is no small thing.”

Tears welled again. “I have no idea if Cole is ready for this journey. I don’t even know if he—if he’ll want this.”

Marcus’ grip tightened, steady and firm. “This child doesn’t just belong to Cole, It also yours. And you are much stronger than you believe, Ella. While I still draw breathe within me, you will not have to face this alone.”

Before I could stop it, the sob escaped me. He pulled me into a rough embrace, it was in a fatherly way that I had always craved. For just a moment, the world tilted into safety.

When I left Marcus’ office, the weight on my chest felt much lighter. My friends’ joy, Marcus’ steady strength, it was enough to keep the shadows at bay.

Still, when I returned to the cabin and found it empty, the silence pressed in again. Cole wasn’t home. His absence echoed louder than ever.

I sat at the table, both hands resting over my stomach. “We’ll be okay,” I whispered to the life inside me. “Even if I have to carry this alone… we’ll be okay.”

But deep down, I just couldn’t stop hoping, hoping that Cole would end up choosing me, choosing us, before it gets too late.