Chapter 1

The Westlend estate glowed gold beneath the early evening sky.

The mansion itself looked more like a palace than a home, towering over the hills with massive marble pillars, glowing chandeliers, black iron balconies, and fountains spilling endlessly into stone pools outside. Luxury dripped from every corner of the estate.

And yet somehow, despite all that beauty…

The atmosphere inside the dining hall was tense as hell.

The long dinner table stretched almost the entire room, lined with crystal glasses, expensive china, silver candleholders, and enough food to feed an army. The two families sat together in organized chaos.

The Westlends on one side.

The Chensworths on the other.

At the center sat Malia Westlend beside her husband, Johnathan Westlend.

Malia looked beautiful even while exhausted.

Her impossibly long wavy hair spilled down the back of her chair and nearly touched the floor, thick and carefully maintained despite pregnancy draining the life out of her lately. Her soft rose-colored dress stretched gently over her very pregnant belly, and every few moments her breathing hitched faintly in her chest.

Johnathan immediately noticed every single one.

“You alright, baby?” he asked softly, leaning closer.

Malia gave a tiny nod.

“I’m okay.”

Her voice was quiet. Always quiet.

Johnathan frowned anyway.

“You sure? Your breathing sounds a little rough again.”

Across the table, somebody scoffed dramatically.

“Oh my God, not this again.”

Gia.

Of course.

Gianna “Gia” Westlend-Chensworth sat leaned back in her chair beside her husband Montez, one manicured hand draped dramatically over her own pregnant stomach while the other held a wine glass she technically was not supposed to be drinking from.

Her makeup was flawless. Her attitude disgusting.

Gia rolled her eyes.

“Malia breathes hard every damn day. If we stopped dinner every time she sighed, we’d never eat.”

The room went awkwardly quiet.

Malia lowered her eyes toward her plate.

Johnathan sighed tiredly. “Gia, chill the hell out.”

Gia shrugged dramatically. “What? I’m just saying everybody babies her too much.”

Montez slowly turned his head toward his wife.

The massive Mafia king looked terrifying even sitting down.

Broad shoulders. Dark tailored suit. Heavy rings glinting under the chandelier light. His expression cold enough to freeze the entire damn room.

“Gianna,” Montez said calmly, “shut the fuck up while people are eating.”

Gia blinked in disbelief.

“Excuse me?”

“I said shut. The fuck. Up.”

The table instantly went silent.

Even the servants froze.

Montez took another slow sip of wine, completely unbothered.

Across from them, Evelyn Chensworth, Malia and Gia’s mother, immediately jumped in nervously.

“Montez, sweetheart, Gia didn’t mean anything by it—”

“No,” Montez interrupted flatly. “Your youngest daughter just likes hearing herself talk.”

Gia’s mouth dropped open.

“Oh, so now everybody’s against me tonight?”

“No,” muttered Damien Westlend, Montez and Johnathan’s cousin. “You just annoying as shit every night.”

A few people coughed to hide laughter.

Gia glared.

“You know what? This family acts like Malia is some helpless princess all because she has health problems.”

Malia quietly continued eating.

Not reacting. Not defending herself.

That somehow made the entire thing sadder.

Johnathan wrapped an arm tighter around her shoulders and kissed the side of her head.

“Baby, ignore her.”

Malia nodded softly.

Johnathan immediately went back to taking care of her.

“Eat some more.”

“I’m full.”

“You barely touched anything.”

“M’trying…”

His expression softened instantly.

Without hesitation, Johnathan picked up her fork himself and started feeding her carefully.

“There,” he murmured. “Just a little more.”

The families watched.

And honestly? At first glance, Johnathan really did look like a devoted husband.

He adjusted Malia’s chair for her. Held drinks to her lips. Rubbed her belly absentmindedly while talking to the table. Checked her breathing every few minutes.

But the problem wasn’t that Johnathan didn’t love Malia.

The problem was…

He loved her while constantly abandoning her emotionally whenever Gia started another damn crisis.

And right on cue—

Gia suddenly gasped loudly.

“Oh my God…”

Everyone looked over immediately.

Gia pressed a hand dramatically against her stomach.

Montez didn’t even react.

Gia inhaled sharply again.

“I-I think something’s wrong…”

Immediately chaos exploded around the table.

“Gia?!” “What happened?!” “Is it the baby?!” “Call the doctor!” “Oh Lord Jesus—”

Johnathan instantly stood up.

“What’s wrong?”

Malia’s hand slowly lowered from her fork.

Nobody noticed.

Gia whimpered dramatically.

“My stomach tightened—ahh…”

Evelyn rushed over immediately.

“Oh baby, breathe!”

“I AM breathing!”

“You’re stressing yourself out!”

“Montez, do something!” Gia snapped.

Montez stared at her for a long moment.

Then he deadpanned:

“You got gas.”

Several people choked trying not to laugh.

Gia looked horrified.

“Montez!”

“I’m serious,” he replied calmly. “You ate six damn butter rolls and three glasses of sparkling cider.”

“It’s not gas!”

“You literally burped thirty seconds ago.”

The table lost it.

Damien bent forward laughing.

Even some servants turned away hiding smiles.

Gia looked furious.

“This isn’t funny!”

Meanwhile…

At the end of the table…

Malia quietly finished her food alone.

Nobody looked at her.

Nobody noticed the way her chest tightened painfully. Or how tired her eyes looked. Or how her hand briefly pressed against her ribs when breathing hurt again.

Johnathan was still standing beside Gia now.

Trying to help.

Again.

Malia slowly picked up her napkin.

Dabbed her lips delicately.

Then pushed her chair back quietly.

The sound barely registered under the chaos.

She stood slowly, one hand supporting the underside of her heavy belly.

And simply walked out.

Silent as a ghost.

Montez noticed immediately.

His eyes tracked her leaving the room.

Then his expression darkened.

Johnathan was still focused on Gia.

“Maybe we should call somebody just in case—”

“JOHNATHAN.”

Montez’s deep voice thundered through the room.

Everyone froze.

Johnathan turned.

Montez stared at him with irritation.

“Go get your fucking wife.”

Johnathan blinked.

“What?”

“I can handle mine.”

The words hit hard.

Johnathan immediately looked toward Malia’s empty chair.

His stomach dropped.

“Oh shit…”

Without another word, he hurried out the dining room.

Upstairs—

Malia moved slowly up the massive staircase.

One hand gripped the railing while the other cradled beneath her stomach protectively.

Her breathing sounded strained now.

Not dramatic. Not attention-seeking.

Just tired.

Painfully tired.

Johnathan appeared at the bottom of the stairs.

“Malia!”

She paused but didn’t turn around.

Johnathan rushed upward quickly.

“Baby, wait.”

Malia exhaled softly.

“I’m okay.”

“No the hell you’re not.”

He reached her within seconds and immediately saw how pale she looked.

His face tightened instantly.

“Malia…”

She looked away quietly.

“I just wanted to lay down for a little while.”

“And you were gonna walk all the way up these damn stairs by yourself?”

“I can still walk, John.”

“Fuck that.”

Before she could protest, Johnathan carefully scooped her up into his arms.

Malia let out a tiny startled sound.

“Johnathan—”

“You’re breathing too hard.”

“I’m fine.”

“You say that every time something’s wrong.”

Malia went quiet after that.

Johnathan carried her effortlessly up the remaining stairs, holding her close against his chest.

And despite everything…

Despite how hurt she quietly felt…

Malia still instinctively curled into him.

Still held onto his shirt softly. Still rested against him.

Johnathan noticed immediately.

His jaw tightened slightly.

“You should’ve told me you weren’t feeling good.”

Malia stared ahead quietly.

“You were busy.”

The sentence was soft.

But it hit him like a punch to the chest.

Johnathan looked down at her slowly.

For once…

He had no response.

Because deep down?

He knew exactly what she meant.

Later that evening, the Westlend estate had finally quieted down.

Most of the family had retreated to their separate wings of the mansion after dinner, though faint arguing could still occasionally be heard somewhere downstairs. The estate never truly slept. Not with this many rich, dramatic people living under one damn roof.

Inside the master bedroom, however…

Things were finally calm.

Soft golden lights glowed against the massive room while rain tapped gently against the windows overlooking the estate gardens. The fireplace crackled low in the background.

Malia sat quietly at the large vanity near the windows.

Her long wavy hair cascaded down around her body like silk, nearly pooling onto the floor behind the chair. She slowly brushed through it section by section, movements calm and practiced despite how exhausted she looked.

The oversized cream sleep robe draped over her pregnant body loosely, though her stomach was still impossible to hide now.

Full term.

Almost there.

The thought alone still felt unreal sometimes.

Four years.

That was how long she and Johnathan had waited for this baby.

Not because they couldn’t have children.

But because life had always gotten in the way.

Business trips. Family obligations. The Westlend empire. Her worsening health. Their constant schedules.

And then eventually…

Pressure.

So much damn pressure.

“When are y’all finally having a baby?” “You’ve been married four years already.” “Gia will probably have kids first at this rate.”

Malia remembered every comment.

Every look.

Every fake concerned smile.

Meanwhile she and Johnathan had quietly agreed to wait until life slowed down enough to actually enjoy becoming parents.

Now here she was.

Huge. Exhausted. Emotionally drained.

But carrying the child they had waited years for.

The bedroom door opened quietly behind her.

Johnathan walked in freshly showered, wearing black lounge pants and nothing else. His damp hair fell loosely over his forehead as he loosened the expensive watch on his wrist.

The second he saw Malia sitting there brushing her hair quietly…

His entire face softened.

God.

She looked beautiful.

Even tired. Even sick.

Always beautiful.

Johnathan walked behind her slowly.

Malia glanced up at him through the mirror.

Neither of them spoke at first.

Then Johnathan leaned down and kissed the side of her head gently.

“How you feeling now?”

Malia continued brushing softly.

“Tired.”

“You still hurting?”

“A little.”

Johnathan frowned immediately.

“Chest?”

She nodded faintly.

Johnathan exhaled slowly through his nose.

“I hate that shit.”

Malia’s lips twitched slightly.

“I know.”

He rested both hands on her shoulders gently.

“You should’ve told me it got worse tonight.”

“You already had enough going on.”

“Malia.”

His tone deepened instantly.

She looked up at him through the mirror again.

Johnathan’s expression tightened.

“That’s exactly the problem right there.”

Malia blinked slowly.

“What?”

“You keep acting like your pain is some inconvenience everybody gotta work around.”

Her fingers paused against her hairbrush.

Johnathan sighed heavily.

“You’re carrying my child while your body’s struggling every damn day, baby. That’s not ‘too much.’ That’s serious.”

Malia lowered her eyes quietly.

Nobody defended her like this consistently.

Not really.

Johnathan rubbed the side of her neck softly.

“We’re almost there though.”

Malia’s hand slowly moved to her belly.

Almost there.

The baby shifted heavily beneath her hand as if responding.

Johnathan instantly smiled.

“There go my little troublemaker.”

Malia gave a tiny sleepy smile.

“He moves a lot at night.”

“Probably got your attitude.”

“I don’t have an attitude.”

Johnathan snorted.

“Bullshit.”

Malia looked mildly offended.

“I do not.”

“You absolutely do. Yours just quiet.”

He leaned down closer near her ear.

“You get mad and start answering people with them little one-word replies.”

“That’s because people annoy me.”

“There it is.”

Malia rolled her eyes softly.

Johnathan laughed under his breath.

God, he loved hearing her talk more lately.

For so long Malia had become quieter and quieter around everybody.

Like she was slowly disappearing emotionally.

But moments like this?

When it was just them?

He could still see pieces of the woman he fell in love with.

Johnathan’s hands slid gently over her belly from behind.

The baby shifted again instantly.

“There he go.”

Malia relaxed against him slightly.

“You nervous?” Johnathan asked quietly.

“A little.”

“Me too.”

That surprised her enough to glance up.

“You are?”

“Hell yeah.”

He rubbed her stomach carefully.

“I’m terrified actually.”

Malia smiled faintly.

“You don’t look terrified.”

“I’m rich, baby. We trained not to look stressed.”

That earned him another tiny smile.

Johnathan looked at her reflection for a long moment.

Then quieter—

“I really do love you, you know.”

Malia’s fingers stilled again.

Johnathan rarely said things so openly.

Not because he didn’t feel them.

But because he got distracted too easily by everything around him.

Work. Family. Chaos.

Malia looked down softly.

“I know.”

But for some reason…

Tonight the answer didn’t sound fully convincing.

Johnathan noticed immediately.

Before he could say anything else—

His phone rang loudly on the vanity counter.

Both of them looked over.

Malia already knew who it was before the screen even lit up.

Gia.

Johnathan sighed heavily.

“Jesus fucking Christ…”

The phone kept vibrating aggressively.

Malia looked back toward the mirror quietly.

“Answer it.”

“I don’t even want to.”

The phone continued ringing.

Finally Johnathan grabbed it roughly.

“What?”

The second he answered—

Gia’s screaming exploded through speakerphone.

“JOHNATHAN OH MY GOD—”

Johnathan jerked the phone away from his ear instantly.

“What the fuck?!”

In the background, chaos erupted.

Gia sounded hysterical.

“MY BACK HURTS—” “NOBODY CARES ABOUT ME IN THIS HOUSE—” “I THINK SOMETHING’S WRONG WITH THE BABY—”

Then Montez’s furious voice boomed loudly behind her.

“GIANNA IF YOU DON’T GET THE FUCK OFF THEIR PHONE—”

“DON’T YELL AT ME!”

“You called them screaming like somebody got shot!”

“I COULD BE DYING!”

“You are not fucking dying!”

More yelling.

Something crashed loudly.

Then Montez again—

“Johnathan, hang up this damn phone.”

Gia screeched in the background.

“DON’T TELL HIM TO HANG UP ON ME!”

Montez sounded one second away from losing his damn mind.

“Woman, you got heartburn and attitude. Take your ass to bed.”

“I HATE YOU!”

“GOOD.”

Johnathan closed his eyes tiredly.

“Mhm. Aight. Goodnight.”

He hung up immediately.

Silence filled the room again.

Johnathan rubbed his face slowly.

“I swear to God everybody in this damn family needs therapy.”

Malia glanced at him quietly from the vanity mirror.

For a second…

Neither of them spoke.

Then Malia simply stood carefully and walked toward the bed.

No complaint. No argument.

Just quiet acceptance.

That somehow made Johnathan feel worse.

Malia slowly climbed into bed, exhaustion clearly taking over her body now. She laid carefully onto her side with one hand beneath her stomach automatically.

Within minutes her breathing softened.

Sleep coming quickly.

Johnathan stood there watching her silently.

Rain continued outside.

The room dim and warm around them.

Slowly, guilt crept into his chest.

Because even though he had hung up tonight…

He knew the damage was already done.

Again.

Every single time Gia screamed, the attention shifted. Every single damn time.

And Malia always quietly stepped aside like she expected it.

Johnathan walked toward the bed slowly.

Then carefully laid behind her.

The mattress dipped beneath his weight.

Malia stirred faintly in her sleep as Johnathan wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her gently against his chest.

Instinctively…

Even asleep…

Malia curled closer.

Johnathan buried his face against the back of her hair quietly.

His hand rested protectively over both her belly and hers.

And for the first time that night…

He looked genuinely troubled.

Because deep down?

He was starting to realize something terrifying.

His wife had gotten far too used to being second place.

The next morning, the Westlend estate was already loud.

Voices echoed through the marble halls. Servants rushed everywhere. Phones rang endlessly. Someone downstairs was arguing about flower arrangements for some upcoming charity gala nobody actually wanted to attend.

Typical.

Outside the estate, a massive black luxury limo waited near the front entrance while security vehicles lined up behind it.

The family was going shopping.

Not normal shopping.

Westlend shopping.

Meaning entire luxury stores would temporarily shut down for them.

Inside the limo, the atmosphere was crowded, expensive, and already irritating as hell.

The vehicle was large enough to resemble a private lounge, complete with leather seating, mini tables, chilled drinks, and television screens built into the walls.

Malia sat quietly beside Johnathan near the back.

Her oxygen tubing rested gently beneath her nose today, the portable oxygen machine positioned discreetly beside her seat. She looked exhausted already despite barely speaking all morning.

Johnathan kept one arm around her protectively while occasionally rubbing her belly absentmindedly.

Across from them sat Montez and Gia.

And unfortunately…

Gia had been talking nonstop for almost thirty damn minutes.

“I already told the designer I want imported Italian wallpaper for the nursery because regular wallpaper looks cheap,” Gia rambled dramatically while scrolling through her phone. “And the crib absolutely has to be custom-made because I refuse to let my baby sleep in something basic.”

Beside her, Montez looked spiritually exhausted.

The massive Mafia king sat leaned back in silence wearing dark glasses despite being indoors.

At this point he looked like he wanted the limo to crash just so the conversation would end.

Gia continued anyway.

“And obviously our nursery theme is going to trend online once people see it because nobody in this city has taste like me.”

From further down the limo, one of the other Westlend brothers, Rafael Westlend, muttered under his breath:

“Jesus fucking Christ…”

His wife, Selene, elbowed him instantly.

“Stop.”

“No, seriously,” Rafael groaned. “If she says ‘nursery aesthetic’ one more damn time, I’m jumping out the window.”

Gia ignored him completely.

Meanwhile Malia quietly rested against the seat beside Johnathan.

She hadn’t said much the entire ride.

Not because she was upset.

She was just tired.

Pregnancy had become physically brutal these last few weeks.

The oxygen helped, but her chest still tightened painfully if she overexerted herself.

Johnathan noticed her shifting slightly beside him.

“You okay?”

Malia nodded faintly.

“Mhm.”

“You need the air turned cooler?”

“No.”

“You sure?”

Malia looked up at him softly.

“I’m okay, John.”

Johnathan still adjusted the vent toward her anyway.

Across from them, Gia suddenly scoffed loudly.

“I still don’t understand why y’all aren’t doing a gender reveal.”

Malia blinked slowly.

Johnathan answered before she could.

“Because we don’t want one.”

Gia looked horrified by that answer.

“But that’s literally part of the experience.”

Johnathan shrugged.

“We don’t care.”

Gia stared like he’d committed a crime.

“How do you not care?”

“Because we just don’t.”

Gia rolled her eyes dramatically.

“That’s boring.”

Johnathan gave her a flat look.

“Or maybe we just don’t feel like setting off fireworks and accidentally burning down half the damn city for Instagram.”

Several people laughed.

Gia looked offended immediately.

“I was not gonna burn anything down.”

Montez finally spoke without lifting his head.

“You almost burned down the vineyard last year revealing your damn puppy.”

“That was ONE sparkler!”

“That shit hit dry grass.”

Gia folded her arms angrily.

“Well at least I know how to make moments special.”

The subtle jab hung in the air.

Malia quietly looked down at her hands.

Johnathan noticed instantly.

His jaw tightened slightly.

“We wanted something simple,” he said firmly. “Something meaningful.”

Gia snorted.

“That sounds cheap.”

This time Montez looked over at her slowly.

“You do realize not everybody needs a circus every five minutes to feel loved, right?”

Gia glared at him.

“You always defend Malia.”

“Because unlike you,” Montez replied calmly, “she acts like she got some damn sense.”

The tension instantly thickened.

Further down the limo, Damien muttered:

“Ohhh shit…”

Gia’s eyes widened dramatically.

“You know what? Everybody acts like Malia is some perfect saint all the damn time.”

Nobody answered immediately.

Because honestly?

Compared to Gia…

Malia kind of was.

Malia shifted quietly beside Johnathan and looked out the tinted window.

The city moved outside in blurred flashes of glass buildings and sunlight.

She hated these conversations.

Not because Gia insulted her.

But because everything always somehow became competition.

Even pregnancy.

Especially pregnancy.

Gia had been obsessed ever since discovering Malia was pregnant too.

Who would give birth first. Whose baby would get more attention. Whose nursery would be bigger. Whose husband was “more devoted.”

It was exhausting.

Meanwhile Malia and Johnathan genuinely just wanted peace.

After four years of waiting, stressful fertility pressure from both families, and Malia’s worsening health…

They simply wanted their baby safe.

That was enough.

Near the minibar area, Montez suddenly looked toward Johnathan.

“You hear about the inheritance meeting next month?”

Johnathan immediately groaned.

“Oh my fucking God.”

Several others reacted too.

Rafael leaned back dramatically.

“Here we go…”

Gia perked up instantly.

“What inheritance meeting?”

Montez removed his glasses slowly.

“Our grandfather’s updating ownership percentages again.”

Gia’s eyes widened.

“Oh.”

Immediately interested.

Of course.

Johnathan rolled his eyes hard enough to damn near hurt himself.

“This family is ridiculous.”

Montez nodded once.

“Facts.”

The Westlend empire was worth billions upon billions.

Hotels. Oil. Shipping companies. Private security. Underground operations nobody publicly discussed.

Every single person in this limo was already filthy rich.

Yet somehow the older generation still treated inheritance percentages like a damn blood sport.

Johnathan rubbed his forehead tiredly.

“We literally all make billions already. Why the fuck are they still acting like inheritance money matters?”

“Control,” Montez answered simply.

“That shit is stupid.”

“It is stupid.”

Gia suddenly sat up straighter.

“Well obviously the children matter now though.”

The atmosphere shifted slightly.

Of course.

There it was.

The babies.

The next generation.

The future heirs.

Gia smirked faintly.

“Grandfather’s definitely going to prioritize the grandchildren born into direct bloodlines first.”

Rafael groaned instantly.

“Oh my God, here she go.”

Selene sighed.

“Gia…”

But Gia kept going.

“I’m just saying people should stop acting like this isn’t important because it is.”

Johnathan’s expression darkened slightly now.

“You really think our children need to compete before they’re even born?”

Gia shrugged carelessly.

“That’s how powerful families work.”

Malia suddenly spoke quietly for the first time in a while.

“That sounds sad.”

The limo went silent.

Everybody looked at her.

Malia kept her eyes lowered softly.

“Our baby isn’t even here yet,” she murmured quietly. “I don’t want them growing up feeling like love depends on money.”

The words hit unexpectedly hard.

Even Montez looked at her differently for a second.

Gia scoffed.

“Well that’s easy to say when you’re already everybody’s favorite.”

The statement made several people physically cringe.

Because the irony was almost laughable.

Favorite?

Malia?

The woman everybody overlooked constantly?

Johnathan’s face hardened instantly.

“Gia, enough.”

“No, seriously,” Gia snapped. “Everybody babies her—”

“Because she’s actually kind,” Montez interrupted sharply.

Gia whipped toward him.

“You always got some shit to say when it comes to her!”

“And you always got some weird ass jealousy problem when it comes to your sister.”

The limo became dead silent.

Gia’s face flushed instantly.

“I am NOT jealous of Malia!”

Montez gave her a long look.

Then flatly—

“Bullshit.”

Johnathan leaned back beside Malia slowly.

His arm wrapped around her shoulders tighter.

And for the first time that morning…

He noticed something painful.

While Gia fought desperately to become the center of attention…

Malia looked like someone trying to disappear quietly into the seat beside him.

The luxury mall was completely shut down for the Westlend family.

Security guards stood near every entrance. Employees practically bowed while guiding them through the marble halls. Designer stores opened privately one after another while regular shoppers were forced to remain outside behind velvet ropes.

The entire place smelled like expensive perfume, polished floors, and money.

Malia already looked tired.

The oxygen tubing still rested beneath her nose as she walked slowly beside the others, one hand supporting beneath her stomach while Johnathan stayed close protectively.

At least…

He had been close.

Until Gia started acting up again.

“Oh my God, Johnathan, come with me for a second,” Gia whined dramatically while tugging his sleeve. “Montez keeps saying no to everything.”

Montez didn’t even look up from his phone.

“Because you don’t need six fucking bassinets, Gianna.”

“They’re decorative!”

“They’re for sleeping babies!”

Gia rolled her eyes.

“You have absolutely no vision.”

Montez muttered something in Italian under his breath that definitely wasn’t nice.

Gia ignored him completely and turned toward Johnathan instead.

“Come onnnn. You actually know how to shop.”

Johnathan glanced between Gia and Malia uncertainly.

“Gia—”

“It’ll only take a minute.”

Malia already knew that tone.

Gia didn’t actually need help shopping.

She just wanted attention.

And worse—

She wanted Malia standing alone while she played happy family with Johnathan in public.

Again.

Malia lowered her eyes quietly.

“It’s okay,” she said softly. “You can go.”

Johnathan frowned immediately.

“You sure?”

Malia nodded once.

“I’ll be fine.”

Montez looked over at Johnathan slowly.

The older brother already knew exactly what Gia was doing.

Unfortunately…

Johnathan still fell for it sometimes.

Johnathan sighed.

“Aight. I’ll be right back, baby.”

Malia gave another small nod.

Then just like that—

Gia looped her arm dramatically through Johnathan’s and walked off with a smug smile on her face.

Montez watched them disappear into another luxury boutique.

Then he groaned loudly and dragged a hand down his face.

“Fuckin’ unbelievable.”

Malia looked down quietly.

“It’s okay.”

“No,” Montez replied flatly. “That manipulative shit gets on my damn nerves.”

He shoved his phone into his pocket roughly.

“Come on.”

Malia blinked softly.

“Where?”

“You look like you about to pass out standing in this loud ass hallway. We’re going somewhere quiet.”

Before she could protest, Montez carefully guided her away from the crowded center of the mall.

Unlike everyone else in the family, Montez walked slower for her automatically.

Never rushing her. Never making her feel like a burden.

Eventually they reached a quieter part of the mall filled with smaller luxury boutiques and antique shops.

One little storefront immediately caught Malia’s attention.

A vintage children’s store.

Soft golden lights glowed through the windows, illuminating old-fashioned toys, hand-sewn blankets, rocking horses, and antique cribs.

Montez noticed her slowing.

“You wanna go in?”

Malia hesitated.

Then nodded slightly.

The bell chimed softly overhead as they entered.

The store felt warm.

Peaceful.

Nothing like the loud chaos surrounding their families constantly.

An older woman behind the register smiled kindly.

“Well aren’t you just precious,” she said warmly toward Malia. “How far along are you, sweetheart?”

“Almost due,” Malia answered quietly.

The woman’s face softened instantly.

“Oh honey…”

Montez wandered nearby silently while Malia moved slowly through the store.

Her fingers brushed over tiny knitted blankets. Soft baby clothes. Handmade mobiles.

Then she saw it.

A teddy bear sitting quietly on the highest shelf.

Simple. Brown. Soft-looking.

And wrapped around its neck was a large yellow bow.

Malia stopped completely.

Something about it hurt her chest suddenly.

Not physically.

Emotionally.

The bear looked loved already somehow.

Like something a child would hold onto forever.

Montez noticed her staring.

Without a word, he reached up and grabbed it carefully from the shelf before handing it to her.

Malia held it gently against her chest.

Her fingers pressed softly into the fur.

Montez watched her quietly.

Then after a moment—

“You like it that much?”

Malia nodded faintly.

“It feels… comforting.”

Montez’s expression softened slightly.

Most people didn’t know much about Malia’s childhood.

Not really.

Because the Chensworth family worked overtime pretending everything had always been perfect.

But Montez knew.

Malia wasn’t truly treated like a daughter growing up.

Not after Gia was born.

Gia—the affair child born from their father’s mistress.

And somehow despite that?

Gia became the center of the family anyway.

While Malia slowly became…

An obligation.

The “good girl.” The understanding one. The quiet one who accepted less without complaint.

Montez had watched it happen for years.

Watched Malia thank people for crumbs of affection while Gia demanded entire worlds.

His jaw tightened slightly.

“You should get it.”

Malia looked up.

“It’s expensive.”

Montez almost laughed.

“You married into the Westlends, princess. Everything in this damn mall expensive.”

Malia’s lips twitched faintly.

Montez paid for the teddy bear before she could argue.

When they stepped back outside the store—

They immediately spotted Johnathan and Gia nearby.

And Montez’s mood instantly soured again.

Johnathan stood surrounded by shopping bags.

Massive shopping bags.

Designer baby carriers. Custom blankets. Imported toys. Gold-trimmed baby furniture catalogs.

Enough ridiculous expensive shit to fill an entire nursery already.

Gia stood beside him looking extremely pleased with herself.

Meanwhile Johnathan looked tired as hell.

The second Montez saw all those bags—

He groaned loudly.

“Oh my fucking God.”

Johnathan looked over.

Relief immediately crossed his face when he saw Malia.

“Baby.”

Gia instantly noticed the teddy bear in Malia’s arms.

Her face tightened subtly.

“That’s what y’all bought?”

Malia nodded softly.

“It’s cute.”

Gia blinked.

“That little thing?”

Montez looked one second away from snapping.

“Yes,” he said flatly. “Because normal people buy shit they actually like instead of trying to impress strangers on the internet.”

Gia rolled her eyes dramatically.

“Oh please.”

Montez suddenly snatched several shopping bags from Johnathan’s hands aggressively.

Johnathan blinked.

“What are you doing?”

“Saving your marriage.”

Gia looked offended immediately.

Montez grabbed her wrist lightly.

“Come on.”

“I’m not done shopping!”

“You done now.”

“Montez—”

“You got enough baby shit to open a damn daycare.”

Gia huffed loudly while Montez practically dragged her toward another store.

As they disappeared, Johnathan finally exhaled heavily.

“Jesus Christ…”

Then he looked toward Malia properly.

His entire expression softened instantly.

She stood there quietly cradling the teddy bear against her chest, her long hair blowing softly from the mall entrance breeze.

Beautiful.

Always beautiful.

Johnathan smiled softly.

“What’s that?”

Malia looked down at the bear.

“Our baby’s first toy.”

Something emotional flickered across Johnathan’s face immediately.

Four years.

Four years waiting for this moment.

Carefully, he reached out and took the teddy bear from her hands gently.

The yellow bow rested against his fingers.

Johnathan smiled unexpectedly wider.

“That’s actually cute as hell.”

Malia looked up at him softly.

“You think so?”

“Yeah.”

He turned the bear over thoughtfully.

“This feels more… us.”

Malia’s chest tightened painfully at those words.

Us.

Simple. Quiet. Meaningful.

Not loud performances like Gia wanted.

Johnathan wrapped an arm carefully around Malia’s shoulders again while holding the bear in his other hand.

Then he leaned down near her ear quietly.

“Sorry I left you earlier.”

Malia looked away softly.

“It’s okay.”

But this time…

Johnathan noticed something.

She answered too fast.

Like she was used to saying it now.

By late afternoon, the shopping trip had somehow become even more exhausting.

The mall employees looked traumatized. Security guards were whispering among themselves. And several luxury stores had quietly started limiting how many Westlends could enter at once after Gia nearly started an argument with a designer over imported lace samples.

Malia’s chest hurt.

Badly.

But she didn’t say anything.

She simply walked quietly beside Johnathan while holding onto his arm for balance, the oxygen tubing still beneath her nose.

Johnathan noticed her slowing every few minutes.

“You need to sit down?”

“I’m okay.”

“You said that an hour ago too.”

“I know.”

His brows furrowed.

“You breathing harder again?”

“A little.”

Johnathan instantly looked concerned.

“We can leave.”

Malia shook her head softly.

“No. I still wanna shop for the baby.”

That answer alone made his expression soften immediately.

God.

Even exhausted, she still cared more about making memories than complaining.

Meanwhile—

Several stores ahead—

Gia was loudly arguing with Montez again.

“You are ruining this experience for me!”

Montez looked dead inside.

“Gianna, you’ve spent almost two hundred thousand dollars today.”

“And?”

“You bought a fucking diamond pacifier.”

“It’s decorative!”

“It’s stupid!”

“It’s luxury!”

“It’s for a BABY!”

People openly stared now.

Rafael walked past holding coffee and muttered:

“I need alcohol.”

Selene sighed tiredly beside him.

“Honestly? Same.”

Eventually the families entered another large luxury baby boutique.

This one was quieter.

Elegant.

Cream-colored walls. Soft music. Vintage-inspired decor.

The atmosphere immediately relaxed Malia slightly.

She wandered slowly through the displays while Johnathan stayed close behind her.

Then she saw it.

A beautiful handmade crib mobile hanging near the nursery displays.

Soft ivory clouds. Tiny golden stars. Little moon charms suspended delicately on thin threads.

Simple.

Peaceful.

Beautiful.

Malia stopped completely.

Johnathan noticed instantly.

“You like that one?”

Malia nodded faintly.

“It’s pretty.”

“It matches the nursery idea too.”

Malia smiled softly.

Their nursery plans were intentionally simple.

Warm neutral colors. Soft lighting. Bookshelves. Comfort.

Not social media perfection. Not gold-plated insanity.

Just love.

Johnathan reached toward the mobile—

Then suddenly—

“OHHH MY GOD THIS IS PERFECT.”

Gia.

Of fucking course.

She appeared out of nowhere and immediately grabbed the mobile dramatically before Johnathan could touch it.

“I’ve been looking for something like this!”

Malia’s expression immediately dimmed slightly.

Not dramatically.

Not visibly enough for most people to notice.

But Johnathan noticed.

And Montez definitely noticed.

The Mafia king stared at his wife like she had personally offended him spiritually.

“Gianna.”

Gia ignored him completely while examining the mobile.

“This is sooo much cuter than the ugly crystal one we bought earlier.”

Montez blinked slowly.

“You bought four crystal mobiles.”

“Those were backup options.”

“You also bought two custom ones from Paris.”

“Well now I like this one better.”

Montez dragged a hand down his face violently.

“Jesus fucking Christ…”

Gia clutched the mobile tighter.

“This one’s mine.”

Silence.

Malia immediately stepped back quietly.

Of course she did.

Like always.

“No it’s okay,” she murmured softly. “She can have it.”

Johnathan looked at her sharply.

“Malia—”

“It’s fine.”

Montez looked furious now.

“No the fuck it’s not.”

Gia rolled her eyes instantly.

“Why are you acting like I stole her life savings? It’s literally a mobile.”

“No,” Montez said coldly. “You saw she liked it and grabbed it because you can’t stand not being the center of attention for five damn minutes.”

Gia gasped dramatically.

“You are unbelievable!”

“And you are annoying as shit.”

“Montez!”

“I mean damn, Gianna,” he snapped. “You already bought enough nursery decorations to furnish a small country.”

People nearby started pretending not to listen.

Johnathan’s jaw tightened.

Malia just stood there quietly between them.

Hands folded softly over her stomach.

Not fighting. Not arguing. Not even asking for the mobile anymore.

That somehow made everything worse.

Because she looked used to disappointment.

Johnathan stared at her for a long moment.

Then suddenly turned toward the employee nearby.

“We’ll take that mobile.”

Gia whipped around instantly.

“Excuse me?!”

Johnathan didn’t even look at her.

“The display one too if necessary.”

The employee looked nervous.

“Uh—yes sir.”

Gia looked outraged.

“I literally said I wanted it first!”

Johnathan finally looked at her.

“And Malia saw it first.”

Gia blinked in disbelief.

The room got quiet.

Because Johnathan almost never directly opposed Gia publicly.

Montez looked impressed for half a second.

Gia folded her arms angrily.

“You always take her side.”

Johnathan answered flatly:

“She’s my wife.”

That shut everybody up.

Even Malia looked surprised.

Johnathan carefully took the mobile from the employee once it was boxed.

Then handed it gently toward Malia.

“There.”

Malia looked down at it quietly.

“…thank you.”

Johnathan leaned down slightly.

“You don’t gotta give up every damn thing just to keep peace.”

The words hit harder than he realized.

Because deep down?

That was exactly what Malia had spent years doing.

Giving things up quietly. Staying silent quietly. Hurting quietly.

Just to avoid conflict.

Before the moment could settle—

Gia suddenly sighed dramatically again.

“Well since we’re apparently doing everything together now,” she said loudly, “we should just share doctor appointments too.”

Malia blinked slowly.

Johnathan frowned immediately.

“What?”

Gia shrugged carelessly.

“We already go to the same OB anyway.”

Montez instantly looked irritated again.

“Absolutely the fuck not.”

Gia glared.

“Why not?”

“Because I refuse to spend four hours listening to you compare pregnancies like it’s the damn Olympics.”

Gia scoffed loudly.

“I’m just trying to bond!”

“No you not.”

“Yes I am!”

“No,” Montez replied flatly. “You trying to compete.”

The tension exploded again instantly.

Gia looked furious.

“You think everything I do is malicious!”

“Because most of it is!”

“I cannot believe you!”

“You stole your sister’s damn mobile five minutes ago!”

“It was cute!”

“YOU GOT TEN OF THEM!”

People in the store openly stared now.

Johnathan rubbed his forehead tiredly.

“Can y’all not do this here?”

Gia suddenly grabbed her stomach dramatically.

“Oh my God…”

Montez froze.

Then immediately looked irritated instead of concerned.

“No.”

Gia inhaled sharply.

“Oh my God, something’s wrong—”

Montez pointed instantly.

“Don’t start this shit again.”

“I’m serious!”

“You said that three times already today!”

Gia let out another loud gasp.

Everyone rushed toward her immediately anyway.

“Gia?!” “What happened?!” “Sit down!” “Get water!” “Call somebody!”

The chaos erupted instantly.

Again.

Always fucking again.

And in the middle of all that noise—

Nobody noticed Malia stepping away quietly.

Her vision had started blurring.

Her chest tightened painfully beneath her ribs.

Too much noise. Too much stress. Too much standing.

She suddenly felt horribly hot.

Malia slowly lowered herself onto a nearby bench area near the fitting rooms.

The oxygen machine hummed softly beside her.

She tried breathing slowly.

In. Out. In—

Her hearing started fading.

Voices blurred together.

Gia’s dramatic crying echoed somewhere in the background.

Johnathan’s voice. Montez yelling. People panicking.

But none of it sounded clear anymore.

Malia pressed a shaky hand against her chest.

Everything hurt.

Her breathing became thinner. Weaker.

Her eyes fluttered slightly.

And while the entire family focused on Gia yet again—

Malia quietly slumped sideways against the bench.

Then passed out completely.

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