Ever sat in the check-up room, her hands resting protectively over her stomach as the doctor prepared for the routine examination.
She hated the way Amelia's voice still echoed in her mind, the way Allesandro played along so effortlessly. The knowing look Amelia had shot her before leaving with Allesandro burned like an unanswered question. But what bothered her most wasn't them it was the way she had let it get under her skin.
"Ever?" Nathaniel's voice cut through her thoughts, warm and steady. "You're quiet. Everything okay?"
She blinked, forcing herself back to the present, and smiled faintly at him. "Just thinking."
His eyes searched hers, and for a moment, she thought he might press further, but instead, he simply squeezed her hand. "You're here for your health and the baby's. Don't let anything else take away from that."
The doctor, an older woman with a kind face, glanced between them before beginning. "Alright, Ever. Let's check on your little one."
