Sophie was busy cooking in the kitchen, wearing only a pair of short denim shorts and a loose sleep shirt that clung softly to her figure. Her hair was tousled, and her eyes had a sleepy glaze, like she'd just rolled out of bed.
As she stirred scrambled eggs on the stove, Kyle crept up behind her, wearing a loosely tied robe. With a grin, he covered her eyes with one large hand and used a playful, exaggerated voice.
"Guess who this is?" he teased.
Sophie smirked. "Obviously you, Kyle. Who else would be touching me like this?"
Kyle chuckled, still using the playful voice. "What do you mean, Sophie? I'm not Kyle."
Sophie spun around with a soft laugh and pecked him on the lips. "Good morning, trouble."
Kyle gave a mock pout. "Why'd you leave me in bed alone? I woke up expecting you next to me."
Turning back to the stove, Sophie replied casually, "If I didn't get out of bed, I knew we'd never leave. Plus, I figured you'd be starving."
Kyle groaned quietly, then pulled her into his robe, wrapping it around both of them. Sophie leaned into his chest, their bodies warm and close under the fabric.
As she slipped one arm through his robe, wearing it with him, Sophie looked up, eyes locked with his. A flutter stirred in her chest.
"You better go before I forget what breakfast is," Kyle whispered, his voice thick with heat.
Sophie's tone turned teasing. "Afraid we'll end up doing something on this kitchen counter?"
"Yes," Kyle replied, eyes darkening. "And if you don't move, I may never let you go."
She grinned. "Then don't let go."
Their lips met in a passionate kiss, but Sophie pulled away just before things went further, leaving Kyle breathless.
After a beat, Sophie looked at him curiously. "What about Brian? Is he seeing anyone?"
Kyle shrugged. "No idea."
Then he smirked. "Though… I think he might like Alva."
Sophie's smile gave her away, and she looked away quickly.
Kyle narrowed his eyes. "What's with that look? Am I right?"
Sophie tried to brush it off. "You're just guessing."
Kyle leaned in, voice low. "I don't think I'm guessing. I think I know."
Sophie blushed and changed the subject, but Kyle kept watching her, a knowing smirk on his lips.
---
Meanwhile…
Alva sat on her bed, pale and exhausted. Her body felt heavy, her limbs weak. The room was quiet until her phone rang. She glanced at the screen. It was Cody.
"Come over," he said, his voice low and direct.
She ended the call without a word, knowing she didn't have the strength to argue. With effort, she made her way to his place.
Cody greeted her at the door, concern written all over his face. "You okay?"
Alva shook her head weakly. "I don't know. I feel… awful."
Moments later, she rushed to the bathroom and threw up. Cody followed her, rubbing her back gently, then helped her clean up and carried her to the bed.
She barely noticed when Cody made a call. "Come to my place now," he said, voice firm.
About ten minutes later, a doctor arrived. He took Alva's wrist, checking her pulse, then looked at her closely, checking her vitals with a small handheld monitor.
The screen blinked faintly, then beeped. The doctor's brows furrowed slightly.
"This device picks up early pregnancy hormones," he muttered, more to himself. "And based on this..."
He smiled faintly, then sighed. "Could you speak more gently, Cody? You're stressing the patient—and the doctor."
Cody glared. "Just tell me what's wrong."
Alva asked in a whisper, "What's happening to me?"
The doctor chuckled lightly. "Well, you basically answered your own question."
Cody's expression changed. "Wait... you're saying she's pregnant?"
The doctor gave a dramatic nod. "Now maybe you'll treat me with some respect. You're going to be a dad."
He muttered under his breath as he left the room, "Cody… a father. I can't believe this machine isn't broken. Let's just hope the kid doesn't turn out like him."
Alva lay in bed, stunned. Cody sat beside her.
"So… we're having a baby," he said quietly.
Silence.
"Why aren't you saying anything?" he asked.
Alva's voice cracked. "Do you even want this? Us? A family?"
Cody's face darkened. "Wait—do you not want this baby?"
Alva burst into tears. "I just wanted to be with you. That's all. My mom would lose it if she knew. She wants marriage and a big family—not for me to be pregnant by my boss."
"I went on that blind date because of her. I didn't even like you at first. I took this job to get revenge for how you treated me that day. But then… I fell for you."
Cody's expression hardened. "So this was all a setup? You used me?"
"No!" Alva cried. "I liked you. I like you. But I can't have a baby now."
Cody's jaw tightened. "You're not aborting this child. I'll send a doctor every day. Guards if I have to. If you hurt my baby—I swear—I'll never forgive you."
He stood and stormed out, leaving Alva sobbing.
She cradled her belly and whispered, "I'm sorry, baby. I'm so sorry you had to hear your parents fight like that. I didn't mean for it to be like this."
Tears streamed down her face as she wept in silence.