Book 2 Chapter 22

By the middle of the week, Yalda had begun to slip quietly into a rhythm, one that felt familiar and stabilizing in its own way. She woke early, dressed in the elegant outfits Ioannis had ordered for her, brushed tint over her cheeks to mask the exhaustion beneath her eyes, and followed Ioannis down to the car.

She worked, she reminded herself to breathe, and she tried her possible best to pull herself together everyday. And her efforts were rewarded because everyday felt a little less like drowning and a little more like learning how to float again.

The routine was healing her; work, the short drives home with Ioannis, dinner, shower, bed, and other small but relaxing activities in between like walking Loki briefly, plucking berries in the garden and all.

The cycle repeated, it was unbroken and strangely comforting.

She didn’t tell him about Helen’s behavior or Marina’s glare or the way the small team often fell quiet when she walked into the room. She told herself she was just new. She told herself it would pass, she told herself she was rebuilding herself and she wouldn't let small things bother her.

And Ioannis… he seemed content simply having her beside him, even though he knew he'd heart belonged to someone else, even though he knew she was probably only holding onto him so tightly because he made her feel better and heal faster.

On Saturday morning, she'd planned on sleeping in, but instead, Ioannis sat on the edge of the bed, caressing her cheek tenderly.

"Morning." He greeted warmly. "You seem to be having the time of your life in bed."

She groaned, she couldn't even bring herself to speak just yet.

After having spent so long away from work, her body had gotten used to lazing around, and returning to work seemed to alter everything her body had gotten accustomed to, and she was so exhausted.

“Time to get out of bed, baby,” he murmured. “We have your prenatal checkup today.”

She groaned once more, and Ioannis almost laughed at the sound. He shook his head, she could see the amusement in his eyes.

“I forgot it was this weekend,” she replied groggily. "I planned on sleeping in."

"I understand. But you need this. You can sleep when we get back." He told her. "Come on, momma."

Momma....

Something about the way he said it made her stomach flutter, something about the way he said it made her want to abandon her spot and get ready. It was motivating in a way, it reminded her that this wasn't just about her, it was about the little one growing inside her and she owed it to her child to pull herself together.
And she did.

After breakfast, they drove to the clinic. As they entered the maternity floor, Yalda noticed immediately that it was crowded. There were couples everywhere; pregnant women in leggings, patners holding water bottles, jackets, and purses. A receptionist handed them forms and directed them toward a room down the hall.

Ioannis read the sign over the door first.

PRENATAL GROUP SESSION: Mobility, Emotional Regulation & Partner Support.

“Group?” Yalda whispered, horrified. She had no idea they'd signed up for this. Dr. Petrova had said she'd take care of everything they needed, but she hadn't thought she'd do this.

Ioannis checked the schedule. “Seems we’re early for the actual doctor’s appointment. They want us to join this until we’re called.”

She wasn't sure she wanted to, it felt too weird, too....real. “Ioannis…”

But he simply placed a warm hand on her lower back.

“Try it out, Yalda." He encouraged. "If you don't like it we'll leave.”

That steadied her, the fact that they could leave anytime comforted her. She nodded and let Ioannis guide her further into the room.

Inside, the room was full of yoga mats arranged in rows. Soft music played, and a young instructor with a bright smile greeted them.

“Welcome! Find any mat. Partners will stand behind the mothers during stretches.” She directed cheerily.

Yalda reluctantly removed her shoes and stepped onto a mat. She was glad she'd worn slacks today instead of a skirt or dress. Ioannis stood behind her, towering above most of the other partners, he wasn't supposed to seem out of place dressed in a white button down and jeans, but his aura made him stand out.

Several women glanced at him; some subtly, some not so subtly, and Yalda noticed. Two nurses whispered to each other by the wall as they glanced at him over and over again till Yalda's jaw tightened.

Of course they were staring, of course they were ogling him with no regards for her at all.

The instructor clapped. “Let’s start with breathing. Mothers, settle into your mats. Partners, hands on the shoulders for gentle support.”

Yalda cleared her throat quietly before doing as directed, Ioannis knelt behind her, his hands settled on her shoulders supportively.

“Breathe in,” the instructor said. “And out.”

Yalda dragged in a shuddering breath slowly and Ioannis mirrored her rhythm as he massaged her shoulder gently. Somehow, that made it easier.

“Now, a simple forward stretch,” the instructor continued. “Partners, help guide them gently.”

Yalda bent forward with her arms extending. Ioannis’s hands slid to her hips, steadying her gently, she felt the warmth of his hand through her slacks. She breathed through the stretch.

“Good girl,” he whispered near her ear. “You’re doing beautifully.”

Her breath faltered from the soft intimacy threaded through his voice. Would she ever get used to being called a good girl so unexpectedly?

Around them, other couples wobbled, laughed, complained good-naturedly. But Ioannis was focused only on her, there were no jokes and no awkward fumbles. Just quiet, sensual guidance. He adjusted her movements like he had done this a hundred times before.

And more women started to stare, they even started to whisper. One of the nurses giggled and the sound had something hot flaring in Yalda’s chest, something that was perhaps..... jealousy.

Ioannis noticed her stiffen, he noticed her scowl.

His mouth curved in a knowing smirk. He leaned down, brushing a kiss against the top of her head. But it still not enough to pacify her, she was almost shaking with fury at this point.

Then, without hesitation, he slid one arm around her front, caught her jaw and angled her neck to face him, and then he planted a soft kiss on her lips, right in front of everyone watching.

Her heart stuttered. She was still getting used to being shown affection publicly, and it felt so good, so satisfying and fulfilling.

The room grew noticeably quieter. The instructor's smile became even brighter and she beamed at them.

“A very connected couple. Beautiful.” she praised.

Ioannis’s voice murmured low against Yalda's skin, meant only for her.

“Focus, agapi mou." He said. "I'm all yours."

Her cheeks burned. The jealousy dissolved instantly, replaced by a warm hum under her ribs.

The session continued. There were partner-supported squats. Ioannis held her securely as he guided her movements, he made everything so comfortable for her. There were gentle back-arch stretches, and his hands traced her spine, steadying her.

There were breathing exercises for emotional grounding. His palms warmed her ribs as they expanded under his touch.

At one point, the instructor demonstrated a pose and asked partners to mirror it with their own style of guidance. Ioannis knelt behind Yalda, his arms guided hers up so their bodies were perfectly aligned. She could feel his breath on her neck as his warmth enveloped her like a shield.

It was intimate and calming.

After the session, they headed back to Dr. Petrova 's office for a quick check up, and she was quite impressed by how much Yalda had improved. She advised Yalda to do more things she liked while paying attention to her body's limit, she emphasized on getting enough rest and Yalda feared she'd give Ioannis an excuse to stop her from working, but she was glad he didn't bring it up.

The drive back home was peaceful, and when they arrived, Ioannis placed a hand on her back as they entered the house. Loki bounded toward them, tail wagging excitedly. Yalda dropped to her knees to hug him and brushed her fingers through her hair.

Ioannis watched with a soft smile, he waited for the exchange to end before Loki came to him for more hug.

They'd successfully spent the day at the clinic, they'd had lunch and returned to the session since it was relaxing for not just Yalda but Ioannis as well.

Dinner was simple; salmon, rice, and vegetables. They talked about light things: the weather, the view from behind as she stretched, how he wanted to damn it all and swat her ass. Yalda found it funny, and as she laughed, she realized she felt even lighter.

Afterward, they showered together, Yalda was almost falling asleep but Ioannis held her to keep her upright. the moment was serene, and when they slipped into bed early, Yalda was already half asleep.

When Ioannis pulled her against his chest, Yalda rested her ear over his heartbeat. He stroked her hair until her eyelids drooped.

"Let's do this again next weekend?" He asked.

She smiled faintly but fell asleep before she could respond.