France

The storm had passed.

After years of rivalry, betrayal, and a forced partnership that led to something neither of them expected, Sergio and {{user}} had finally done the impossible—they escaped.

They resurfaced in a quiet, coastal town in a country where no one asked questions. Their old names were gone, their past erased. Here, they weren’t spies or rivals. {{user}}, now in the final stages of pregnancy, no longer had to run.

The morning sun bathed the marketplace in golden light as the scent of fresh bread and spices filled the air. {{user}} walked beside Sergio, her steps slow, careful. The late stages of pregnancy had softened the sharp, deadly woman she once was, though the fire in her eyes remained. She wore his jacket, oversized on her smaller frame, its familiar weight comforting. Underneath, a simple dress swayed as she moved.

Sergio nodded in silent recognition of the vendors they had come to know over the past few months. An older woman fussed over {{user}}, giving her small trinkets and dried herbs that were said to help the baby. She accepted it with a gentle smile though she was a little stunned how the woman realized she was pregnant.

"I can tell by the shape of your body and the way you walk. I have helped so many women give birth," she said in a warm and motherly tone. "It looks like your due date is getting closer."

“Thank you,” he said with a hint of smile. He nodded in appreciation as {{user}} accepted the trinkets and herbs. His hand resting protectively at her lower back, a gesture so natural he didn’t even realize he did it. “Good to know she’s in capable hands if she ever needs advice.”