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Two perfect lines—the ones that will perhaps change our lives.

I need to book in to see a doctor this afternoon. I don’t want to get all excited for nothing. It may be a false alarm.

After all, I am on the pill. I think back to the last few months and how regular I’ve been taking them. I missed a few, but I took them the very next day. I’ve accidently done this every once in a while and never fallen pregnant before.

Excitement bubbles in my stomach and Enrico’s request to have a day off doesn’t seem so ridiculous. How am I supposed to concentrate on fabric when I am possibly making a baby?

I walk back into the bathroom and text Lorenzo.

Good morning.

Are you awake?

A text bounces straight back.

Outside your door.

I frown. That’s odd. I text back.

Can we go back to the apartment so I can get ready for work?

He replies.

Yes, of course.

See you soon.

I stare at my phone and bite my bottom lip as I contemplate asking the next question. Oh, stuff it, I want to know. I text back.

Is Bianca awake?

A reply comes in.

Yes, she’s in the kitchen.

I’ll meet you there.

I cringe. Fuck.

I was hoping not to see her. She seems nice but she’s very vague with me. I know she is only being polite. I can feel an underlying edginess coming from her. She didn’t mention our engagement at all last night, and I know she knows. Enrico told me that he called her on Sunday. He said she was happy, but now that she didn’t say anything to me, I’m not so sure. It was late when we arrived last night, though. Maybe we’ll get a chance to chat now.

Damn Enrico for putting me in this position. Bianca and I have said like five words to each other and now he makes me sleep here without him. What was he thinking? Hopefully Francesca is awake. She’s lovely and may help me break the ice. I puff air into my cheeks as I stare at my reflection in the mirror. I do have to get to know them better at some stage, I suppose.

Here goes nothing.

I quickly dress and make my bed. I throw on my clothes, and with one last look around the beautiful room, I open the bedroom door.

I’m greeted by the sight of three men, each sitting on chairs in the hall. There’s Marley, Pedro, and Alexander.

What the hell?

“Hi.” I look between them. “What are you guys doing?”

Marley stands. “Just a night shift. Are you okay? Ready to leave?”

“Have you been out here all night?”

Marley takes my overnight bag from me and holds his hand out to lead me downstairs. “Just doing our job.”