Elara’s SUV pulled up to Jade’s house just after 2 PM, the familiar routine now a lifeline. Alex was already unbuckling himself in the back seat, chanting “Connor! Anthony!” at the top of his tiny lungs in his own imperfect way of speaking. At two years and four months old, he lived for these playdates. Jade’s twins, Connor and Anthony, were almost four years old now—energetic, loud, and the best kind of chaos for Alex to burn off energy with.Kai still hadn’t responded properly about using the penthouse. “Things are complicated with work,” was the last vague text he’d sent. Elara stopped asking. Actually, she was glad Kai never lifted the penthouse ban on her friends, she would feel more at home at Jades. So instead of sulking, she loaded the car with snacks, toys, and her prenatal vitamins and headed to Jade’s most afternoons.She felt the slight swell of her belly as she stepped out—barely there, but noticeable to her now at what was probably eight weeks or a little more. The twins
Last Updated : 2026-07-27 Read more