JANE POV

I was not expecting Emily.


Usually, she called me every morning. Sometimes she comes to visit during the day and she would bring little things for the baby I was carrying.

Clothes, jewelry, soft tiny shoes, and beautiful caps. She didn't even know if the baby was a boy or girl, but she always picked the cutest items.

This evening, Hades was at my house again and we just finished setting the dinner table. He paid a cooking company, so every night, they sent a waitress to arrange sweet meals and It felt like magic every time. The food smelt good, the lighting was soft, and the table looked romantic.


"Come, let's eat," I said to him, smiling.

He smiled back and pulled the chair for me. "Anything for my queen," he said softly.


I laughed. "Remember, just co-parenting."

"Of course," he replied. "No feelings attached. Just the baby."

We sat down and he reached for the juice. Then the doorbell rings.

We both pause.

"Are you expecting someone?" Hades asked.

"No," I said slowly and I stood up.

I walked to the door carefully and my baby bump was growing now, and I tried not to move too fast, when I opened the door, my heart jumped.

"Emily!"

She smilesld brightly and hugged me tight. "Surprise! I was in the area. I have a flight tonight but I have to see you."

I smiled too. "You should have called. Come in."

As we walked back to the dining room, Emily's eyes met Hades'. The moment their eyes locked, I felt something.

Silence. Pure silence and both of them froze.

Emily stood by the table, and clutched her small pink handbag. Hades looked like he saw a ghost and his jaw clenched.

I cleared my throat. "It's okay, guys. The past is the past. Let it go. Let's all sit and eat."

Emily nodded slowly. Hades didn't say a word but pulled out a chair for her.

Dinner started quietly and then it became peaceful. We laughed a little and Emily told stories about her new apartment and the job I helped her get. Hades talked about his new contract and he kept stealing glances at me.

"You are glowing, Jane," Emily said. "This pregnancy looks so good on you."

I blushed, "Thank you."

When we finished eating, Emily checked her phone.

"I have to go," she said. "My flight is in two hours. I just wanted to say hi before leaving."

I stood up and hugged her. "Thanks for coming. Safe journey."

She waved goodbye to Hades, and he nodded stiffly.

After she left, only silence remained and Hades stood and said, "I should go too."

I nodded. "Okay. Thanks for coming."

He moved to the door. Then we hear it.

Thunder and then rain. It was heavy and wild and the rain poured down like a storm.

I walked to the window and peered outside. "You didn't come with a driver today?"

"No," he said. "I just wanted to drop by quickly."

"Then you can't go now," I say. "It's too heavy. Wait a bit."

He looks surprised. "You want me to stay?"

I laughed "It's just rain. I don't want to mop blood off my tiles if you fall. Sit down."

He laughed too and sat back on the couch and we both stayed quiet for a while.

The rain didn't stop, It only poured harder, louder and stronger, it was like a warning in the sky.

I stood by the window and looked outside and the wind moved the trees and the water hit the glass like tiny fists. Still, Hades was here with me.

He sat on the couch, quiet. The dinner was finished. Emily was gone. The silence between us felt calm but was full.

I glanced at the clock, it was past 10 p.m. The rain was too heavy and I knew he shouldn't drive in this weather.

'You should stay a little longer," I say, sitting beside him on the couch. 'The roads are too slippery now."

He looked at me and nodded. 'Yeah. I don't think I can even see the road."

We sat together. Just, sit. I folded my hands across my tummy and felt my baby move. A soft kick. My heart warmed up. I wonder if the baby knew he was here, his father.

Hades smiled. 'Did the baby kick just now?"

I nodded. 'Yes."

He leaned forward and his eyes lit up. 'Can I feel it?"

I hesitated for just a second, then nodded slowly. 'Yes. Just, be gentle."

He reached his hand to my stomach, and it rested there softly and his hand was warm. He waited and then suddenly, another small kick. We both laughed

'That's him, or her, saying hi," I whispered.

'I think they like me," he said softly, still not removing his hand.

We laughed again and then the laughter fades into silence, but not the uncomfortable kind. It was soft, peaceful. I didn't move, neither did he.

We started talking, about the old days, about the baby, about my cravings, and how I now like mangoes more than chocolate. He listened closely and nodded, laughing and I felt seen.

Then, without meaning to, his hand brushed against my chest,very lightly, like a breeze, blut I felt it.

He pulled back quickly and his face changed. It was like he just committed a crime.

'I, Jane, I'm so sorry," he said fast, his hands flew up in panic. 'I didn't mean to. I swear. I wasn't trying to"

I looked at him and his voice shook. He looked terrified.

My heart rang. I wanted to say something, but I didn't. I just watched him, breathing slowly, he didn't move and I didn't either.

And there was a long silence.

Then I reached for him and I didn't even think about it. My hand went to his face and I pulled him close and I kissed him, I kissed him deeply.

His lips were warm and they tasted like dinner, rain, and longing. My heart raced.

My hand pressed into his chest and his arms slowly wrapped around me. The kiss grew deeper and my body burned with feeling and feeling. I have tried to push away for too long but then I stopped

I pulled away suddenly and stood up fast.

'I think you should go," I said, breathing hard.

He looked confused and his lips were still wet from my kiss.

'Jane, are you okay?"

I nodded. 'Yes. I just, I don't know what I'm doing. I think you should go before I make a mistake."

He stood slowly. 'I didn't mean to cross the line."

'I know. It's not your fault," I said. 'It's mine."

I walked to the closet and pulled out an umbrella. 'Here. Take this."

He took it from my hand. 'Jane…"

'I'm fine," I cut in quickly. 'Please just go. And be safe."

He hesitates. Then sighs. 'Okay. I'm sorry."

He opened the door and the cold rain rushed in. He looked back one more time. Then I walked away.

I shut the door gently.

And I stand there. My hand still holding the knob.

My body still burning.

I leaned against the door and let out a breath I didn't know I was holding and I closed my eyes.

I wanted to stop him. I wanted to pull him back. Take him upstairs. Make him mine. Let him touch every part of me and make me feel like a woman again, like his woman.

But I didn't.

I just let him go.

Now, I stand in silence. My heart full. My mind spinning.

What have I done?