nder'

ated on her. I listen intently, captivated by her presence and the subtle nuances of her vo

a reassuring smile. "I'm glad you're feel

y so far. I've been taking good care of myself, eating well, and following

y steps to ensure a healthy pregnancy. "I'm glad to hear that.

tice the blush on her face as she responds, "Thank you for

. "You don't have to thank me. I want to be involved and m

Sophia's eyes. It reminds me that she's been shouldering multiple responsib

ensure that all the legal aspects of our arrangement are properly documented. While it feels somewhat im

"I actually have something important to discus

, her eyebrows slightly f

"This is the contract that outlines our agreement. It's important for both of us to

expression. She reaches out, taking the document into her hands and begins to skim through its co

oesn't feel uncomfortable. It's a necessary pause, allowing Sophia the time to process the terms of the contract. Altho

ns the contract. I pick it up and look at her. "I'll have Eth

le distracted. She suddenly shifts closer and asks, "

ldn't be so casual with me. I nod gently,

is earlier but I didn't think too

t is

ret?" She asks. "I mean, I don't

ankly not respon

ut. I don't want them to worry. Moreover after the child is born,

ger she is to distance herself from me. But

l keep it

as she clasps her palm and smi

ou countless times t

not used to it," s

" I find myself reporting, unable to stop my

t before laughing, "Are y

getting so affected by her presence. When I made that advertisement, I had thou

d I found myself getting entranced. I have never r

cheeks. "Jealous? No, of course not. It's j

vously. "Well, if it makes you feel better, Alexa

. "I appreciate that, Sophia. It would

imple thoughts make her seem incredibly innocent and endearing. Her youthful energy and genuine cu

word drawing me further into her world. I find myself genuinely captivated

d bustle of the coffee shop around us. It's in these moments that I forget the c

lance at the screen and a sigh escapes my lips. It's a message notifyi

ice. "I just received a message about a sudden business trip th

er features. "Oh, I understand. Is everythin

need to leave, but I have some preparations to make. I wanted to meet you today to chec

It's alright, Alexander. I hope everything goes well with y

er a grateful smile. "Thank you for being so un

her hand on mine. "Take care of yourself

t to let go. But the responsibilities and obligations of my

and and stand up from the ta

step outside, the cool evening air brushes against our faces. The sky

drive you home, Sophia? It's getting late, and

feel better. But you don't have to go out of your way. Just drop me

act of courtesy. "It's no trouble at

t. As I drive, our conversation continues, but it's quieter now

p. Sophia unbuckles her seatbelt and turns to face me. "Tha

within me. "Take care, Sophia. If you ever nee

ense of gratitude. "I will, Alex

gure illuminated by the streetlights. With a final wave, she

conflicted. I had never thought