Lyvana nodded.
"Thank you, doctor," she said softly. "I just...I need a minute to process all this."
Dr. Mia nodded understandingly. "Of course, I’ll send the nurse in with so prenatal vitamins and we’ll set up your next appointnt with the gynecologist. Try to stay calm, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything."
As the doctor left, Lyvana felt a mix of emotions: shock and confusion being at the top of the list. She couldn’t wait to tell Emily.
Her fingers curled slightly against her stomach.
This was Julian’s child.
The sa Julian who was now married to another woman. The sa man who lied to her.
Two hours later, they were back at the apartnt. Emily had picked up so sandwiches on the way, and they sat together on the sofa. The television was on, but the volu was low.
"You need to eat, Liv," Emily said, pushing a plate toward her. "You are looking pale. I know you’re just stressed, but you still need to eat."
Lyvana picked up a sandwich and took a bite. Her hand moved to her lap, her fingers pressing lightly against her stomach.
"I’m just tired, Em," Lyvana whispered. "Between the runway shoy and that woman showing up today... it’s a lot to handle."
"I know," Emily said, looking at her with concern. "But you’ve been rather tired a lot lately. And you’re very pale. Look, we’ll get through it, ok? We always do."
A sharp, heavy knock at the door cut her off.
Emily stood up and looked through the peephole. Her shoulders went stiff. she opened the door just a crack, her voice turning cold.
"What do you want, Ethan?"
"I called him," Lyvana said from the sofa. She set her food down and stood up. She looked at Ethan, who looked like he hadn’t slept in days. "You’re late."
"I’m sorry," Ethan said, his voice rough. "I was in Barbados. I took the earliest flight this morning as soon as I got your ssage."
Emily turned to Lyvana. "Liv, why? I told you I didn’t want to see him. I’m not ready for this."
Lyvana walked over and placed a gentle hand on Emily’s arm. She felt a sharp pang in her heart. She was facing a future alone with a child, but Emily didn’t have to be alone.
"I know," Lyvana whispered. "But what kind of friend would I be if I let you lose the love of your life because my own life is a ss? Go. Talk to him, Emy. Don’t let my problems ruin your chance to be happy."
Lyvana stood up and walked toward the kitchen.
"I’ll leave you two to talk," she said softly, not looking back.
"You shouldn’t have co, Ethan," Emily said. She stood at the door, refusing to let him in. "I already said all I wanted to say. What Julian did to my friend is unforgivable."
"I know but, Emy, I love you. I have, from the first day I saw you and I know you feel the sa about ."
"What I feel for you doesn’t matter anymore," Emily snapped. "You and Julian... you’re both liars. If he broke Lyvana’s heart, you would too."
She grabbed the handle and moved to slam the door shut.
"Wait!" Ethan shouted. He shoved his hand into the gap of the door, risking his fingers to keep it open.
"Get your hand out of the door, Ethan," Emily hissed.
"No. Not until you listen," he said desperately. "Just one minute, Emily. That’s all I ask."
"You have fifty seconds."
"You’re absolutely right. What Julian did was wrong. It was a betrayal," he said. "But I didn’t know about the marriage until it was already done. I am not Julian, I would never do that to you."
Emily looked unimpressed. "Thirty seconds."
He reached into his jacket and pulled out a small, velvet box. Then he got on one knee.
"Emily will you be my wife."
There was a gasp, from the kitchen. Then...
"Yes, yes" Lyvana said excitedly.
"Lyvana!" Emily hissed, whirling around to glare at her friend.
"It’s hard for your conversation to be private when you’re shouting in the hallway!" Lyvana teased. "Just put the man out of his misery. Say yes!"
Emily turned back to Ethan, who was still kneeling, a hopeful but nervous grin spreading across his face.
"I... I will think about it."
"She ans yes," Lyvana was already beside her.
"No, I an, I will think about it."
"You’re being stubborn," Lyvana teased, nudging Emily’s shoulder. "Just let him put the ring on so we can eat the sandwiches before they get curly."
Emily looked back at Ethan, who was now grinning, his eyes bright with relief. She let out a long, dramatic sigh, but her eyes were finally soft.
"Fine," Emily muttered, holding out her hand. "But I’m still mad at you and your cousin."
Ethan didn’t give her a chance to change her mind. He reached out, his hand trembling slightly, and slid the diamond ring onto her finger. It fit perfectly. He stood up and pulled her into a tight hug, burying his face in her shoulder.
"Thank you poo bear," he whispered. "I will make you the happiest woman ever.’
Lyvana watched them, a lump forming in her throat. Seeing Emily’s diamond catch the light felt like a victory. In her old life, Emily never got this ring. She never got this future. Perhaps, she would have a different fate.
"Group hug!" Ethan cheered, reaching out to pull Lyvana into their circle.
For a mont, the three of them stood there in the quiet hallway — a small bubble of happiness.
Later that night, Lyvana sank into the warm bathwater, letting the heat soothe her aching body. She closed her eyes and rested her head against the edge of the tub, finally finding a mont of peace.
The peace was shattered by the creak of the bathroom door.
Lyvana opened her eyes to see Emily standing there, holding a small plastic bottle in her hand. Her friend’s expression was a mix of confusion and curiosity.
"What is this, Liv?" Emily asked, holding the bottle up.
Lyvana’s heart skipped a beat. She didn’t even have to look to know what it was. The prenatal vitamins.
"Are you pregnant?"
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