SERAPHINA'S STOLEN HAPPINESS

THIRD PERSON'S POV

Seraphina sat quietly on the upholstered chair, her fingers tapping nervously against the surface of her small designer handbag. The bag matched her Forever twenty-one outfit perfectly, but she barely noticed how well put together she looked. Her attention was fixed on the thoughts racing through her mind.

She had been trying her best to distract herself from the possible outcome of the test results, but it was becoming increasingly difficult. Every passing minute seemed longer than the last.

Thankfully, the interior of the office offered a welcome distraction. Unlike the typical hospital setting, with its familiar health posters and calendars displaying information about women's reproductive health, the walls were tastefully decorated with elegant grid designs. Everything about the room felt warm and inviting, almost enough to make someone forget they were sitting in a hospital.

Almost.

Seraphina was at one of the most renowned obstetrics and gynaecology clinics in the city. It was the same facility she had been unable to afford three years ago, back when the thought of receiving treatment in such an exclusive establishment seemed like an impossible dream.

Life had certainly taken an unexpected turn since then. Fate had brought her into marriage with a wealthy and famous man, giving her access to privileges she once could only admire from a distance.

Yet, despite all the luxury surrounding her now, there was one thing money could not buy.

Peace of mind.

She shifted in her seat, glancing briefly at the closed door. She had been waiting for Dr. Bradford's consultation, and the anticipation was slowly getting the better of her.

What if the results confirmed her fears?

What if it was something serious?

She swallowed, trying to push the disturbing thoughts away.

Just then, the door opened.

Seraphina immediately straightened in her seat, her fingers freezing against her handbag.

An elderly woman walked into the office. She appeared to be in her mid-fifties, with a pleasant face and an air of experience that came naturally with years of medical practice. She wore a neatly pressed white medical coat, which she adjusted slightly before taking her seat behind the desk.

It was Dr. Bradford.

Seraphina watched her closely, hoping to find something reassuring in her expression. Unfortunately, the doctor's appearance did little to ease her anxiety. Her white coat, professional demeanour and the medical files in front of her only reminded Seraphina of why she was there in the first place.

However, her eyes were different.

There was a certain warmth in them that made Seraphina feel a little less uncomfortable.

Dr. Bradford settled into her chair, arranged the documents on her desk and looked up at her patient.

"There's no need to panic, Mrs. Alexander," she said gently, stretching a hand across the desk.

Seraphina stared at her for a moment.

The doctor's warm smile confused her. How could someone smile so pleasantly when she had spent the past few days struggling with thoughts she could barely put into words?

"Congratulations, Mrs. Alexander. You're two weeks pregnant."

For a moment, Seraphina simply stared at her.

"What?"

The word escaped her lips louder than she intended.

Of all the possible diagnoses she had imagined on her way to the hospital, pregnancy had been the last thing on her mind. She had prepared herself for almost anything, but certainly not that.

She blinked several times, hoping she had misunderstood.

"You're pregnant," Dr. Bradford repeated, her smile still intact.

Seraphina's lips parted, but no words came out.

The doctor studied her reaction, her expression gradually changing from excitement to mild curiosity. She had expected a different response, perhaps a smile, a happy gasp or even tears of joy. Instead, her patient looked as though she had just received the most shocking news of her life.

"You look surprised," Dr. Bradford remarked.

"Ahmm..." Seraphina began, struggling to find the right words.

She looked down at her handbag, then back at the doctor.

"You know, my husband and I planned to enjoy our marriage first," she explained, forcing out a small laugh. "We wanted to have some time for ourselves before thinking about having children."

Dr. Bradford chuckled.

"Oh, I see. You were trying to enjoy yourselves a little longer, weren't you. That's what younger couple do these days?" she teased, giving Seraphina a mischievous smile.

Seraphina managed a smile of her own, although it did not quite reach her eyes.

If only the doctor knew the truth.

If only she understood that there was nothing enjoyable about the situation she was trying so hard to explain away.

But how could she possibly tell a stranger that the circumstances surrounding her marriage were far from what anyone would imagine?

How could she explain that the news of a pregnancy, which should have been a blessing, had left her feeling more uncertain than excited?

There were things she could never discuss with just anyone, especially not within the walls of a hospital.

"Yes," she replied quietly, playing along with the doctor's assumption.

Dr. Bradford nodded in understanding.

"Well, that's perfectly understandable. Every couple has their own plans, and there's nothing wrong with wanting to spend some time together before starting a family."

Seraphina nodded, grateful that the conversation had not gone any further.

However, another concern quickly came to mind.

"There's something else, Doctor."

"Go ahead."

"My husband and I have been using contraception. So, I'm quite surprised that you are telling me I'm pregnant."

Her voice carried genuine confusion.

They had taken precautions. She had believed they were doing everything necessary to prevent an unexpected pregnancy. Yet here she was, sitting in a specialist's office, being told that she was going to have a baby.

How had that happened?

Dr. Bradford leaned back slightly in her chair.

"Well, Mrs. Alexander, no contraceptive method is completely effective. Even methods with high success rates can fail under certain circumstances. Condoms, for instance, are barrier methods that help prevent pregnancy, but they can still fail if they break, slip or are not used correctly."

Seraphina listened carefully, although her thoughts were already running ahead of the explanation.

"So, you're saying..." She paused, trying to put her thoughts together.

"That there was a possibility the contraception failed?"

"Exactly. It happens more often than people realise. Using contraception significantly reduces the chances of pregnancy, but it doesn't eliminate them entirely."

Seraphina slowly nodded.

She looked down at her hands, rubbing her thumb against her fingers.

There was something she needed to ask, something that had suddenly become more important than the surprise of the pregnancy itself.

"Doctor, does that mean..." She hesitated.

Dr. Bradford waited patiently.

"Does it mean there could be something wrong with the baby?"

The question came out almost in a whisper.

She raised her eyes to meet the doctor's.

"I mean, since we were trying to prevent the pregnancy and the contraception somehow failed, I just want to be sure. I hope my baby won't develop any kind of malformation?"

For the first time since entering the office, her voice revealed just how frightened she was.

Whatever her feelings about the pregnancy, the possibility of something being wrong with the child was not something she wanted to contemplate.

Dr. Bradford's expression softened.

"There's no reason to assume that, Mrs. Alexander. A contraceptive failure does not automatically mean that your baby will have a birth defect or any form of malformation. You shouldn't blame yourself or worry unnecessarily."

She paused before continuing.

"Many women conceive unexpectedly, even when they have taken precautions. What matters now is that you begin the appropriate antenatal care and attend your appointments. We will monitor your pregnancy as it progresses."

Seraphina let out a breath she hadn't realised she was holding.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, dear. At this point, there's no indication from what you've told me that anything is wrong. Just make sure you follow the medical advice given to you. Everything will be assessed properly as your pregnancy develops."

"Okay."

Seraphina nodded, feeling a little more relieved.

Dr. Bradford reached for a white envelope lying on her desk and handed it to her.

"Your results are inside. It contains the findings from your investigations, including the ultrasound report, which supports the pregnancy assessment."

Seraphina accepted the envelope with both hands.

For a few seconds, she simply stared at it. The hospital's logo was printed neatly on the front, but there was nothing else to identify what was inside.

It was strange how something so small could carry news capable of changing her entire life.

A baby.

Her eyes dropped to the envelope again.

Perhaps this was not entirely bad.

Maybe, just maybe, this pregnancy would change things between her and her husband. Perhaps it would give them a reason to look beyond the walls they had built around themselves. Maybe the arrival of a child would bring them closer in ways they had never managed to achieve on their own.

She knew it was wishful thinking, but she couldn't help holding on to the possibility.

After all, what woman wouldn't want a happy marriage?

What woman wouldn't want to feel loved by the man she called her husband?

Seraphina's lips curved into a faint smile.

Perhaps this was the turning point she had been waiting for.

"Thank you, Dr. Bradford," she said, rising from her seat.

"You're welcome, Mrs. Alexander. And congratulations once again."

"Thank you."

"Remember to take good care of yourself. I'll see you at your next appointment."

Seraphina nodded.

"I will."

She tucked the envelope carefully into her handbag, making sure it was secure before adjusting the strap on her shoulder.

As she walked towards the door, her thoughts had already drifted to her husband.

She couldn't wait to tell him.

Their second wedding anniversary was approaching, and suddenly, she had found the perfect way to make the occasion memorable.

THIRD PERSON'S POV

Seraphina stepped out of the doctor's office with the medical report tucked inside her handbag.

She had imagined this moment countless times, but now that it had finally happened, she wasn't sure what to feel.

Excitement? Fear? Happiness?

Perhaps all three.

She walked towards the waiting area, where Isabella was seated comfortably on a white leather sofa, scrolling through her tablet. The moment she spotted Seraphina, she put the device aside and stood.

"Well?" Isabella asked, examining her friend's expression. "Should I be celebrating, or should I start preparing for bad news?"

Seraphina managed a small smile.

"Neither. Everything is fine."

"That's good." Isabella collected her handbag and fell into step beside her. "So, when are we coming back?"

"Two weeks."

Isabella immediately brought out her tablet. As Seraphina spoke with the receptionist, she entered the next appointment into the schedule.

"Ten in the morning," she confirmed. "I've put it down."

The receptionist reached across the desk with a small appointment card, but Seraphina declined.

"Thank you. Isabella has already saved it."

The two friends headed towards the elevator.

Isabella was more than Seraphina's personal assistant. She was the person who knew her habits, understood her moods, and could tell when something was bothering her even before she said a word. Their friendship had started long before Seraphina married into the wealthy world she now occupied.

And unlike most people around her, Isabella never treated her like a woman who needed to be handled with excessive care.

As the elevator doors closed, Seraphina reached into her handbag for her phone.

"I should call Demian."

Isabella glanced at her.

"Of course. He's the first person who should know."

Seraphina nodded.

She had been thinking about how to break the news to her husband. She had even rehearsed a few different ways of telling him, but none seemed quite right.

Isabella dialled his number and handed her the phone.

"You know you mustn't take thiss PA thing too seriously, right?" Seraphina teased as she accepted it.

"I'm aware. But if I don't perform these little duties, what exactly are you paying me for?"

Seraphina laughed.

"You're hardly short of responsibilities. I still have you organising another charity event, and you know how much I dislike those things."

"That's because you complain about every single fundraiser, yet somehow you always end up agreeing to host one."

"Because I'm married to Demian."

"And being married to Demian means you have to attend every charity event in the city?"

"Not every one. Just the ones where people expect to see his wife."

Isabella shook her head, amused.

"Well, someone has to make sure you don't embarrass your husband by disappearing halfway through the evening."

Seraphina laughed again, but her attention returned to the phone.

It rang.

Once.

Twice.

Three times.

She was beginning to wonder whether he would answer when his familiar voice finally came through.

"Hello, sweetheart."

A smile immediately touched her lips.

"Demian, I have something to tell you."

"I'm in the middle of a meeting, darling. Is it something urgent? Can I call you back?"

Her smile faded slightly.

She looked down at the phone.

Something urgent?

She had just discovered that she was carrying his child. Wasn't that important enough to deserve a few minutes of his time?

For a moment, she considered telling him anyway. But she could already hear the hurried voices in the background, and she didn't want the first time she shared such news with him to be interrupted by another business call.

"It's fine," she replied quietly. "Call me when you're free."

"All right, sweetheart. Speak later."

The call ended.

Seraphina lowered the phone and handed it back to Isabella.

"He's busy."

Isabella took one look at her face.

"Let me guess. Another meeting?"

"Yes."

"Seraphina, you should have told him it was important. He might have made time."

She shook her head.

"I don't want to interrupt his work. I'll tell him when he gets home."

Isabella slipped the phone into her handbag.

"All right, but you look as though someone has just cancelled Christmas."

Seraphina managed a smile.

"I'm fine."

"Of course you are."

Outside the building, Isabella walked towards the pearly white Mercedes coupe parked near the entrance.

Demian had bought the car for Seraphina on her last birthday, although Isabella often joked that she drove it more than its actual owner.

She opened the driver's door and looked across at her friend.

"Get in. I'll drive."

Seraphina settled into the passenger seat, adjusting her handbag on her lap.

"Thank you."

Isabella started the engine and pulled away from the parking space.

"Now, are you going to tell me what's going on, or am I expected to guess?"

Seraphina looked at her.

"There's nothing going on."

"Don't insult my intelligence. You've been unusually quiet since we left the doctor's office. You barely spoke to the receptionist, and you called Demian at work. You almost never do that unless something is important."

Seraphina turned towards the window.

Isabella glanced at her before returning her attention to the road.

"Please don't tell me the doctor found something serious."

Seraphina nearly choked.

"What?"

"Well, you looked completely lost when you came out of that office. I was beginning to think you'd received terrible news."

"Isabella!"

"What? I'm only asking."

"There's nothing wrong with me."

"Then why are you behaving like someone has just handed you a life sentence?"

Seraphina hesitated.

She had wanted to tell Demian first. In fact, she had imagined his reaction so many times that she had forgotten she might need to share the news with someone else before him.

But Isabella was her best friend.

She could hardly keep something this important from her.

Seraphina took a breath.

"I'm pregnant."

Isabella's foot eased off the accelerator.

For a second, she turned towards her friend, her mouth falling open.

"Wait. What?"

Seraphina nodded.

"I'm pregnant."

A delighted squeal escaped Isabella.

"Oh, my goodness! Seraphina!"

She briefly reached across to squeeze her friend's hand before returning both hands to the steering wheel.

"You're having a baby! Why didn't you tell me immediately?"

Seraphina laughed nervously.

"I only found out this morning."

"Congratulations! I'm going to be an aunty!"

Isabella's excitement was contagious, and for a moment, Seraphina allowed herself to enjoy it.

Then her expression softened.

"There's just one problem."

Isabella looked at her.

"What problem?"

"Demian and I never actually discussed having children."

The excitement on Isabella's face settled into curiosity.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, we've talked about so many things. Our businesses, travelling, the house, family gatherings. But somehow, we've never really discussed starting a family."

"Surely you both wanted children eventually?"

Seraphina looked down at her hands.

"I did. I've always imagined having two or three children. I wanted a house filled with their laughter, little footsteps running through the hallways, and all the beautiful chaos that comes with raising a family."

She paused.

"But I don't know if Demian wants the same thing."

Isabella frowned slightly.

"Have you ever asked him?"

"Not directly."

"Why not?"

"Because he's always busy. And whenever we get a little time together, there's usually something else demanding his attention."

Seraphina looked out at the passing buildings.

"Sometimes I wonder how he'll react. He's never given me any indication that he's ready to become a father."

Isabella drove through a quieter street before responding.

"Listen, I understand that you're worried, but don't decide how he's going to feel before you've even told him."

"What if he isn't happy?"

"Then you'll deal with that conversation when it happens. But you can't spend the entire pregnancy imagining the worst."

Seraphina gave a small sigh.

"It's not just about whether he'll be happy. I'm worried about what happens afterwards. Demian already spends most of his time at work. How is he going to make room for a child?"

"He'll figure it out."

"You sound very confident."

"Because I've seen what happens when people realise they have something more important than another business meeting waiting for them at home."

Isabella glanced at her with a reassuring smile.

"Do you remember my sister Alice and her husband, Martins?"

"Of course. They had their little girl last year."

Seraphina remembered sending them a large collection of baby gifts after the birth. She had asked Felicia, her personal shopper, to visit several boutiques and select the finest baby clothes, blankets, and other essentials.

The gifts had been carefully chosen, and Alice had been delighted.

"What about them?" she asked.

Isabella hesitated.

"There's something I haven't told you. But you have to promise not to mention it to anyone."

Seraphina turned towards her.

"What is it?"

"Before Alice had the baby, things between her and Martins were really bad. They were actually considering separating."

Seraphina's eyes widened.

"You're joking."

"I'm not."

"But they always seemed so happy together."

"That's because Alice isn't the sort of person who discusses her marriage problems with everyone. She kept most of it to herself."

Seraphina looked genuinely surprised.

"How serious was it?"

"Very serious. They were arguing over practically everything. Small disagreements would turn into huge fights, and neither seemed willing to give the other an inch."

Isabella shook her head.

"At some point, they both started wondering whether staying together was worth all the unhappiness."

"That's terrible."

"It was. And you know how much my father values family. He practically raised Alice and me on his own after our mother died. He worked incredibly hard to make sure we never lacked anything."

Seraphina nodded.

She remembered Isabella's father well. He was a kind man, although rather traditional in his views about marriage and family.

The thought of his eldest daughter getting divorced would have devastated him.

"He must have been heartbroken when he found out," Seraphina said.

"He didn't even know how close they were to separating. Alice was doing everything she could to keep the situation private."

Isabella paused at a traffic light.

"Then she discovered she was pregnant."

Seraphina listened quietly.

"At first, I thought the news would make things worse. But something changed between them. Suddenly, they had something to think about beyond their arguments. They started looking at their marriage differently."

"Did everything just become perfect after that?"

"Of course not. A baby doesn't magically fix every problem in a relationship. But it gave them a reason to confront the things they had been avoiding. They went for counselling, started communicating properly, and made a conscious decision to work on their marriage."

Isabella smiled.

"Today, they're happier than I've seen them in years."

Seraphina looked thoughtful.

"That's beautiful."

"It is. And I'm telling you because I don't want you to convince yourself that your marriage is already doomed simply because Demian has been busy lately."

She paused before adding:

"Besides, you know how much his family loves children. Have you ever seen him around his nephew?"

Seraphina smiled despite herself.

"That boy practically owns him."

"Exactly! Demian can be in the middle of the busiest day of his life, but the moment that little fellow calls, he suddenly finds time."

"He's always buying him something, too."

"Last Christmas, he bought him enough toys to fill an entire bedroom. I'm surprised the child still has room to sleep."

Both women laughed.

Seraphina remembered how Demian behaved whenever his nephew visited. The usually serious businessman would become playful, allowing the little boy to climb onto his shoulders and interrupt whatever he was doing.

There was a tenderness in him that she rarely saw directed towards anyone else.

Perhaps he would be the same with their own child.

The thought warmed her heart.

"I suppose you're right," she said.

"Of course I am."

"But what if he hires ten nannies and leaves everything to them?"

Isabella laughed.

"Knowing your husband, he might hire an entire childcare team before the baby is even born."

"That isn't funny."

"It is a little funny. But I doubt he'll be able to stay away from his own child. Just imagine him coming home from work and refusing to put the baby down."

Seraphina smiled.

"I wouldn't mind that."

"See? You're already imagining it."

"I'd rather have an overprotective father than a distant one. I want our child to grow up knowing that both parents love them."

"And I'm sure that's exactly what will happen."

Seraphina leaned back in her seat.

For the first time that morning, the uncertainty inside her began to ease.

She still needed to tell Demian. She still had no idea how he would react, but perhaps Isabella was right. Maybe she was worrying too much about something that hadn't even happened.

She placed a hand over her lower abdomen.

There was a little life growing inside her.

A child she hadn't planned for, but one she already loved.

The Mercedes eventually turned onto a private road leading to the estate.

Tall trees lined both sides of the driveway, their branches dusted with snow. At the end of the road stood a pair of imposing wrought-iron gates, separating the property from the rest of the neighbourhood.

Isabella slowed down and entered the security code.

A moment later, she placed her thumb against the fingerprint scanner.

The security system recognised her credentials, and the gates began to slide open.

The car moved along the winding driveway towards the mansion.

Seraphina gazed through the window.

The house was enormous, with pale stone walls, wide balconies, and tall windows that reflected the afternoon light. White columns framed the grand entrance, while the carefully maintained gardens stretched across the property.

She had always loved the estate.

When she and Demian first moved in, she had imagined what it would look like with children running through the hallways. She had pictured a Christmas tree surrounded by colourful presents, birthday celebrations in the garden, and little voices calling for their parents.

Maybe those dreams weren't as far away as she had once thought.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if Demian welcomed the news with the same excitement Isabella had shown?

She imagined him holding their baby, looking down at the tiny face with that rare, unguarded smile he reserved for the people he loved.

She wouldn't mind if he spoiled the child rotten.

In fact, she would happily take responsibility for being the strict parent whenever necessary.

As long as their child never had to question whether they were wanted.

"Stop smiling at the window and start thinking positively."

Isabella's voice interrupted her thoughts.

Seraphina turned.

"Was I smiling?"

"You've been wearing that dreamy expression for the last five minutes. I can practically see you planning the nursery."

Seraphina laughed.

"Yes, I am."

"Good. That's the spirit."

The car came to a stop in front of the mansion's grand entrance. A flight of pale cream marble steps led to the double doors, flanked by tall white columns with beautifully carved capitals.

Isabella switched off the engine and glanced at her watch.

"I sent Luna a message before we left the clinic. I'm sure she'll have something healthy prepared for you by now."

"Thank you."

"I'll take the car to the garage and join you inside."

Seraphina opened the door.

"Oh, and before you disappear into your little world, remember that you have a meeting with the Paintings4Kids Foundation board at two-thirty."

Seraphina groaned.

"Isabella, please."

"Don't look at me like that. I didn't put it on your schedule."

"I know. I was hoping you'd forget to remind me."

"Unfortunately, I'm very good at my job."

Seraphina shook her head, smiling as she stepped out of the car.

"Fine. I'll see you inside."

She adjusted her coat and walked towards the entrance, one hand resting instinctively over her stomach.

She wanted to see Deamian's face when he heard the news.

She wanted to know whether he would smile, whether he would pull her into his arms, and whether he would be just as excited about their little miracle as she already was.

For now, she held on to that hope.

THIRD PERSON'S POV

Seraphina woke to an empty space beside her.

For a moment, she lay still, staring at the ceiling. Then she reached across the bed and rested her palm against the pillow next to hers. It was slightly creased, the sheets still carrying the faint warmth of someone who had occupied the space only a few hours earlier.

Demian had come home after all.

She had waited for him until nearly eleven the previous night, fighting sleep because she wanted to see him. Eventually, she had admitted defeat and gone to bed alone. Now, the clock on the bedside table showed eight thirty.

A folded piece of paper caught her attention.

She picked it up and unfolded it.

Sorry I got home so late. Why don't we talk later today? I'm taking the entire afternoon and evening off.

D.

Seraphina read the message twice before a smile slowly spread across her face.

Demian taking time off was practically unheard of. His work consumed most of his waking hours, and even his birthdays rarely persuaded him to step away from the office. The fact that he had deliberately cleared his afternoon and evening meant something.

Perhaps he had finally realised how much they had been missing each other.

She pressed the note lightly against her lips, feeling a little foolish about how happy such a simple message had made her. Still, she couldn't help it. The last few weeks had been difficult, and she wanted to believe this was the beginning of a better period for them.

There was no need to tell him about the baby immediately. She had already made plans. She had secured a reservation at La Vida, one of the finest restaurants in the city, and intended to share the news over dinner. She could already imagine the surprise on his face when she told him he was going to be a father.

The thought filled her with excitement.

She pushed the covers aside and sprang out of bed, only to drop back onto the mattress almost immediately.

The room tilted.

Seraphina gripped the edge of the bed as darkness briefly clouded her vision. She squeezed her eyes shut, waiting for the strange sensation to pass.

What was that?

She had never experienced anything quite like it. Perhaps it was one of the early effects of pregnancy. She remembered Dr Bradford mentioning that her body would undergo several changes, although she couldn't recall him saying anything about sudden dizziness.

Her next appointment was still two weeks away.

She considered calling the doctor's office, but the feeling had already begun to fade. She didn't want to turn an otherwise promising morning into a cause for unnecessary worry. If it happened again, she would certainly seek medical advice.

After sitting for another minute, she carefully got to her feet. This time, the room remained steady.

Satisfied, she slipped into an Lilac silk robe and stepped into her matching fluffy slippers before making her way downstairs.

The kitchen was already busy.

Everything in the enormous room gleamed. The stainless-steel appliances were sleek and modern, fitted with so many buttons and settings that Seraphina suspected even the manufacturers hadn't discovered all their uses. Copper pots and pans hung neatly above the cooking area, polished until they reflected the light.

She had once asked Olivia why they needed so many expensive pieces of cookware when they barely used half of them. Olivia had simply explained that copper was among the best materials for cooking.

Seraphina had nodded as though she understood.

Truthfully, she wouldn't have known the difference between an ordinary saucepan and an expensive one. Cooking had never been her responsibility in this house.

Olivia stood behind the marble island, whisking eggs in a metal bowl. She was a tall, solidly built woman whose practical sky-blue shirt and dark capri jeans suited her far better than any formal uniform could have.

"Good morning, Mrs Alexander

"Good morning, Olivia."

"You're up early today. Breakfast will be ready in a few minutes."

Seraphina smiled and settled onto one of the cushioned stools. "Take your time. I'm not in a hurry."

Olivia poured the beaten eggs into a heated pan, then placed a cup of jasmine tea in front of her.

Unlike many wealthy households, Demian and Seraphina didn't insist that their employees dress in uniforms. Demian considered the expense unnecessary, while Seraphina disliked the idea of making people who worked in their home look as though they were attending a formal ceremony every day.

Besides, Olivia had been with them long enough to feel more like a member of the family than an employee.

A young man entered carrying a glass vase filled with freshly cut daisies. Seraphina glanced up, surprised by the unfamiliar face. He placed the flowers carefully on the island, offered her a shy smile and disappeared through the kitchen doorway.

"Who was that?"

Olivia glanced in the direction he had gone while arranging the scrambled eggs on a plate.

"John. He started working here recently."

Seraphina looked at the flowers. "What happened to Daniel?"

"He was let go."

"Why?"

"He kept coming in late." Olivia's expression tightened slightly. "I warned him several times, but nothing changed."

Seraphina felt a small pang of sympathy. She had never been comfortable with the idea of dismissing people, even when they deserved it. However, Olivia was responsible for managing the household staff, and Seraphina trusted her judgement.

"That's unfortunate," she murmured.

Olivia placed the breakfast before her, adding slices of toasted whole-wheat bread and a small serving of fruit. Beside the plate sat a jar of almond butter and four different flavours of jam.

"Would you like some freshly squeezed juice?"

Seraphina nodded, taking another sip of tea.

As she began eating, her gaze wandered around the kitchen. It was difficult not to notice how much money Demian spent making sure she never had to worry about the ordinary responsibilities of daily life. Her meals appeared without her having to ask, the house was cleaned from top to bottom, and the gardens were maintained so meticulously that not a single leaf seemed out of place.

If Demian had his way, she sometimes suspected, he would arrange for someone to do absolutely bath her.

Although she appreciated his generosity, there were moments when it became overwhelming.

She knew she wasn't the sort of woman Demian had expected to marry. Before him, she had lived a relatively ordinary life, watching her expenses and buying things only when she needed them. She had never been interested in designer labels or expensive luxuries. Perhaps he thought surrounding her with all these things would help her fit comfortably into his world.

But they had been married for three years. Surely, by now, he understood that she didn't need an extravagant lifestyle to be happy.

There were several things she wanted to discuss with him when they finally had time together.

For starters, she wanted to reduce the number of household staff. She also intended to speak to him about her clothing allowance. Agnes seemed determined to spend every penny of the budget Demian had provided, even though Seraphina hardly wore most of the clothes she bought.

More importantly, she wanted to spend less time organising fundraisers and attending charity events on behalf of his various foundations. She didn't mind supporting the causes he cared about, but she had gradually become so involved in those responsibilities that her own interests had been pushed aside.

She missed painting.

Demian had gone to considerable trouble to build her a private studio, yet she had barely stepped inside it since their marriage. She wanted to return to the canvas, mix colours, experiment with different ideas and create something that belonged entirely to her.

She was almost certain Demian would agree.

He rarely refused her anything. Whenever she raised a request, his response was usually some version of, "Of course. Whatever you want."

It should have pleased her. Instead, there was something about his easy agreement that occasionally left her dissatisfied.

Did he genuinely support her wishes, or was he simply too occupied to care enough to discuss them?

She frowned at her plate.

That was an unfair thought. Demian had always been generous with her. He had never tried to control what she wore, where she went or how she spent her time.

Perhaps she was becoming unnecessarily difficult.

Stop looking for problems, Seraphina.

If she mentioned these thoughts to Isabella, her friend would probably blame them on pregnancy hormones. And Seraphina had no intention of giving her that satisfaction.

By the time she finished breakfast, her mood had improved considerably.

For the first time in weeks, she felt hopeful about the future. Their marriage had not been the same lately. During the past three years, they had gradually settled into separate routines. She had become increasingly involved in his charitable projects, while Demian had devoted more and more of his time to business.

They still lived under the same roof, but the closeness they once shared seemed to have slipped away without either of them noticing exactly when it happened.

Now there was a baby on the way.

Their child could give them something new to share, a reason to slow down and remember what mattered. And Demian was taking an entire afternoon and evening off to spend with her.

She wanted to believe that things were finally changing.

Isabella arrived about fifteen minutes later.

As usual, her appearance was impossible to overlook. She wore a striking teal dress fitted neatly at the waist by a broad white leather belt. A brown headband decorated with an oversized white ribbon sat across her hair, although it did little to keep her fringe away from her smoky eyes.

She barely paused after greeting Seraphina.

"You need to get dressed."

Seraphina looked up from her phone. "Good morning to you too."

"Good morning. Now, get moving. We're supposed to be at Demian's hangar before eleven."

Seraphina blinked. "His hangar?"

Isabella nodded, already checking the time on her phone.

"I don't remember agreeing to go there."

"Neither do I. Hum sent me a message asking me to bring you."

"Did he say what for?"

"Something about lunch."

Seraphina stared at her. "Lunch? At the hangar?"

"That's all I know." Isabella shrugged and headed towards the bedroom. "Come on. We need to decide what you're wearing."

Seraphina followed, leaving the rest of her questions unanswered. Isabella had always been the more fashionable one between them. She could put together an outfit effortlessly, while Seraphina had spent most of her younger years choosing clothes based on comfort, durability and price.

Her old wardrobe had consisted largely of affordable dresses, practical shoes and a few special outfits she had bought from discount stores. She had kept those nicer pieces for the day she might finally exhibit her paintings.

Looking back, she wondered whether she had been overly optimistic. She had never submitted her work to a gallery, much less held an exhibition. Painting remained something she did privately, and she had never felt ready to invite strangers to judge something so personal.

Her present wardrobe was a different story.

The walk-in closet was enormous, with more space than her former apartment's main bedroom. A separate door opened onto a service corridor, allowing the staff to deliver laundry and dry-cleaning without having to enter the bedroom.

As they stepped inside, the lights came on automatically.

Rows of shelves displayed shoes in almost every colour imaginable. There were designer handbags, neatly arranged accessories and more dresses than Seraphina could remember buying.

Isabella went straight to the wardrobe system and pressed a switch. A section of hanging rails began moving smoothly, bringing one collection of clothes after another into view.

Seraphina watched as a bright brown Chanel dress appeared. Its delicate straps rested on the hanger, and the price tag was still attached.

She recognised it immediately.

She had never worn it.

"Why is this still here?" she asked.

Isabella gave her a look. "That's exactly what I would like to know."

The clothes continued moving until a familiar collection appeared. They were the dresses Seraphina had owned before marrying Demian, the ones she had insisted on keeping despite Agnes's repeated suggestions that they be donated.

Isabella stopped the mechanism and examined them.

"You still have all these?"

"Of course. They're perfectly fine."

"Seraphina, you have enough clothes to dress an entire boutique. Why are you holding on to things you bought years ago?"

"Because I like them."

"That's not a reason."

"It is to me." Seraphina smiled. "I can wear them when I'm in my studio. I don't need a four-thousand-dollar Dior dress getting covered in paint."

Isabella folded her arms, considering that.

"Actually, that's a rather good idea."

Seraphina raised an eyebrow.

"Think about it," Isabella continued. "One day, when you're a famous artist, someone might pay a fortune for a dress you've accidentally splashed paint on. They'll call it a piece of history."

Seraphina laughed. "You make it sound so easy."

"Because it is. You just need to stop hiding your talent."

"I'm not hiding anything. I simply paint because I enjoy it."

"And you're very good at it."

Seraphina lowered her eyes, embarrassed by the praise. She had never been comfortable discussing her artistic abilities, especially around people who belonged to Demian's social circle. They were accustomed to expensive exhibitions and famous artists. She couldn't imagine putting her own work beside theirs.

Besides, her paintings were personal. They held thoughts and feelings she wasn't ready to explain to anyone.

"You're the only person who has seen most of them," she reminded Isabella.

"Exactly. And I happen to know what I'm talking about. You could be the next Da vinci."

"Now you're exaggerating."

"I'm encouraging you. There's a difference."

Isabella restarted the wardrobe system. After a few seconds, she stopped it again and removed two dresses from the rail.

One was a royal-black linen sheath dress. The other was a coral-pink silk dress with a flowing skirt.

"Which one?"

Seraphina didn't hesitate.

"The black one."

Isabella looked at her in surprise. "That was quick."

"What?"

"You usually take forever to decide. Sometimes I think you enjoy making me suffer."

Seraphina laughed and reached for the Black dress. "I just like this colour."

Isabella checked the label and shook her head.

"You haven't worn this once. Do you know how much Agnes paid for it?"

Seraphina glanced at the price.

"She probably used the clothing budget."

"Three thousand dollars, Seraphina."

"I know."

"Does she understand that spending the entire allowance isn't compulsory?"

Seraphina smiled. "She believes that if Demian has set aside a certain amount, she should make sure every penny is used."

Isabella stared at her before bursting into laughter.

"So she's running the wardrobe like a government department. Spend everything before the next budget review!"

"Something like that."

"Well, at least this dress won't remain untouched today. Let's find you some shoes."

Seraphina turned towards the shoe shelves. The choices were so numerous that she had no idea where to begin. She finally settled on a pair of black and red heels with delicate ankle straps and small sparkling hearts near the toes.

Isabella inspected them and nodded approvingly.

"Good choice."

She then picked out a soft pink cashmere shawl to complete the outfit.

By the time they had settled on the accessories, Isabella had already begun planning the rest of Seraphina's appearance. Her hair needed a little attention, and she insisted on giving her makeup a fresh, natural finish.

Seraphina sat patiently while her friend worked, occasionally glancing at the clock.

She was curious about Demian's sudden invitation. Perhaps he had planned something special. Maybe the lunch was his way of making up for the time they had spent apart.

Whatever it was, she hoped the day would give them a chance to reconnect.

When Isabella finally stepped back, she looked pleased with her work.

"There. Perfect."

Seraphina turned towards the mirror. The black dress complemented her complexion, while the pink shawl softened the overall look. Her hair framed her face neatly, and her makeup made her look refreshed.

"I like it," she admitted.

"Of course you do. I chose it."

Seraphina laughed and reached for her handbag.

"Can we go now?"

"Finally." Isabella took her by the arm. "I've been ready for ages."

They left the bedroom together, heading towards the waiting car.

Seraphina glanced once more at the time as they made their way downstairs. She still had no idea what Demian had planned at the hangar, but the thought of seeing him soon made her smile.

For once, she wasn't going to spend the day wondering when he would come home.

She was going to spend it with him.