Chapter 90

Ava looked up, meeting his gaze, feeling a lump form in her throat. How she longed to confide in him, to share the news that would undoubtedly change their lives forever. But the words remained lodged within her, trapped by apprehension and concern for Alex's already burdened shoulders.

" I know, Alex " she managed, a wistful smile tugging at the corners of her lips. " I just need some time to sort through everything "

He nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. " Take all the time you need, love. I'm here whenever you're ready "

As Alex kissed her forehead tenderly and left the room, Ava's conflicted emotions intensified. She couldn't shake the feeling of guilt for keeping such a significant secret from the man she loved. The baby growing inside her felt like a precious treasure, yet it also seemed like an immense responsibility she wasn't prepared to burden Alex with.

Days turned into weeks, and Ava grappled with the growing swell of emotions. She avoided conversations about the future, feigning fatigue or preoccupation whenever the topic arose. Her interactions with Alex became a delicate dance of concealment, her heart heavy with the weight of unspoken words.

Yet, despite her attempts to shield him, Alex remained attentive to her needs, offering unwavering support and affection. His concern only deepened as he noticed Ava's increasing withdrawal, a wall she had inadvertently built around herself.

" When will you tell Alex about his baby? Do you even plan to tell him at all? " Maggie asked, settling down beside Ava.

" Of course I'll tell him! " Ava snapped. Realizing what she did, her voice turned somber and she apologized " I'm so sorry Maggie, it's just that I've been feeling... Strange lately " Her voice was low as she said this.

Maggie smiled at her tenderly and she squeezed Ava's hands " I understand dear, it's what we all go through during pregnancy "

" Trust me Maggie, I wanna tell him so bad, but... I don't want to worry him. He has so much on his hands already " Ava said worriedly and sighed.

" You know Alex cares about you, he wouldn't mind " Maggie tried to convince her.

" All the more reason not to tell him now, it'd be selfish of me to get him worried about this... baby " Ava explained and let out a tired sigh again.

" Listen to me Ava, Alex doesn't care about all these things you've mentioned, he cares about YOU " Maggie insisted firmly, wanting her words to sink into Ava's head.

Ava thought about it for some minutes " Okay Maggie, I've heard you " She seemed to have come to a decision.

" So what will you do, Miss Ava? " Maggie teased with a light smile.

" Tell him? " Ava asked in the same light tone.

" Good girl! " Maggie said excited and clapped her hands.

*****************

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow across the estate, Ava found herself sitting in their garden, enveloped by the tranquility of the surroundings. Alex joined her, his presence a comforting embrace.

He took her hand, turning to her with a gentle gaze. " Ava, I've noticed something's been bothering you for a while now. Please, talk to me. I want to help "

A lump formed in her throat, her eyes welling up with tears. The weight of her secret threatened to crush her, and she knew she couldn't keep it hidden any longer. Taking a deep breath, Ava met his gaze, her voice barely above a whisper. " Alex, there's something important I need to tell you "

As the soft evening breeze swept through the garden, carrying the scent of blooming flowers, Ava hesitated, her heart racing with trepidation. She searched for the right words, her mind tangled in a web of emotions and unspoken confessions.

Alex's brow furrowed in concern as he sensed the gravity of Ava's mood. " You can tell me anything, Ava. I'm here for you " he urged gently, his eyes reflecting both worry and unwavering support.

Ava swallowed hard, her hands trembling slightly in his grasp. She drew a shaky breath, summoning the courage to unravel the secret she had guarded so fiercely. " Alex, I... I found out something life-changing a while ago " she began, her voice wavering with uncertainty.

He squeezed her hand reassuringly. " Whatever it is, we'll face it together " he affirmed, his gaze unwavering.

Tears welled in Ava's eyes as she looked into his earnest expression, feeling overwhelmed by his unwavering loyalty. " I'm pregnant, Alex " she finally confessed, her voice barely audible.

Time seemed to stand still in that moment. The words hung heavy in the air, an invisible curtain lifted between them. Ava watched as a myriad of emotions flickered across Alex's face—surprise, disbelief, and then a profound sense of wonder and joy.

" Pregnant? " he echoed, his eyes widening in a mixture of astonishment and joy. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips, breaking through the initial shock. " Ava, that's incredible! "

Tears streamed down her cheeks, a mix of relief and raw emotion flooding her. " I wanted to tell you sooner, but I was worried. You have so much on your plate already " she admitted, her voice laced with guilt.

Alex cupped her face in his hands, his eyes locking onto hers with unwavering determination. " You're never a burden, Ava. This changes everything, yes, but it's a wonderful change. We'll navigate this together, I promise "

They sat there in the quiet embrace of the garden, the weight of the unspoken finally lifted. The air was filled with a mix of emotions—relief, joy, and a newfound sense of unity.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the landscape, Ava and Alex sat intertwined, their hearts now synchronized in anticipation of the beautiful journey ahead