The baby store was bustling with activity, with expectant parents and excited family members weaving through aisles of pastel-colored clothes, tiny shoes, and adorable toys. Alessia stood in the middle of it all, scanning a rack of onesies with Pamela at her side.
“This one’s cute,” Pamela said, holding up a pale yellow onesie with a tiny embroidered giraffe on the chest. “Neutral, but still adorable.”
Alessia smiled. “It’s perfect. I still can’t believe I’m planning a baby shower.”
“Well, you’re about to become a mom. Get used to all the over-the-top celebrations,” Pamela teased, placing the onesie in the cart. “Now, let’s find something for you to wear. We can’t have you looking anything less than stunning.”
“Do I have to?” Alessia groaned. “I was thinking of just wearing something simple.”
“Absolutely not,” Pamela said firmly, steering the cart toward the maternity section. “This is your day, Alessia. You’re carrying a little human inside you, and you’re going to look fabulous while doing it.”
They bantered back and forth as they picked out decorations and outfits. Pamela held up a pair of tiny baby sneakers and waved them in Alessia’s face. “Look at these! You could die from the cuteness.”
Alessia laughed, shaking her head. “If my baby inherits Zane’s sense of fashion, they’re going to hate me for dressing them up in all this.”
“Please, Zane’s idea of fashion is anything black and ripped,” Pamela joked, placing the shoes in the cart. “This baby is going to thank you for having taste.”
As they wandered through the store, Alessia’s phone buzzed in her pocket. She ignored it, too focused on picking out the perfect ribbons for the decorations. Pamela, ever the multitasker, was already planning the reveal details out loud.
“Okay, so we’ll need balloons, streamers, maybe one of those big boxes that release the colored smoke?” Pamela suggested.
“Balloons are good,” Alessia said absently, her eyes on a display of baby books. “The smoke thing feels too dramatic.”
“Drama is the point!” Pamela argued, nudging her. “Come on, Alessia. This is supposed to be fun.”
Alessia rolled her eyes, grinning. “Fine, but I’m vetoing anything that explodes.”
Pamela laughed. “Deal.”
As they rounded a corner near the strollers, Alessia suddenly froze, her heart skipping a beat. Standing near the baby bottles, laughing together, were Christian and Ava. The sight of them sent a wave of nausea rolling through her. She instinctively turned her cart away, but it was too late. Christian had already spotted her.
“Alessia?” His voice was sharp, cutting through the hum of the store.
Pamela stiffened beside her, immediately sensing the tension. “Do you want to leave?” she whispered.
“No,” Alessia said firmly, though her stomach twisted. “I’m not running away.”
Christian approached, his expression shifting from confusion to something darker as his eyes darted to the items in her cart—onesies, bottles, and a packet of gender reveal confetti. Ava lingered a few feet behind him, her gaze flicking nervously between Christian and Alessia.
“You’re pregnant?” Christian asked, his voice low and full of disbelief.
Alessia straightened her shoulders, meeting his gaze. “Yes, I am.”
He stepped closer, his eyes narrowing. “Is it mine?”
The question hung in the air like a grenade, and Pamela immediately stepped forward, her voice icy. “Back off, Christian. This isn’t the place.”
“I’m not talking to you,” Christian snapped, keeping his eyes locked on Alessia. “Answer me, Alessia. Are you pregnant with my child?”