Alexa's teeth ground together. Fucking Bella, she thought, her nails digging into her palm. I hope you get diabetes from all that sugar you love so much, and I hope you grow so fat that Leo abandons you like everyone should have from the start.
Her lips twitched into a mocking smile at her own thought. She smoothed her hair, fixed her lipstick with quick, angry strokes, and grabbed her handbag.
As she stood, her hand brushed instinctively over her belly. The fabric of her fitted blouse stretched faintly around the gentle curve, small but visible now under the café's golden lights. Anyone paying attention could tell she was pregnant.
Outside, the air was cooler, carrying the faint scent of coffee and city dust. Leo and Bella were just stepping out, talking quietly. Bella held a small bag of pastries.
"Leo! Isabella!"
The familiar, honeyed voice made them freeze.
