ZOE DEAN’S POV
I followed Emily through the corridor until we stepped into the kitchen. The place slled faintly of freshly baked bread and soap. A few servants were scattered around, busy with their chores. So glanced our way as we entered, but none lingered.
Emily headed toward the refrigerator, probably to grab a fruit, when her steps suddenly faltered. For a mont, she swayed like soone who had lost her balance or was fighting off dizziness.
"Emily!" I rushed forward, catching her by the arm before she could stumble. "Are you okay?"
She blinked rapidly, a faint line forming between her brows. "I’m fine," she murmured, though her voice trembled slightly.
"Sit down," I said, guiding her gently to one of the chairs. My heart beat faster than I wanted to admit. Sothing wasn’t right with her.
The servants had turned to look now, their hands pausing mid-task. "Get a glass of water," I ordered one of them. She nodded quickly and hurried off.
I crouched beside Emily, my tone softer this ti. "Are you okay? You look pale."
Her hand went to her forehead, her breathing uneven. "I’m okay," she whispered. "I’ve just been feeling a bit dizzy."
I frowned, worry prickling the edges of my calm. "You should’ve told soone."
The maid returned with the glass of water. I took it and pressed it gently into Emily’s hand. She sipped slowly, her fingers trembling slightly around the glass.
"Better?" I asked once she was done, setting the empty cup on the table. "Should I get Benny?"
She shook her head and tried to smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes. "No, don’t. I’m okay, seriously. He’ll just worry."
Her insistence only deepened my concern. Up close, I could see how pale she was, how tired her eyes looked—like soone carrying a secret. "Emily," I said quietly, "you’ve been off lately. I keep asking, and you keep saying you’re fine. What’s going on?"
"I’m fine, Zoe."
"You don’t want to tell ?"
Her gaze flickered toward the maids nearby before returning to . She hesitated, biting her lower lip, then sighed as if releasing a heavy weight. "It’s not easy being... pregnant."
The word hit like a bell ringing in a quiet room. I blinked. "Pregnant?" I asked softly, lowering my voice so the others wouldn’t hear.
She looked at then, and her eyes confird it—glowing faintly with shyness and uncertainty.
"Oh my God, Emily!" I gasped, my voice breaking into a smile. "That’s wonderful news!"
A small smile spread on her lips, but there was sothing behind it—sothing that didn’t sound like joy. I noticed the way her shoulders slumped slightly.
"You don’t seem excited," I said gently.
"I am," she replied quickly, then paused. Her fingers twisted in her lap. "I really am," She repeated calmly with a breath escaping her lips. "It’s just that..." She paused and sighed. "It’s just that with everything going on, I don’t know if this is a right ti to have... a baby."
My chest softened. "Emily, there’s never a perfect ti for sothing like this. But there’s also never a wrong one."
She gave a small, tired smile. "I an, the whole chaos right now and with the revenge. A baby is going to be... a distraction."
"Why would you say that?" I inquired softly. "A baby can never be a distraction, a baby is a blessing. Besides, this baby has nothing to do with Nero’s quest to avenge his mother’s death."
"But Benny?"
"Well, I am sure Benny is quite excited to welco this baby." I said softly. "Can’t you see how alive he’s been since we got to Thailand? It’s almost like we didn’t escape dubai for our lives two days ago."
She laughed then, a soft, genuine sound. "Please, don’t remind of that night. I was really terrified. Just had to pretend to be brave."
I chuckled too, rembering the image of that night.
And then, for a mont, we sat in silence, just breathing. Then I reached for her hand. "I’m really happy for you, Emily. You’re going to be an amazing mother."
Her eyes shimred faintly as she squeezed my hand. "And you," she said with a grin, "are going to be the godmother."
I blinked. "? Oh, no, I—"
"Yes, you," she cut in, laughing softly. "You’re kind, patient, and you have such a good heart. I can’t think of anyone better."
Warmth spread through , pride mixing with disbelief. "Then... I’d be honored," I said with a smile. "Truly."
She stood then, balancing her plate of fruit, and looked at teasingly. "Now I see why Nero’s so obsessed with you."
My eyebrows rose. "Obsessed?"
"Please," she said, rolling her eyes, "the man practically breathes you. You’re sweet, Zoe. I can’t wait until all this madness ends so you can settle down too."
I laughed, though heat crept up my cheeks at the thought. Settle down? With Nero? I wasn’t sure that was his plan now.
"Co on," she said, looping her arm through mine. "Let’s go before the guys start thinking we’ve disappeared sowhere."
I smiled, letting her lead out of the kitchen. As we walked back toward the garden, I couldn’t help glancing at her—her hand brushing her belly now and then, her smile more peaceful than before.
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