LOGIN~LIORA"Brian, don't blow the candles yet!" I said, lunging forward to stop my seven-year-old son before we could even start the birthday song."But Sophie is trying to eat my cake first!" Brian pointed an accusatory finger at his little sister, who was already leaning over the picnic table, her tiny hand outstretched like a claw.My eyes widened."Sophie, sweetheart, that's not your cake–" Tiny fingers plunged straight into the blue frosting before I could reach her. "Sophie!"My four-year-old looked up at me, blue smudges coating her knuckles. A second later, her lower lip trembled, and she burst into tears without warning."Oh, no, no, no..." I sighed, immediately scooping her heavy, crying body into my arms. "You can't just touch your brother's cake like that, dear.""I made momma ange," she sobbed, rubbing her eyes and smearing blue icing across her cheek."It's okay, sweetie. Mommy's not mad." I rubbed her back in small circles, murmuring soft words, but nothing I said or did
~ LIORA ~I could feel the jitters, the nervousness, and the overwhelming happiness bubbling through me all at once. If you asked me, it was far too many emotions for one heart to contain.The garden glowed softly beneath the gentle hush of early dusk.Strings of lanterns flickered to life overhead, their warm golden light blending with the last blush of sunset stretching across the evening sky. A cool breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming jasmine and fresh earth, wrapping the garden in a quiet sense of magic.My heart felt so full it could barely fit inside my chest as I stood before Everett, our fingers loosely intertwined.Joy, excitement, anticipation, and just the slightest hint of nervousness swirled through me as the rest of the world slowly faded away until all I could see was the man I was about to marry.His tailored black suit fit him flawlessly, accentuating every broad line of his frame. His black hair was neatly combed back, and his beautiful gray eyes remained lock
~ LIORA ~"Next."The event planner slid another venue brochure toward me.I barely spared it a glance before pushing it back across the table. "Next."She blinked. "You haven't even opened it.""I don't need to open it to know I don't like it," I said.She quietly reached for another brochure and placed it in front of me, but I shoved it back immediately after a single glance."No. I'm absolutely not using that venue for my wedding.""May I ask why?" the event planner asked."Because it looks like somewhere rich people go to discuss taxes and business."She stared at me for a moment, clearly trying to understand what I meant. I could already see the exhaustion on her face. Truthfully, I was just as exhausted. I had spent days trying to plan this wedding, yet I still couldn't settle on a single venue."You know what?" I raised both hands. "Let's take a break for an hour. I'm starting to feel really dizzy.""Of course," she said. "Take all the time you need. I'll go through these again
~ EVERETT ~Liora stood frozen, one hand covering her mouth, tears already beginning to gather in her eyes, while I remained on one knee, holding the ring out to her."Liora... say something, please," I muttered."Y-You're proposing to me, Everett?"Her voice trembled with emotion before a smile slowly spread across her face."At long last." She let out a small laugh. "Do you know how long I've been waiting for this?"I released a nervous breath."Please say yes. I'm dying over here."She took a step toward me and stretched out her left hand."Of course I'll marry you."She sniffled, tears spilling down her cheeks."A thousand times yes."A wave of relief washed over me.My hands trembled as I gently slipped the ring onto her finger before rising to my feet."Thank you," I whispered, still trying to steady my breathing.She wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled me into a tight embrace. A moment later, she pulled back just enough to capture my lips in a kiss."I love you so much,"
~EVERETTI was up as early as five o'clock that Saturday morning, a routine I had grown accustomed to ever since Liora's pregnancy.After getting dressed, I headed downstairs and spent an hour working out. By the time I was done, a light sheen of sweat clung to my skin. I went back upstairs to freshen up in the guest bathroom before quietly stepping into our bedroom.Liora was still fast asleep.A small smile tugged at my lips as I watched her. She'd somehow managed to steal almost the entire blanket again, one hand resting protectively over the gentle curve of her stomach. Seeing her like this always made something warm settle in my chest.Careful not to wake her, I made my way downstairs and into the kitchen.Making breakfast for her had slowly become another part of my morning routine. I wanted to make sure she ate well, especially now that she was eating for two.After finishing, I arranged everything neatly on a serving tray before carrying it upstairs.When I stepped back into
~LIORA"Mmh," I sighed softly as a massage therapist worked on my feet.I leaned back in my seat, every muscle in my body completely relaxed.A manicurist tended to my nails while another attendant gently massaged my scalp, her fingers working slow circles against my head. The scent of jasmine and spices filled the air, soothing every trace of tension in my body.This whole spa treatment had been Everett's idea. As he'd phrased it, a happy mother made for a happy baby. I smiled softly, recalling how enthusiastic he'd been about me coming here.My phone suddenly rang, disrupting my peaceful moment. I reached for it on the side table and glanced at the screen. The moment I saw the caller ID, my mood turned sour.I declined the call and was about to set the phone back down when it started ringing again almost immediately. I clicked my tongue in irritation as I picked it back up. I recognized those last three digits well.It was Mr. Jonathan, my father's lawyer.I didn't need to answer to







