LOGINThe press conference announcement hit Elara while she folded laundry in the nursery. Blackwood Holdings’ major tech partnership with Hadid Industries—Zara’s family expansion—meant stability, growth, a cleaner legacy for their children. She tuned into the livestream on her tablet, pride swelling as Aaron appeared on screen, commanding and composed. Daniel stood beside him, loyal as ever.Then Camilla Carrington Cross stepped into frame.The woman was everything the tabloids once said Elara wasn’t: polished, slender, radiating confidence at twenty-eight. She shook Aaron’s hand, holding it a beat too long, her smile sharp and intimate. “I’m thrilled to partner with a man of your vision, Mr. Blackwood. Together, we’ll redefine what’s possible.”Elara’s chest tightened. Pregnancy hormones, she told herself firmly, rubbing her belly. But the unease dug deeper. Camilla’s eyes held something calculated, a hunger that went beyond business. Elara paused to think, eyes trained on the woman’s fac
FOUR YEARS LATERElara woke to the familiar weight of Aaron’s arm around her waist, his hand resting protectively over the swell of her belly. At twenty-eight weeks pregnant with their second child, every movement reminded her how fragile this peace felt. She shifted carefully, not wanting to wake him, but his grip tightened immediately. Even in sleep, he held on like she might vanish.“Stay,” he murmured against her hair, voice rough.“I need to check on Axel,” she whispered back, but she lingered, letting his warmth chase away the exhaustion that had settled into her bones these past months. Four years since their Italian wedding, and the love between them had deepened into something fierce and tested. Yet lately, the weight of carrying another Blackwood heir pressed on her more than just physically. She feared failing him again, feared the world outside their estate that still judged her for not being the polished wife they expected.Axel’s small footsteps padded down the hall. “Mo
Three Months Later The late morning sun bathed the winding countryside road in golden light as Aaron drove their sleek black SUV along the private lane lined with ancient oak trees. Elara sat in the passenger seat, cradling their three-month-old son, Axel Reid Blackwood, against her chest. The baby was bundled in a soft blue blanket, his tiny fist curled around one of Elara’s fingers as he slept peacefully. At nine months pregnant with their first child, Elara had been radiant; now, as a new mother, her plus-sized body carried the beautiful evidence of motherhood—fuller curves, softer rolls, and a quiet strength that made Aaron fall in love with her all over again every single day. “Where are we going?” Elara asked for the fifth time, laughing softly. Her free hand rested on Aaron’s thigh, squeezing gently. “You’ve been mysterious all morning—” Aaron chuckled, covering her hand with his. “Patience, my love. You’ll see soon enough. It’s a surprise.” He glanced over at her, his dar
Two Months Later The sunlit garden of the mansion had been transformed into a beautiful, intimate baby shower. Maya and Zara had taken charge of most of the planning, roping Aaron in for the final touches. The three of them had spent secret evenings in the study finalizing details — soft pastel balloons, a table laden with Elara’s favorite snacks (spicy mango pickles prominently featured), and games that celebrated the surprise they had all agreed to keep: the baby’s gender. “We’re not finding out,” Aaron had said firmly during their last planning session. “Elara wants it to be a surprise for everyone. We’ve waited this long… what’s a few more weeks?” Maya and Zara had exchanged knowing smiles. “Romantic as always,” Zara teased. Now, the garden buzzed with warmth. Aaron’s grandfather Edward sat proudly in a cushioned chair, cane resting beside him. Elara’s father Thomas stood nearby, looking emotional as he chatted with Aaron’s executive assistant Daniel and a handful of close
Seven months Later (this chapter contains mature content and is not for readers lower than 18) Aaron Blackwood was hiding. ⸻ Again. ⸻ Unfortunately, this time it wasn’t from reporters. Or lawyers. Or board members. ⸻ It was from his pregnant wife. ⸻ Which was significantly more terrifying. ⸻ Daniel found him in his home office. ⸻ The door locked. The blinds closed. The lights off. ⸻ Daniel stared. ⸻ “Aaron.” ⸻ Aaron looked up from behind his desk. ⸻ “Go away.” ⸻ “No.” ⸻ Daniel sighed. ⸻ “Your wife has been looking for you.” ⸻ Aaron immediately looked alarmed. ⸻ “Did she seem calm?” ⸻ “No.” ⸻ Aaron closed his eyes. ⸻ “That’s what I was afraid of.” ⸻ Daniel pinched the bridge of his nose. ⸻ “You own a company.” ⸻ “Yes.” ⸻ “You’re feared by executives worldwide.” ⸻ “Correct.” ⸻ “And you’re hiding from a pregnant woman.” ⸻ Aaron looked offended. ⸻ “Clearly you’ve never met a pr
The reception was everything Aaron and Elara had wanted. Small. Elegant. Personal. ⸻ No reporters. No flashing cameras. No gossip columns. ⸻ Just family. Friends. And the people who had stood beside them through the hardest years of their lives. ⸻ The reception hall overlooked the Italian coastline. Thousands of tiny lights twinkled overhead. Music drifted softly through the evening air. ⸻ For the first time all day— everyone seemed relaxed. ⸻ Even Aaron. ⸻ Though Elara suspected that had less to do with the wedding and more to do with the fact that nobody could interrupt him with business calls. ⸻ The newlyweds sat together at the head table. Aaron’s hand resting possessively over hers. ⸻ Not because he was worried she’d disappear. ⸻ Because he simply liked touching her. ⸻ Elara had noticed that lately. ⸻ She secretly loved it. ⸻ A glass clinked. ⸻ Everyone turned. ⸻ Edward stood slowly. ⸻ “Oh no,” Aaron
Aaron didn’t stay long. After a brief, unreadable glance between him and Maya, he gave a short nod to Elara and walked past them without a word. Typical. Maya watched him disappear down the hallway before turning slowly back to Elara. “…I don’t like him.” Elara sighed softly. “Maya—” “
The Blackwood mansion had fallen into a dull routine. Quiet mornings. Long, hollow hallways. Meals eaten in solitude. Aaron left before dawn and returned long after dark, their conversations reduced to fleeting, polite exchanges that barely lasted a minute. Elara had lo
The Blackwood driver gently opened the car door for her. Elara stepped out cautiously. The shopping district was so different from places she usually visited. Tall glass storefronts displayed designer clothing, jewelry sparkled softly, and luxury cars lined the street. Everything appeare
The Blackwood mansion was eerily quiet in the morning. Almost too quiet. Elara had barely slept. Fragments of the night's memories haunted her, scenes she desperately wished she could forget. By the time the first light seeped through the towering windows, she had already given up on







