Audrey sinks into the bathtub, finally resting her head. She’s drained from the family dinner. Not that she didn’t enjoy the night. The Parkinsons are nice people. They weren’t that hard to please. If anything, they made her missed her mother. Although she got self-conscious with all the lingering glances Kathie was giving her, she’s avoided them without being too obvious. Audrey has gained weight. There’s no denying that.Audrey gained a few padding. Kathie would have noticed that. She won’t deny it in confidence. If her bras that don’t fit her anymore weren’t enough proof, she has a few more to show.Kylie enters the bathroom, snapping her out of her thoughts. She hands over a glass of milk she insisted she drinks.She stared at the glass.“It’s good for pregnant women.” Kylie gives it a little shove closer toward her.She rolled her eyes. “Fine.” Her right arm reemerges from the thick bubbles on the tub and reaches for the milk.“Do you need anyt

Audrey gulped water like a swimmer gasping for air. She refused to take anything else other than water, terrified she might have to run to the bathroom if she eats anything. She can’t afford her mother already suspecting she’s pregnant. She had it planned out.The long ride has made her queasy but it wasn’t something she couldn’t handle. The sight of her mother was a comfort. She has lost weight since the last time she’s seen her. But then it was a long time ago. It was way back when her mother visited her for Christmas and stayed at her apartment for three days. Last year. Audrey hoped she’s shredded a few pounds on her own will. Not the stress catching up to her.She took the last swig of the water before filling it again. She sucks in a deep, calming breath before putting the glass over her forehead. The condensation trails down to her hands.“Audrey.”Her back turned ramrod straight hearing the voice she’s never mistaken for someone else’s before. She h

Audrey’s phone has been ringing non-stop since she stormed out of Vren’s car in a haste to a meeting. He’s chased her from the parking garage of her office building, stepping back from the elevator when she warned him with a menacing glare. She only needed to self-soothe. She’s felt his eyes on her the entire ride back and they reflected his urge to comfort her. Audrey has endured heartaches her whole life not in the comforts of others. She’s learned touch can only encourage more tears. More tears meant the need to be constantly consoled.She’s put her phone on silent when she has finally tucked herself to bed. It was already way past midnight though. She made a quick run toward the bathroom in the morning, surprised she managed to empty her stomach despite of her lack of appetite yesterday. She took a cold shower and covered the dark circles under her eyes. When she entered the conference room for the story assignments with her writers, she was an inch away to overloo

Vren handed her the bowl of popcorn just when the opening credits of Frozen 2 started. She shakes her head and gestures at the box of pizza next to the cupcakes he’s brought along in case she’s craving something sweet. If she answered his calls to have somebody bring her food, Vren is thanking their baby for her cravings. He hands her a slice and he half-expected her to take one ugly bite because she appeared to be famish when she opened the door.Audrey sunk her teeth into the crust and worked her way to the pointed tip. It wasn’t supposed to be an elegant bite. The string of cheese dangling on her chin that she peeled off and ushered to her mouth were poorly a turnoff. “So what’s this sequel all about? Are you gonna tell me or what?”“And ruin the surprise? No way.” He grinned.She leans over, picking two popcorns on the bowl and flicked it to his forehead. “Selfish turd.”He chuckles. “Still hate surprises?”Audrey glares at him. It would have been menaci

Vren signaled the bartender for another drink. There were a few women flashing smiles his way, the invitation clear and plain. He would jump to the opportunity to spend the night with one of them and leaves her bed early in the morning before she wakes up to offer breakfast – which he normally steer clear from. He enjoyed most of it. He likes to socialize and he happens to like women. However, things got a little different when he turned thirty. His choices narrowed and he went from a little picky to exceedingly... picky. And it sucked the fun out of everything. He could even say it was so damn close to lonely.He took a swig of his drink and set it back on the cocktail napkin. A decent display of dainty female legs caught his eye and he turned for a better look. It was wrong to stare but the long pair of legs got his eyes trained on them. His gaze drifted slowly from the heel clad feet, working their way up to the delicate ankles, a shapely calf and a ton of smooth thighs.