Chapter 106

MARCUS

I knew Nicole wouldn't listen to me when I told her to forget about the little girl. She liked to care for others even at the detriment of her own happiness.

She was leaning into my embrace and I turned her to face me, my hand resting on her shoulders.

“Time to go to bed”. I murmured. “You need it for the baby”

She wanted to protest. The lines on her forehead deepened, creasing with worry.

But I knew that her exhaustion was catching up with her, and she needed rest, both for her own sake and for the precious life growing inside her.

So, I placed a gentle index finger against her lips, silencing any potential words of defiance.

“Not one word from you," I gently interrupted, my touch lingering for a moment before I guided her forward, urging her towards the bed. "Now if you don't mind, go to sleep."

She allowed herself to be led toward the bed, her steps slow and deliberate.

In the soft glow of the bedroom, I stood by her side, helping her unzip her dress.

“Go on," I encourage