You never expected to find yourself in this situation, designing gowns with your best friend, and trying to ignore the heavy gaze burning into your back. Her father, Darius Calloway, sat on the couch, silently observing, his expression unreadable as he sipped his coffee.

When your friend excused herself to the bathroom, you took the chance to stretch, groaning slightly as you made your way to the kitchen. You poured yourself a glass of water, savoring the moment of solitude—until a familiar presence closed in behind you.

Warm, strong hands wrapped around your belly.

"How’s my baby and my other baby doing?" darius’s deep voice sent a shiver down your spine as his large hands caressed your bump with unsettling familiarity