45

Aamber came at noon to celebrate Laurel's return. She brought a giant teddy bear and flowers into the house.

“I'm sorry I didn't see you at the hospital. I have a phobia of hospitals. Mom sends greetings to you; she had to fly back to Spain. Our aunt's condition is deteriorating and Mom wants to be there to take care of her.” Aamber looked at Laurel's stomach carefully. “Are you and my future nephew okay?”

Laurel smiled. Aamber is very straightforward and funny. Laurel could probably be good friends with her. “He is fine.” She rubbed her belly affectionately. “Thank you for the flowers and doll.”

“At first I was confused about what to buy. However, without realizing it, I was carrying this big teddy bear out of the shop.” Amber laughed. “By the way, where is Brother?”

Laurel glanced at the second floor. “Aaron is taking a shower.”

“Oh.” Aamber smiled gently. “My brother must be happy half to death. Thank you, Laurel.”

Aamber must not know the deal between Aaron and me, Laurel thought. Maybe she thought that I had forgiven him and wanted to come back to him.

“He was like a lunatic when you left,” Aamber mumbled again. “Going home for only a few hours, then going around the city in circles, looking for you, desperate to find you. And it goes on every day.” Aamber sighed sadly. “I was afraid that he would fall ill, but luckily, everything is fine now.”

Aamber gently looked at Laurel. “Thank you for forgiving my brother. Aaron lived with such a heavy burden, punishing himself, feeling unworthy of happiness. At least you've made him dare to feel happiness for himself.”

When Aamber said goodbye, Laurel's eyes felt hot and teary, holding back her tears.

“Is it okay if we sleep in the same room?” Aaron said when he finished showering, met Laurel in the living room. “I promise not to touch you or force my desires. I just want to take care of you. Usually pregnant women are often dizzy, vomit, or need other things in the middle of the night or early morning. I wish I could be there and help you when I sleep next to you.”

He looked so sincere, Laurel thought. She might be able to trust him, but she couldn't trust herself yet. The thought of sleeping with Aaron again after so long made her tremble. Moreover, in that bed, which had been countless times, became the place where the two of them were immersed in sensual desire.

Laurel trembled, but she held herself back. What Aaron said was acceptable to her Sometimes she did wake up in the middle of the night, feeling extremely hungry or thirsty. The thought of having Aaron next to her made her feel at ease.

That night, the first night they slept together in a long time. Laurel lay far away in the other corner of the bed. Her eyes were open, unable to sleep, while Aaron who was lying on the other corner of the bed was no different either. The man shifted his body nervously back and forth, making the bed twitch.

When Laurel finally managed to close her eyes, Aaron, who was turning around, accidentally touched his arm on Laurel's shoulder. “Oops, sorry!”

Laurel was annoyed. She was restless and couldn't sleep, but Aaron made things worse. “Don't keep moving!”

Unexpectedly, Aaron chuckled, causing Laurel to turn around and glare at her husband. “Why are you laughing?”

“Because we're both cute.” The man smirked.

Suddenly, with such a swift movement that Laurel couldn't resist, Aaron pulled her into his arms. The woman's head rested on his arms and chest, while his arms wrapped around her waist possessively.

“What the hell—!” Laurel tried to break free, but Aaron held her gently.

“Please, Laurel, let me hug you. I will not do more than this. Maybe with this position we can sleep more soundly. I need sleep, Laurel; I haven't had enough sleep these past few days.”

Because he had to wait for her in the hospital and had to sleep on that uncomfortable couch, Laurel thought, feeling a little guilty. She finally fell silent, enjoying the steady up and down movement of Aaron's breath against her cheek and the sound of his heartbeat, which was like lullaby to her.

All pregnant women in this world must want a husband like Aaron, Laurel thought. The man was always ready, holding Laurel's arm gently as she walked.

In the morning, when Laurel ran to the bathroom and threw up her food, Aaron caught up with her, massaged the back of her neck gently, and then wiped her face with a towel and warm water to make her feel better. When she returned to her room, there were already mint tea and saltine crackers to deal with her nausea.

Even at night, when Laurel wakes up, feeling thirsty or hungry, the man immediately wakes up and pours water for her, or peels an apple to fill her stomach. After all that, Aaron would hug her on the bed; rub her sore back gently, until she fell back into a comfortable sleep.

She is already nine months pregnant. Unbeknownst to them, they are living a good married life, without any sparks of fighting in it. They respect each other, respect and care for each other.

However, something was different. Aaron seemed formal and distant. The man positioned himself as Laurel's guard and nurse, nothing more. His hugs at night did not contain any sensual elements, only he did it to make her feel comfortable. There were no passionate touches, smoldering gazes or sensual husky whispers.

Aaron really kept his promise.

Once one night, when Aaron held her in his arms, the baby kicked him for the first time, urging him, making the man look at Laurel in amazement. Their fingers rested on Laurel's stomach, feeling their amazing moment as parents for the first time.

That night, Aaron's eyes filled with tears and he kissed her lips softly, full of emotion. However, that's it. After that, he would hug Laurel as usual until she fell asleep.

Laurel could clearly see his affection for her. She could feel the man's sincerity for her. Deep in her heart, she loved her husband.

However, on the other hand, the inevitable reality of their past becomes a hindrance. Laurel is still not ready to forgive Aaron, for his lies and for his negligence that led to her father's death.

Would Father and Mother be mad at her if she forgave Aaron? Laurel had often wondered that in her heart, afraid that she had betrayed her family by giving him a chance.

This baby is about to be born. Laurel stroked her growing belly and smiled. Their child will be born in the near future and she can't wait to hold the baby in her arms.

However, her mind was heavy thinking about what she should do after this child was born.