With the shirt still in Brixlee’s hands, she walked out of the bedroom and down the hall to the living room. Nathan was sitting on the couch, engrossed in reading a book. He looked up and smiled warmly as he saw her approach. "Brix, everything okay?" he asked, sensing her unease. Her heart pounded in her chest as she hesitated, unsure of how to bring up the topic. Taking a deep breath, she finally spoke up, her voice tinged with concern. "Nothing, I just wanted to know if you needed anything” she lied, hiding the shirt behind her flowing gown. Nathan's brows furrowed as he looked at her in surprise,"I’m fine, Brix," he replied, going back to the book he was reading. Brixlee's heart sank, her mind racing with possibilities. She wanted to trust Nathan, but the sight of the lipstick stain stirred doubts in her. She couldn’t bring herself to question him also even though it bothered her. She didn’t want anything to come between them or cause any misunderstanding. She made her way

Two Weeks Later… The early morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft, golden glow across the room. It was a tranquil Sunday morning, and a sense of excitement filled the air as Brixlee carefully held a vibrant balloon and a small, wrapped present in her hands. She stood beside Nathan's bed, a warm smile playing on her lips as she watched him sleep peacefully.As the gentle rise and fall of his chest indicated that he was starting to stir, Brixlee's heart fluttered with anticipation. She took a quiet step closer to the bed, her eyes fixed on Nathan's serene expression. Today was a day of celebration, a day to shower him with love and joy.Nathan's eyelids fluttered open, and his gaze met Brixlee's, surprise evident in his eyes as he registered her presence. Brixlee's smile widened, and she held the balloon higher, the colorful ribbon dancing in the air. "Happy birthday, Nathan!" she greeted, her voice infused with genuine warmth.Nathan blinked, momentarily

Patty's mind raced, and in a split second, she concocted a lie. "Oh, Talia, I was just trying on Brixlee's robe," she said with an attempt at nonchalance, her cheeks flushed.Talia's gaze flickered between Patty and the robe, her expression a mix of disbelief and incredulity. "Trying on Brixlee's robe?" she repeated, a hint of skepticism in her tone. "Why?"Patty shrugged, feigning casualness. "I saw it earlier and thought it might look good on me. You know, I was thinking of getting a similar one."Talia's skepticism lingered, but she seemed to accept the explanation. "Well, okay then. Just... remember to ask next time, alright?"Patty nodded, her heart still racing from the near miss. "Of course, sorry about that," she replied, attempting to appear contrite.With a lingering glance at Patty, Talia turned and left the room, the door closing behind her. Patty let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, her pulse gradually returning to normal.After a moment to collect hersel

Just as their hiding spot was about to be exposed, Nathan's swift action shattered the tension. He leaped out of their hiding place, his determination to protect his family evident in his every movement. Brixlee watched in a mixture of terror and admiration as Nathan confronted the masked man.Nathan's bravery did not go unnoticed, and he was swiftly captured by the masked man. Brixlee's breath caught, her grip on her emotions slipping as she watched her husband being led away. Her heart screamed with a mix of worry, helplessness. As the masked men secured Nathan and the others, Brixlee's mind raced, she needed to protect her family. As the masked men's attention was occupied, she seized the moment. With trembling hands and a racing heart, Brixlee stealthily crept out of the kitchen, her footsteps light against the floor. Her heart pounded in her chest, her thoughts consumed by the image of Nathan and the safety of their unborn child. Brixlee ascended the stairs, her steps careful a

The day had arrived, three months after the harrowing incident that had brought their lives to the brink. The grand baby shower was a celebration of life, a testament to the strength and resilience of their bonds. Brixlee stood in her room, a radiant smile gracing her lips as she admired her reflection. Her baby bump had grown substantially.Nathan's voice pulled her from her reverie as he entered the room. His eyes were filled with admiration as he looked at his wife. "You look absolutely stunning, Brixlee."Brixlee's cheeks flushed with a rosy hue as she met his gaze. "Thank you, Nathan. I'm excited for today."He gently took her hand, his touch reassuring as he led her downstairs. The sight that greeted them was breathtaking — the house adorned with beautiful decorations, a testament to the love and care their friends had poured into organizing the event.The party began in full swing, laughter and joy filling the air as friends and loved ones gathered around Brixlee. Each gi