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I laughed. “The baby can’t hear you.”
“He can.”
I shook my head, smiling. “You really are convinced.”
“I’ve never been more certain.”
We arrived at the gala as the evening light faded. The ballroom took my breath away. Crystal chandeliers glittered above us. Black roses and gold candles decorated every surface. Elegant pumpkins sat on tables, their carvings intricate and refined. A string ensemble played classical versions of Halloween music while masked servers moved through the crowd with champagne and hors d’oeuvres.
Every executive approached Richard. They congratulated me warmly. Women asked about the baby, touching my arm with gentle excitement. People kept telling me I was glowing. I smiled and thanked them, but inside I felt exhausted. My back throbbed steadily now, and the baby pressed lower with every step. Still, I held my head high.
This was my life now. Our life.
Richard barely left my side. He constantly checked whether I needed to sit, whether I was hungry, whether I was tired. Guests commented on what a devoted husband he was. I quietly agreed with every word. In moments like this, it was easy to believe everything had led me here for a reason.
Halfway through the evening I noticed a woman in an emerald green silk gown moving through the crowd. Her blonde hair was woven into intricate braids decorated with jeweled serpents, and gold snake cuffs wrapped around her arms. She looked stunning, like a living Medusa. She paused near the edge of the dance floor, her gaze fixed in our direction. I didn’t know her, but something in the way she watched made me curious.
Later, after Richard stepped away briefly to speak with an investor, I saw her standing alone near one of the black rose arrangements. She seemed unsure, so I excused myself from a conversation and walked over.
“Hi,” I said, smiling. “I don’t think we’ve met.”
She forced a smile. “Hi, I’m Maggie.”
“Samantha.”
“I know.”
“Oh.” I blinked, surprised.
“I work for Richard,” she added quickly.
My face brightened. “Oh! You’re one of his assistants?”
“I suppose you could say that…When are you due?”
“Honestly… anytime now.”
“You look beautiful.”
“Thank you.” I rubbed my stomach gently.
“Boy or girl?”
“We don’t know.” I smiled. “But Richard insists it’s a boy.”
Her eyes flicked toward Richard across the room for the briefest moment. “He usually gets what he wants.”
I laughed. “I’ve noticed that too.”
“You excited?”
I lit up immediately. “I can’t wait to meet him… or her. I just wish my dad could’ve met the baby.”
For a split second her expression changed. Then she glanced toward Richard again. “You know… I think Richard would’ve made a better Zeus.”
I laughed. “I thought Hades fit because I’m Persephone.”
Maggie smiled. “Maybe. But Hades was faithful…Zeus wasn’t.”
