LOGINThree years had passed since the whirlwind of weddings, revelations, and chaos that had once filled the Denovan and Carter families’ lives. The house was alive with laughter, warmth, and the soft hum of morning activity. It was Maya and Elias’s wedding anniversary, a special day they had chosen to celebrate quietly at home with family rather than a grand party.Sunlight poured through the tall windows, illuminating the living room with a golden glow. Celeste, Elias’s younger sister, was carefully dressing their little boy, who wiggled in her arms, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips as she adjusted his tiny bow tie. “There, perfect! Your father will be proud,” she said, brushing back a stray curl.Their son giggled, wriggling even more as she fussed over him, and Anika and Jamie, now teenagers, joined in the commotion, helping set the table and arrange flowers. The siblings teased each other good-naturedly, their voices echoing through the house with warmth and familiarity. It was
The sun was beginning to set when guests moved from the garden ceremony to the grand reception hall. The hall glimmered with soft golden lights, floral arrangements cascading from the ceiling, and long tables covered in pristine white cloths, every detail speaking of elegance and celebration.As Maya and Elias entered together, hand in hand, the applause grew thunderous. Guests rose from their seats, cheering, clapping, and some even wiping tears from their eyes. Elias kept his hand tight around Maya’s, guiding her gently through the walkway of rose petals.“You’re amazing,” he whispered. “Beautiful, calm… perfect.”Maya smiled shyly, leaning into him. “I’m nervous.”“You have nothing to worry about,” he said, brushing her hair behind her ear. “Tonight is ours.”At the head table, the Denovan and Carter families waited with glowing expressions. Maya’s mother hugged her tightly the moment she sat. “My daughter… my bride… God has truly blessed us today.”Her father nodded, eyes shining
Morning sunlight poured gently through Maya’s window, warm and soft like a blessing. It brushed her cheeks, making her eyelids flutter open. For a moment she felt confused—why were there so many voices outside? Why did the house feel so full and excited?Then she remembered.Today was her wedding day.Her heart jumped in her chest. A mix of nerves, excitement, and joy washed over her. She sat up slowly, placing a hand on her belly, and whispered softly, “Good morning, baby… today mommy is getting married.”Just then, the door burst open.“Maya! You’re awake!” her mother shouted, already dressed in a beautiful blue lace gown. “Why are you sitting in the dark? Today is your wedding! Up, up, up!”Maya laughed. “Mom, it’s barely six in the morning.”“Yes, and brides wake up early! We have makeup, hair, pictures—have you forgotten we are Denovans? Everything must be perfect!”Before Maya could reply, two aunties rushed in after her mother.“Ahn ahn! She is still in pajamas? My God!”“Bring
Maya sat at the edge of the bed, tired but peaceful, one hand instinctively resting on her belly. She still couldn’t believe she was pregnant—not just a little pregnant, but already three months along. Every time she thought about it, her chest filled with a strange mix of shock, fear, and joy.Elias had barely slept. He kept waking up to check on her, touching her forehead, asking her if she felt dizzy, if she felt hungry, if she wanted water, if she wanted a different pillow.At first, it was sweet.Now it was becoming intense.“Elias,” Maya said softly as she watched him walk around the room again, “the doctor said I’m fine.”He stopped in front of her, frowning with worry. “Fine doesn’t mean you can walk around like nothing happened. You’ve been carrying a baby for three months without knowing. That means you’ve been stressed, tired, overworking… just thinking about it makes me—”She reached out and held his hand. “I’m okay. And the baby is okay. The doctor checked everything.”El
The news of Maya’s pregnancy should have felt like the simplest blessing in the world — but instead, it brought a new layer of tenderness, fear, and secrecy into the days leading up to her wedding.Only a few hours had passed since the doctor left, but mElias was already acting like Maya was made of thin glass.And Maya… didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.Elias stood beside the bed with his arms folded like a guard.“Maya, I said no getting up without me,” he reminded firmly.“I’m only going to the bathroom,” she protested.“That’s not the point,” he insisted. “You almost fainted earlier.”“I’m pregnant, Elias,” she sighed. “Not dying.”But Elias was unmoved.“Pregnancy is serious. You heard the doctor. You’ve been working nonstop for three months. Your body needs rest.”Maya rolled her eyes but secretly smiled. His worrying was suffocating and sweet at the same time.While she stepped into the bathroom, Elias hovered at the door.“Elias!” she exclaimed. “Can I at least pee alone?”
Weeks passed, and life slowly began to settle again.The hospital had finally become a memory instead of a nightmare. The reporters disappeared from the gates, the town calmed down, and the Denovan household returned to its normal rhythm. Jamie was healing well, Anika had gone back to school, and for the first time in a long while, everyone was breathing normally.Maya felt like the sun was finally shining on their family again.She and Elias spent most of their days planning, choosing, preparing because in just two days, they would finally be married.The morning sun crept through the curtains of Maya’s apartment. She blinked slowly, stretching her arms, but instead of feeling rested…She felt heavy.Her head pounded lightly, her stomach twisted, and a strange wave of nausea washed over her. She quickly sat up, pressing a hand to her mouth.Elias, who had been getting dressed, turned sharply.“Maya? What’s wrong?”She swallowed hard. “I… don’t know. I just feel—”Her voice trailed of







