The silence said enough. Amara let out a slow breath, leaning back slightly, her hand once again resting over her stomach.
This time. Not in peace. But in thought. Because this wasn't just about moving houses, this was about stepping into a world where her child. It would no longer just be hers. And where every truth they had carefully kept hidden could become a weapon.
She looked back at him, her voice quieter now. "Heir…" The word felt strange on her tongue. Heavy.
"And you think they're going to accept anything less than certainty?" A pause. Then softer. More dangerous.
Amara drew in a slow breath, steadying herself before she spoke.
"Julian… I don't have a problem with your mother staying here," she said gently. "You know I don't." Her fingers tightened slightly over her stomach. "But this situation… with Seb… and the baby..." She trailed off, the words catching in her throat before she could finish them.
