Alessia couldn’t contain her emotions as she stood in the living room of her parents’ estate, clutching her phone in one hand and the positive pregnancy test in the other. She had been keeping the news to herself for a few days, unsure of how to tell her family, but the excitement bubbling in her chest was impossible to ignore. She couldn’t wait any longer.
She dialed her mother’s number, her heart racing with anticipation. Victoria answered after the first ring.
“Alessia, sweetheart, how are you feeling?” Victoria asked, concern in her voice.
“Mom,” Alessia began, her voice trembling slightly with a mix of nerves and excitement. “I have something to tell you. Can you come over?”
“Of course, darling,” Victoria said immediately. “Is everything alright?”
“It’s more than alright,” Alessia said, her voice breaking into a laugh. “Just come over, please.”
“I’ll be there in twenty minutes,” Victoria replied, hanging up.
When Victoria arrived, Alessia was pacing in the living room, a wide smile on her face. Her mother entered with a worried expression, but as soon as she saw Alessia’s glowing demeanor, her concern shifted to curiosity.
“What’s going on, Alessia? You look like you’re about to burst!” Victoria said, setting her purse down.
Alessia took a deep breath and handed her the pregnancy test. “I’m pregnant,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Victoria’s eyes widened as she looked at the test, then back at Alessia. A moment later, a joyful smile spread across her face. “You’re pregnant? Oh, Alessia, that’s wonderful!” She pulled her daughter into a tight hug, tears glistening in her eyes. “I’m so happy for you.”
“I wasn’t sure how you’d react,” Alessia admitted, pulling back. “It’s not exactly how I pictured things, you know, with Christian out of the picture.”
Victoria’s expression softened as she held Alessia’s face in her hands. “You don’t need him. You’re one strong girl, Alessia. You’ll be an amazing mother, and this baby is going to be so loved.”
Word spread quickly among the family. Victoria insisted on hosting a small celebration that evening to mark the special occasion. Alessia was hesitant at first but eventually agreed—it would be nice to be surrounded by her loved ones as she embraced this new chapter of her life.
The dining room was transformed into a cozy, cheerful space. Soft fairy lights were strung across the windows, and the table was adorned with pastel-colored decorations, tiny baby-themed confetti scattered across the white tablecloth. A “Congratulations, Alessia!” banner hung above the fireplace, and a vase of fresh pink and white roses sat as the centerpiece.
The menu was simple but filled with Alessia’s favorite dishes. Victoria had prepared a creamy mushroom risotto, roasted vegetables, and grilled lemon herb chicken. Zane, ever the grill master, contributed a platter of perfectly seared steaks. For dessert, Victoria brought out a strawberry shortcake that had everyone’s mouth watering.
The family arrived one by one, each bringing their love and excitement. Elena, Victoria’s best friend and Alessia’s godmother, was the first to arrive. She enveloped Alessia in a warm hug. “A baby! I’m so proud of you, sweetheart,” she said, her eyes twinkling. “You’ve always been a fighter, and this little one is going to have the best mom.”
Tobias and Jonathan, the family’s longtime friends and loyal allies, joined shortly after. Tobias clapped Zane on the back. “Looks like you’re going to be Uncle Zane now,” he teased, earning a chuckle from everyone.
Zane rolled his eyes but smiled at Alessia. “I’m going to be the cool uncle,” he declared, raising his glass of sparkling cider. “I’ll teach the kid everything I know.”
“Maybe not everything,” Victoria said with a laugh, earning a chorus of chuckles.
As the evening went on, Alessia couldn’t help but glance at the empty chair at the table. Christian’s absence was glaring, a sharp reminder of how things had changed. She knew better than to dwell on it—Christian had made his choices, and she had made hers. Still, the thought of raising a child without the father being present weighed on her, even as she smiled and laughed with her family.
Elena noticed Alessia’s quiet moment and sat beside her. “You’re thinking about him, aren’t you?” she asked gently.
Alessia nodded. “A little. I just… I wish things had been different. But at the same time, I know I can’t rely on him. This baby deserves better.”
Elena took her hand and squeezed it. “And that’s exactly why you’re going to be a great mom. You’re putting your baby first, even when it’s hard. Don’t doubt yourself, Alessia.”