CHAPTER 60 — SEVEN MONTHS AND COUNTING
Morning Glow, Heavy Heart
The sunlight poured gently through the curtains of Dante's mansion, highlighting the soft curve of Auri's pregnant belly. At seven months, she could feel every movement of the baby, tiny kicks and stretches that made her both smile and sigh in exhaustion.
It is a baby girl.
She sat at the edge of the bed, rubbing her stomach, her mind racing with thoughts she hadn't dared to voice.
It's already been months… months of waiting… months of wondering… she thought. Does he really want to marry me? He hasn't said it aloud… but he loves me… doesn't he?
Her lips trembled, and tears pricked at her eyes. Despite the love and care surrounding her, Auri's emotions often tipped over during pregnancy. Today was one of those days.
Dante Notices Her Distress
Dante entered the room, carrying a tray with warm tea and fresh fruit. "Good morning, my love," he said softly, smiling as he saw her teary eyes. "What's wrong?"
Auri blinked rapidly, quickly turning her face. "N-nothing," she stammered, trying to wipe her tears before he could see them.
"Don't lie to me," Dante said, sitting beside her. He brushed a loose strand of hair from her face, gently holding her chin so she met his eyes. "I know you, Auri. You're upset. Tell me."
Auri's shoulders shook as she let herself cry. "I… I just… I don't know… I've been thinking too much…" she whispered, her voice breaking. "About us… the baby… about… -"
Dante's hand moved to rest on her belly, his thumb stroking softly. "Hey… shh… calm down. Don't cry, my love," he said gently. "You don't have to overthink. You know I love you, right?"
"I know… but…" she sniffled, covering her face
"Shh…" Dante pulled her into a soft hug, letting her head rest against his chest. "There's no 'what if.' I'm here. I love you, Auri, and this baby… our baby… we're a family now."
Auri cried into him, her body trembling. "I just can't help it. I'm being to emotional arghhhh I hate it. I'm being too emotional all the time."
Dante brushed her hair away and kissed her forehead. "Let me take care of you."
Afternoon Tears and Comfort
Later in the day, Auri was seated on the balcony, her legs tucked under her, watching the city below. Dante came out carrying a blanket and a tray of fruit juice.
"Don't sit there like that… you'll make yourself miserable," he said, wrapping the blanket around her shoulders.
Auri shook her head, tears spilling over again. "I can't… I can't stop thinking about… everything… the baby… what if you…you'll find another woman"
Dante kneeled in front of her, holding both her hands. "Stop. Stop, Auri. Look at me." She met his gaze through her tears. "Do you see me? I'm not going anywhere. You're not alone. And our baby… will have both of us, always."
Her tears flowed faster, but a soft smile appeared between sobs. "I… I feel so… emotional… all the time now… I cry for everything…"
Dante chuckled softly, his thumb brushing her cheek. "That's normal, my love. And you don't need to fight it. Cry. Laugh. Whatever you need… I'm here for it. For you."
Auri leaned forward, burying her face in his chest again. "I love you… I love you so much…"
"And I love you," Dante whispered, kissing the top of her head. "I love you and our baby. And soon… I'll make sure the whole world knows you're mine… forever."
Evening —
As evening fell, Dante carried Auri to the couch, her legs resting on his lap while he gently massaged her feet.
"You're too cute when you're emotional," he teased. "And even cuter when you cry."
Auri smacked his shoulder playfully through laughter and tears. "I-I'm not cute! I'm… emotional and hormonal!"
"And I love it," Dante replied, leaning down to kiss her softly. "Every tear… every laugh… every little quirk of yours… it's all mine."
Auri giggled despite herself, her tears mingling with laughter. "Stop… I'm too emotional to handle your flirty remarks…"
"You're perfect, my love. And our baby is going to have the most amazing mom," he said softly, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips.
She clutched his shirt, resting her head against him. "I just… want to feel… safe… and loved…"
"You are… and you always will be," Dante whispered, running his hand along her back. "Seven months in… and every day, I fall more in love with you."
Auri's tears fell freely, but now they were accompanied by a radiant smile. She felt cherished, loved, and protected like never before.
"I love you, Dante Moretti," she whispered, her voice small but filled with sincerity.
"And I love you, Auri," he replied, leaning down to kiss her deeply, feeling the life growing inside her as a binding promise of their love.