Two weeks had passed since the quiet photo shoot and the signing of their marriage certificates. Though there had been no grand ceremony, no elaborate party, the news had spread like wildfire. The CEO is married to his secretary. Headlines buzzed across media outlets, and every whisper in the city carried Amara's name.
But inside Damian's mansion, Amara hardly paid attention. The noise of the world no longer mattered. What mattered was the life blooming inside her and the man who made her feel like she belonged.
That afternoon, sunlight streamed through the tall windows, filling the living room with warmth. Amara descended the grand staircase slowly, one hand brushing the polished railing, the other resting instinctively on her small but noticeable bump. She wore a soft smile, her skin glowing with the quiet beauty of early motherhood.
"Good afternoon, ma," the house staff chorused respectfully when they saw her.
"Good afternoon," Amara replied softly, her voice warm.
"Do you need anything?" one of the maids asked politely.
Amara shook her head. "No, I just want to rest a little here. Could you put on a movie for me?"
"Yes, ma," the maid said quickly, moving to set it up.
Amara sank into the plush couch, pulling a throw blanket over her lap. She had grown used to the hushed gossip in the media, the hateful comments from strangers, even the whispered judgments of some of Damian's associates. At first, the weight of it had hurt her deeply. But now... she no longer cared. Her focus was on her children growing within her and the unwavering love of her husband.
Just as the opening credits rolled across the screen, her phone buzzed. Amara glanced down and saw Damian's name. A smile instantly tugged at her lips as she answered.
"Hello?" she said, her voice soft.
"My wife," came Damian's deep voice, filled with warmth. "How is she doing today?"
Amara laughed lightly, leaning back into the cushions. "I'm fine. Just tired of being indoors all the time."
"Really?" Damian's tone shifted, a hint of playfulness breaking through his usual seriousness. "Well, in that case, you should come to the office."
Her eyes widened. "Oh, really? Can I?"
"Of course. If you're comfortable with it," he replied.
Amara sat up straighter, excitement bubbling in her chest. "I'd love to."
"Good. Then don't bother preparing lunch. I'll take you out myself."
Her heart melted at the tenderness in his tone. "Hmm, okay then. Let me go and change."
"Send one of the drivers to bring you," Damian instructed firmly.
"Okay, baby."
The moment the call ended, Amara felt a burst of happiness. She hurried up the stairs, her movements careful but light with excitement. Inside her room, she selected a harmless yet elegant gown that slid slightly by the side, pairing it with a simple jacket. She tied her hair into a ponytail and chose a pair of low heels, knowing Damian would scold her if she attempted anything higher.
When she glanced at the mirror, she paused. Her reflection seemed different. Her face glowed, her features softened, and though her belly had just begun to show, she felt beautiful in a way she hadn't before. She smiled at herself, whispering, "This is for you and the babies."
---
The drive to Damian's company was filled with anticipation. As the car pulled into the sleek parking lot, Amara felt dozens of eyes turn toward her. She stepped out gracefully, holding her jacket close. The murmurs began almost instantly.
"Wow, she looks different now."
"She's glowing."
"She's so beautiful... and lucky."
The comments trailed her as she walked confidently into the building. Some carried envy, others admiration, but none could dim the dignity she carried with her.
When Amara reached the top floor, Damian's secretary stood to greet her. "Good afternoon, Mrs. King," the woman said politely, her tone respectful in a way that hadn't always been there.
Amara smiled kindly. "Good afternoon."
The door to Damian's office opened, and inside, he was leaning against his desk, phone pressed to his ear. His head turned at the sound of the door, and for a moment, he froze. His eyes swept over her slowly, drinking in her glow, the subtle curve of her stomach, the delicate way her gown framed her.
"Amara," he breathed, forgetting entirely about the call.
She stepped closer with a shy smile. "I'm here."
Without another word, Damian ended the call abruptly. He crossed the room in long strides and pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly.
"You look so beautiful," he whispered, pressing his lips to her hair.
Amara chuckled softly against his chest. "You think so?"
He leaned back just enough to look at her, his eyes dark and intense. "Don't you dare doubt it. Even with your belly beginning to show, you're breathtaking."
Her lips trembled, tears threatening to spill. "You'll make me cry..."
Damian groaned, brushing a thumb across her cheek. "Please don't. Since you got pregnant, you've become so dramatic. My heart can't take it."
Amara sniffed, half laughing, half crying. "It's not my fault."
He laughed quietly, kissing her forehead. "Alright, alright. Let's walk around a bit before I take you out to eat. It'll clear your head."
"Hm, that's fine," Amara agreed, slipping her hand into his.
They strolled together down the hallway, his arm firmly around her waist as if shielding her from the world.
Outside, through the glass walls, the employees watched in awe.
"Have you ever seen the boss smile like that?" one whispered.
"Never. She's changed him completely."
"They're good together," another admitted, though tinged with envy.
The office buzzed with murmurs, but none of it reached Amara. For once, she didn't care what others thought. With Damian's hand holding hers, the world felt far away, and all that mattered was the quiet happiness blooming between them.
And as Damian guided her toward the elevator, his voice low and protective, Amara realized something-this wasn't just love anymore. This was forever.