ia's

, his presence has grown on me, and I enjoy the moments we spend together. My hand instinctively rests on my stomach, where a ti⁵ny life may al

e responsibilities that come with parenthood. But then again, I remind myself that our arrangement is merely a contract. It is not my place to worry about hi

ns and concern for my well-being go beyond what is required. There's genuine care and warmth in his eyes that I can't ignore. But I

er. It's a noble gesture, but I can't help but feel a pang of sadness, thinking about the temporary nature of

g concerned. I call out to them, asking where they're going and why they seem so worri

annoyance. "Sophia, where have you been? We've been looking for you s

just disappear like that. Where have you been wan

es me off guard. I take a deep breath, trying to remain calm and explain myself. "I'm sorry, gu

, let's not get too worked up about it. Sophia's bac

"Exactly. I apologize for making you worry

e mutters something under his breath and heads inside his room. Although his i

se. "Don't mind him, Sophia. He's just being Jake. Let's go in

in his presence. "Thank you, Tyler. I didn't mean to cau

call my mother and catch up on the latest news from home. As the call connects,

rmly. "How's everything ba

, your father is getting better. The doctors say he's respondin

my family, especially with my father's health concerns. Knowing tha

ile forming on my face. "Please send my love to

But tell me, why do you sound a l

noticed a slight change in my appearance lately-the paleness, the weight loss. These chan

fine, Mom. Just a little tired, I guess. The college has bee

, "Are you sure that's all, Sophia? You know you can t

t bring myself to tell her the truth just yet, not until I have some certainty my

o rest properly. I promise I'll look after myself," I assu

Sophia. Just remember to prioritize your well-being. Your studies are i

it me with a profound sense of love and

es softly. "Take care of yourself, and

nt, reflecting on the conversation. My mother's concern mirrors the worries I've been harbor

ach. I lurch forward and then it happens-I throw up, right there on th

dial Alexander's number. He answers on the first ring, his vo

"Alexander, something's not right. I jus

ou have a pregnancy test with you? We ne

y test? Could it be possible? I pause for a moment, th

sed. "Take the test right away and let me know

eve the pregnancy test from the bathroom cabinet, my hands trembling as I follo

that my roommates, Tyler and Jake, are in the living room. Panic surges through me-I hadn't

ehind me. I take a deep breath and finally look at the result. Posit

ar a knock on my door, followed by Alexander's voice callin

concerned when he didn't immediately hear from me. Without hesit

clutched in my hand. His concern deepens, and he takes a step closer, hi

llowed Alexander to my room, exchange bewildered glances. They clearly catc