"Is it the International Shipping and Transport Service Awards?" Aurora asked.
"Of course, baby!" Maxwell squeaked with excitement. Mark's eyes sparkled as Maxwell embraced him. "Thanks, man. I'm so happy you can't imagine how I'm feeling right now."
"Congratulations, Mark," Aurora added with a soft smile, though it faded almost immediately. Thanks, honey," Mark responded, his tone cheeky. "I think I deserve more than just a congrats," he said with a wink. Aurora chuckled dryly. "Hmm… I understand."
Maxwell cleared his throat. "Before I head out, Mark, the event will be held in England. I've got to find my wife enjoy the rest of your evening." Mark's hand circled Aurora's waist. "Will you join me in England?" "I don't know. I'm not sure… Mom called earlier and wants me to spend a few days with her."
"Why are you acting like we're cool?" Aurora asked, her voice dipping low. "But we are… aren't we?" he added smoothly, glancing around. "People saw our little drama earlier. I don't want us to be the headline in tomorrow's papers, so just shut up and cooperate… my love," he whispered with a devilish smirk.
"Mark, stop it. They're watching."
"That's exactly what I want. I want them to see how madly in love we are." "Don't think I've forgiven you for what you did to me in the closet," she hissed through clenched teeth.
I know that, darling." Stop sweet-talking me like we're some perfect couple." But we are… aren't we?" he repeated, eyes glinting.
"No, we're not."
"Oh, we could be…" He suddenly leaned in and captured her lips in a hot, passionate kiss. She gasped into his mouth, gripping the lapels of his suit as she heaved for breath.
That's the real way to congratulate your husband, baby," he whispered, a sly smile on his face. Aurora opened her mouth to reply but a sudden thud broke the moment.They both turned sharply toward the sound.
"Angel…" Aurora whispered, her eyes wide with horror. Mark's expression dropped. Without hesitation, they rushed toward her. Angel lay on the cold marble floor, her face ghostly pale. Aurora gently cradled her head in her lap.
"Max!" Aurora yelled.
Maxwell was across the room speaking to a client when he heard his name. He turned with a frown and saw a crowd forming. Panic kicked in.
"What happened here?" he barked as he pushed through the crowd. When his eyes landed on his wife's unconscious form, he dropped his glass and rushed over. Scooping her up, he laid her gently on a nearby couch.
"Aurora, please do something!"
"I'm not a General Practitioner, Max. But… it could be stress or even her anemia. She looks extremely pale." A blonde man stepped forward from the crowd. "I can check her."
Mark sighed in relief. "Good thing I invited you. Dr. Starks, please take a look."
"Can I get a glass of water?" Dr. Starks asked. A waiter rushed forward with one and handed it over. "Help her sit up," he instructed. Aurora supported Angel gently. Dr. Starks sprinkled water on Angel's face, and slowly, her eyes fluttered open.
"Babe…?" Maxwell's voice trembled. "How are you feeling?" "I'm fine," she whispered. "What happened?" "You fainted."
"Again?" she said, shocked.
"Wait—again?" Maxwell echoed. "Since when did this start? Why didn't you tell me?"
Angel looked down, guilt and panic in her eyes. "I… I didn't want to worry you. You've had so much on your plate. I didn't want to ruin your night." You did ruin it by keeping something this serious from me. We're supposed to trust each other. I can't believe you hid this from me."
He ran a hand through his hair, stepping away as emotions overwhelmed him. Just then, a deep voice cut through the air. "What's going on here?" Philip Blankson, Maxwell's father, walked over, face full of concern. Felicia Balowe Angel's mother followed, her presence commanding. "Why is my baby girl crying?" she asked, pulling Angel into her arms.
"You can ask your daughter-in-law," Maxwell muttered to his father, barely meeting his eyes. "Will somebody please explain why the doctor is examining her?" Felicia demanded.
"She fainted, Mother," Maxwell replied.
"What?"
"Baby?" Felicia cupped Angel's face. "What's going on?" "I'm fine, Mom. Really…"
"Tell her the truth, Angel!" Maxwell snapped. "You're not fine! I don't know how many times you've fainted, and it hurts that you hid it from me."Angel… you really did that?" her mother asked, stunned. "Mom, I—"
Dr. Starks stood tall. "Congratulations to you both. She's six weeks pregnant." Angel's eyes widened. She turned slowly to Maxwell, disbelief painting her face. "I'm… pregnant?" she whispered. Felicia clutched her heart. "Oh, my baby! You've made me so proud I'm going to be a grandma!"
Philip smiled proudly. "Me too, Felicia. My son finally fulfilled my dream. I've waited so long for this moment." Around them, joy broke out.
But Aurora stood frozen, her heart breaking quietly. She masked her pain with a forced smile and leaned in to hug Angel.
"Congratulations, bestie. "Thanks, Rora," Angel replied, oblivious. But Mark noticed. Oh, he definitely noticed. Their eyes met and the look he gave her was filled with disappointment. He saw the tears forming in her eyes and said nothing. Instead, he turned and walked toward Maxwell. Congrats, man," he said, forcing a grin. "I know you're mad at her, but she needs you now more than ever. Go to her."
Max nodded solemnly and returned to Angel's side. She was trying to stand up, but he gently stopped her. "Please, sit."
He leaned down, kissed her gently, and whispered, "Congratulations, sweetheart."
Angel cupped his face. "I'm sorry, Max."
"I know, baby," he replied, his voice warm. "Thank you… for this wonderful gift. I love you."
"I love you too," she whispered, holding him close. "Aurora, please come with me." Mark's voice was soft but firm. "I'll be right back, Angel. "Sure, Rora," Angel said with a warm smile. Mark led her through the crowd into the garden. The cool night breeze brushed against them as they walked in silence. When they stopped, Scorpion bowed and took his leave.
Mark pocketed his hands and kept his back to her. I saw what you did," he said bitterly. "I felt disgusted by your attitude in there."
Mark, I… I…"
"Don't. You have no excuse."
"I do!" she blurted, tears spilling down her cheeks. "I'm jealous, okay? Not because Angel is pregnant, but because I can't have a baby." She broke down, sobbing into her hands.
"I'm sorry. The thought of it it's killing me. I want a child, too. Everyone's going to expect me to be next… but it'll never happen."
Mark didn't say a word. He simply pulled her into his chest and wrapped his arms around her. "I know it's hard," he whispered. "But you've got to fight this."
"I don't want to fight anymore, Mark… I want a baby." He held her tighter, resting his chin on her head. "Aurora…" After her sobs quieted, they returned hand in hand to the party.
The atmosphere was now even more vibrant laughter, music, congratulations echoing throughout the estate. Angel's mother was smothering her daughter with kisses. Maxwell held Angel close, his hands protectively resting on her small bump.
Aurora's eyes stung again, but she blinked quickly and wiped away the tears before they could fall. When Angel saw them, she beamed and waved them over.
Aurora managed a smile as they walked toward the glowing couple.