The sun streamed through the large bay windows of the apartment, casting a warm glow over the wooden floors. Ivy stood in the kitchen, her fingers wrapped around a steaming cup of tea. The aroma of chamomile filled the air, calming her nerves, if only slightly. Arlo's laughter echoed from the living room, where he was on a video call with his business partner. His voice carried the same confidence and charm that had drawn her to him years ago. She leaned against the counter, watching him from afar. His broad shoulders, the way he gestured with his hands when he spoke—it was all so familiar, so comforting. And yet, an invisible chasm had opened between them. "Ivy!" Arlo called out, turning to look at her. "Come here for a second." She set her cup down and walked over, a smile plastered on her face. "What's up?" Tell Max here that I'm not the only one who thinks Friday nights are for takeout and movies." Max's face appeared on the laptop screen, grinning. "Ivy, back me up. He's been dodging our Friday meetings, claiming it's 'couple time.'" Ivy laughed, the sound light and airy. "Well, he's not wrong. Friday nights are sacred in this house." "See?" Arlo said, smirking as he leaned back on the couch. "Told you." Max rolled his eyes. "Fine, fine. I'll let you off the hook this time. But next week, no excuses." After the call ended, Arlo turned to her, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "I think that's the first time you've ever sided with me in an argument." She shrugged, sitting beside him. "Don't get used to it." He chuckled, pulling her into his arms. "You're my favourite person, you know that?" Her smile faltered for a split second, but she quickly recovered. "And you're mine."
Arlo kissed her forehead, his lips lingering as if he could sense her unease. "You've been quiet lately. Is everything okay?" She hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sweater. "I'm fine. Just... tired, I guess." He studied her for a moment, his gaze searching. "If something's bothering you, you'll tell me, right?" "Of course," she lied, her heart sinking. The truth was, she had no idea how to tell him about the storm brewing inside her. The diagnosis, the pregnancy—it was all too much. She wanted to protect him, to shield him from the pain, even if it meant carrying the burden alone. Later that evening, as Arlo worked in his home office, Ivy sat on their bed, staring at the ultrasound photo in her hand. The tiny life growing inside her was a miracle, but it also complicated everything. Her phone buzzed, pulling her from her thoughts. It was a message from Theo, her doctor and confidant. Theo: Don't forget your appointment tomorrow. We'll discuss the next steps.
Ivy sighed, typing a quick reply. Ivy: I'll be there. She set the phone down, her mind racing. Meeting Theo in public always felt risky, but she trusted him. He was the only one who knew the full extent of her situation. The next morning, Ivy found herself at a small café on the other side of town. Theo was already there, a folder of medical reports in front of him. "You're late," he said, offering her a small smile. "Traffic," she replied, sliding into the seat across from him. He pushed the folder toward her. "The test results came back. We need to act quickly if you want to keep the pregnancy viable while managing your condition." Ivy nodded, her stomach twisting. "What are my options?" Before Theo could answer, a shadow fell over their table. She looked up, her heart skipping a beat. It was Scarlet.
"Well, isn't this cozy?" Scarlet said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. Ivy's pulse quickened. "Scarlet, what are you doing here?" Scarlet crossed her arms, a smug smile on her face. "I could ask you the same thing. Does Arlo know you're sneaking around with another man?" Theo frowned, his gaze shifting between the two women. "This isn't what it looks like—" "Oh, save it," Scarlet snapped. "I always knew you weren't good enough for my brother." Ivy stood, her hands trembling. "This has nothing to do with Arlo. Just leave, Scarlet." Scarlet smirked, her eyes gleaming with malice. "We'll see about that." As Scarlet walked away, Ivy sank back into her chair, her chest heaving.
"She's going to twist this," Ivy said, her voice barely above a whisper. Theo reached across the table, his hand covering hers. "We'll figure it out. Focus on your health and the baby. That's what matters." But as Ivy left the café, her mind was already spinning with dread. Scarlet's hatred for her was no secret, and if she told Arlo what she had seen—twisting it into something it wasn't—it could destroy everything. Back at home, Ivy found Arlo in the kitchen, cooking dinner. He turned to her, his face lighting up. "Hey, there you are. How was your day?" She forced a smile, her heart breaking. "It was fine." But as she hugged him, the weight of her secrets pressed down on her, threatening to suffocate her.