The revelation hung in the air between them, a mix of joy and trepidation swirling in their hearts. Nina's breath caught in her throat as she stared at Alejandro, unable to find the right words to respond.
"You... you think I'm pregnant?" She finally managed to say, her voice trembling with emotion.
Alejandro nodded, a tender smile on his lips.
"I do," He confirmed, his hand reaching out to cup her cheek lovingly, "And I couldn't be happier."
A tear escaped Nina's eye as she took in the weight of his words. In the midst of all the pain and turmoil they had been through, she never imagined that this moment would bring such profound happiness.
Alejandro's thumb brushed away the tear on her cheek as he gazed into her eyes with unwavering support.
"You will be an amazing mother," He assured her, "Just as you are an amazing wife and an amazing agent. We'll figure this out together, cariño."
Nina leaned into his touch, finding solace in his words and the love he so freely offered. Despite the difficulties they had faced, their bond remained unbreakable, and this new chapter in their lives only served to strengthen it further.
The dimly lit bar buzzed with chatter and laughter as Steve, Connie, and Javier gathered around a table, each nursing their drinks. It had been a long day at work, and they were looking forward to unwinding together. Nina had declined their invitation to join them, citing fatigue from a busy day.
"She's been working non-stop lately," Steve said, taking a sip of his beer, "I'm glad she's taking some time for herself."
"Yeah, she deserves it," Connie chimed in, a smile spreading across her face, "She's been through so much, and she's handling it all like a champ."
Javier nodded, his heart aching at the mention of Nina. He had been keeping his distance from her, trying to respect her space and her marriage with Alejandro. But it was hard to be around her friends without thinking about her, without missing the easy camaraderie they once shared.
"I heard she's been staying late at the office," Javier said, trying to keep the conversation casual, "Any progress on Escobar?"
Steve and Connie exchanged glances before Steve spoke up.
Javier smiled, trying to ignore the pang of jealousy that crept into his heart. He had to be happy for Nina, for her dedication and resilience. But it was hard not to feel a tinge of envy that he wasn't the one by her side, working alongside her.
As the evening wore on, Steve and Connie continued to share updates on their work, while Javier tried his best to keep the conversation light. He laughed at their jokes, joined in on their banter, all the while hiding the turmoil he felt inside.
When the waitress came around to take their orders, she asked Nina's friends if they wanted another round of drinks. Steve and Connie eagerly accepted, but Javier hesitated for a moment before declining.
"I think I'm good for now," He said, offering a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
Steve and Connie exchanged puzzled looks, both noticing the change in Javier's demeanor. They knew that he and Nina had been close, and they couldn't help but wonder if something was bothering him.
"Are you okay, Javi?" Connie asked, her concern evident in her voice.
Javier nodded, trying to brush off their worries.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just not in the mood for another drink, that's all."
Steve leaned in, his voice low, "Is this about Nina? You guys have been distant lately."
Javier sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"It's complicated," He admitted, "I care about her, and I want her to be happy. But I also know that I can't be the one to give her that happiness."
Steve and Connie exchanged knowing glances.
"It's not easy when you have feelings for someone and can't act on them," She said gently, "But you're doing the right thing by giving her space."
Javier nodded, grateful for their understanding. He took a deep breath, trying to push aside his own feelings and focus on being a good friend to Nina. The conversation shifted to lighter topics, and Javier did his best to be present in the moment, to enjoy the company of his friends.
But as the night wore on, and the drinks continued to flow, Javier couldn't shake the ache in his heart. He watched as Steve and Connie laughed and teased each other, their love for each other evident in every gesture and word.
He couldn't help but wonder if he would ever find that kind of happiness, that kind of love. He had buried his own feelings for Nina deep inside, but they were always there, lingering just below the surface.
He knew that he had to find a way to move on, to let go of his feelings for her. But he also knew that it would take time and distance to heal his heart.
The following day, the atmosphere at the embassy was abuzz with excitement and whispers as news of Nina's pregnancy spread like wildfire. The secret was out, and soon everyone knew that their fierce and dedicated agent was going to be a mother. Colleagues congratulated her, and many offered warm wishes and hugs as they passed her by in the hallways.
Steve and Connie were among the first to rush to her side, their faces glowing with happiness. They enveloped Nina in a tight group hug, and tears of joy sparkled in Connie's eyes.
"I can't believe it! You're going to be a mom!" Connie exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine happiness.
Nina smiled, feeling overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support.
"Yeah, it's still sinking in, but I'm excited," She admitted.
"Excited? You should be over the moon!" Steve chimed in, a broad grin stretching across his face, "You're going to be an amazing mom."
"Thank you," Nina said, her heart touched by their enthusiasm.
As the day went on, the news continued to spread, and Nina was met with an endless stream of congratulations and well-wishes. She couldn't help but feel a sense of joy despite the guilt that still lingered in the depths of her heart.
However, amidst the celebration, Nina couldn't ignore the slight tension between her and Javier. He congratulated her with a smile, but she could see the sadness that flickered in his eyes, hidden behind his usual charm. It tore at her heart to know that her happiness was causing him pain.
Later that afternoon, Javier caught Nina alone in the breakroom, and he couldn't resist the urge to talk to her, to see how she was really feeling.
"Hey," He said softly, leaning against the counter, "How are you holding up?"
Nina forced a smile, but Javier could see the weariness in her eyes.
"I'm okay. Just a bit overwhelmed by all the attention."
He nodded, understanding the pressure she must be feeling.
"Well, you deserve it," He said, "You're going to be an amazing mom."
The words were sincere, but they were also bittersweet for Javier. He wanted to be happy for Nina, to share in her joy, but his own feelings of longing and regret clouded his ability to fully celebrate with her.
"Thanks, Javi," Nina replied, her voice soft, "I hope so."
Javier wanted to say more, to tell her how much he cared for her, but he knew that it wasn't the right time or place. He couldn't risk complicating things further, not when she was finally finding happiness in her life.
"I'm really happy for you," He said, trying to keep his voice steady, "You and Alejandro are going to be great parents."
Nina's smile faltered for a moment, and Javier could see a hint of sadness in her eyes. But she quickly composed herself, hiding her emotions behind a mask of strength.
"Thank you," She said, "That means a lot to me."
As they stood there in silence, Javier knew that he had to find a way to move on, to let go of his feelings for Nina. He couldn't continue to hold on to something that could never be, not when it was causing him so much pain.
Later that evening, as Javier sat alone in his apartment, he couldn't shake the ache in his heart. He thought about Nina, about the bond they once shared, and about the happiness she had found with Alejandro. He knew that he had to let her go, to find his own happiness apart from her.
But it wasn't going to be easy.
Over the next few months, as Nina's pregnancy progressed, the tension between her and Javier remained. They worked together as professionals, but there was always an undercurrent of unspoken emotions whenever they were in the same room.
Nina was grateful for the support of her friends and colleagues, especially Steve and Connie, who continued to be a source of strength and encouragement. They helped her navigate the challenges of pregnancy while also supporting her in her mission to take down Escobar.
As Nina's due date approached, the tension between her and Javier finally came to a head. They found themselves alone together in the breakroom once more, and Javier could no longer keep his feelings hidden.
"I need to say something," He said, his voice trembling with emotion.
Nina looked at him, her heart racing.
"What is it?"
He took a deep breath, trying to find the right words.
"I've been trying to move on, to let go of my feelings for you," He admitted, "But it's been harder than I thought. I care about you so much, and it hurts to see you with Alejandro."
Nina's heart ached as she listened to Javier's confession. She knew that she had hurt him deeply, and she wished there was something she could do to ease his pain.
"I'm so sorry," She said, her voice soft, "I never wanted to hurt you."
"I know," Javier replied, a tear escaping his eye, "And I don't blame you. It's just...hard, you know?"
Nina nodded, her own eyes filling with tears.
"I do know," She said, "And I wish there was something I could do to make it easier for you."
Javier took a step closer to her, reaching out to gently wipe away her tears.
"You don't have to do anything," He said, his voice gentle, "Just know that I'll always care about you, no matter what."
They stood there in silence for a moment, the weight of their unspoken feelings hanging heavy in the air. It was clear that they both still cared deeply for each other, but they also knew that they had to find a way to move on and find their own paths in life.
"I want you to be happy, Nina," Javier said, his voice filled with sincerity, "And I hope that you and Alejandro find all the happiness you deserve."
Nina smiled through her tears, grateful for Javier's understanding and support.
"I wish the same for you."
With that, they shared a bittersweet smile, knowing that their friendship would never be the same, but also knowing that the bond they shared would always be a part of them.
Nina's due date was fast approaching, and the tension in the Escobar case was escalating with each passing day. The drug lord's operations had become more brazen, and the danger to Nina and her team had intensified. But despite the risks, Nina refused to take her maternity leave, determined to see the case through to the end.
Her belly had grown significantly, and she waddled slightly as she moved around the office. Colleagues would smile and offer her a seat, but Nina would brush off their concerns with a determined look in her eyes.
Alejandro, however, was becoming increasingly worried. He could see the toll that the stress and long hours were taking on Nina's health, and he knew that she needed to take care of herself and their baby. He had begged her multiple times to consider going on maternity leave, but Nina had remained stubborn and resolute.
One evening, as they were sitting in their living room, Alejandro brought up the topic once more.
"Nina, please," He pleaded, taking her hands in his, "I can't bear to see you like this. The stress is too much, especially for the baby."
Nina sighed, looking down at her belly, where their daughter was growing. She knew that Alejandro was right, but she couldn't shake the feeling that she needed to see the case through to the end.
"I appreciate your concern, but I can't back down now," She said, her voice firm, "This is our chance to bring down Escobar once and for all."
"I understand that," Alejandro replied, his voice gentle, "But you need to think about your health and the baby's health. I can't bear the thought of anything happening to either of you."
Nina looked into his eyes, seeing the fear and love that filled them. She knew that he was right, but the thought of leaving the case unresolved weighed heavily on her.
"I promise you, I'll be careful," She said, "I won't take any unnecessary risks."
Alejandro squeezed her hands, his worry evident.
"I know you'll be careful," He said, "But this case is getting more dangerous every day. I can't bear the thought of losing you or the baby."
Tears welled up in Nina's eyes as she looked at her husband. She knew that he was only trying to protect her, but she also knew that she couldn't back down now.
"I need to see this through, Ale," She said, her voice trembling, "I can't let Escobar get away with what he's done. I won't rest until he's behind bars. Real ones. Not like La Catedral."
Alejandro sighed, knowing that he couldn't change her mind. He loved Nina and admired her dedication to her work, but he also feared for her safety.
"I know," He said, pulling her into a gentle embrace, "Just promise me that you'll take care of yourself and the baby. Don't push yourself too hard."
Nina nodded, holding him tight.
"I promise," she whispered, "I'll do everything I can to keep us safe."
As the days passed, the tension in the Escobar case continued to mount. Nina and her team worked tirelessly to gather evidence and build a case against the drug lord, while Alejandro continued to worry about his wife and their unborn child.
One evening, as Nina was working late in her office, Alejandro walked in with a determined look on his face.
"That's it," He said, "I've talked to the Ambassador, and she's agreed to put you on desk duty until the baby is born."
Nina looked up at him, surprise written across her face.
"Alejandro, I can't—"
"Yes, you can," He interrupted, "You've done everything you can for this case. Now it's time to take care of yourself and our baby."
Nina felt a mix of frustration and gratitude. She knew that Alejandro was right, but she also didn't want to feel like she was giving up.
"I can't just sit behind a desk while my team is out there risking their lives," She argued.
"You've done enough," Alejandro said, his voice firm, "You've been a dedicated and fearless agent, and now it's time to focus on your health and our baby's well-being."
Nina sighed, realizing that she couldn't fight him on this. She knew that he was only trying to protect her, and she couldn't ignore the fact that she was tired and worn down from the case.
"Okay," She relented, "I'll take the desk duty. But only until the baby is born."
Alejandro smiled, relieved that she had finally agreed. He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.
"Thank you," He said, "I love you, and I just want you and the baby to be safe."
"I love you too," Nina replied, "And I promise I'll take care of myself."
The day had finally come. Nina's due date had arrived, and the excitement and nervousness in the air were palpable. Alejandro had been eagerly anticipating the birth of their baby, eager to share this special moment with his wife.
As Nina sat at her desk, trying to focus on her work, she felt a sudden sharp pain shoot through her abdomen. She winced, clutching her belly.
"Alejandro," She called out, her voice tinged with urgency.
He rushed over to her side, concern etched across his face.
"What's wrong? Are you okay?"
"I think... I think I'm having contractions," She managed to say, her breaths becoming quick and shallow.
At that moment, Javier appeared by her side as well, concern mirrored in his eyes.
"Do you need me to call a doctor?"
Before Nina could respond, another contraction hit her, and she grimaced in pain. Alejandro took charge, guiding her to stand and supporting her weight.
"We need to get you to the hospital," Alejandro said firmly, his focus solely on Nina.
Javier felt a pang of disappointment, knowing that he wanted to be the one to take care of her. But he couldn't bring himself to leave Nina's side. He was in love with her, and the thought of not being there for her during this momentous occasion was unbearable.
"I'll call for a taxi," Javier offered as he stepped to his desk, then grabbed the phone and dialed the number.
As they waited for the taxi, Nina clung to Alejandro's arm, her face flushed with pain and exertion. He gently brushed a strand of hair away from her forehead, trying to comfort her.
"We're going to be parents," He whispered, his voice filled with emotion.
Nina managed a weak smile through the pain.
"I can't believe it."
As the taxi arrived, Javier opened the door and helped Nina inside, taking a seat next to her. Alejandro sat on her other side, holding her hand tightly as the taxi sped towards the hospital.
When they arrived, the medical staff quickly took over, whisking Nina away to the labor and delivery unit. Alejandro and Javier followed closely behind, both wanting to be by her side every step of the way.
Nina's contractions intensified, and she gripped Alejandro's hand tightly. He remained by her side, whispering words of encouragement and love.
"You're doing great, mi amor," He said, his voice unwavering.
But despite his words, Alejandro couldn't help but notice that Javier was still there, standing in the background, never straying too far from Nina's side. Alejandro felt a twinge of jealousy and frustration, wanting this moment to be just between him and Nina, but he knew he couldn't push Javier away.
As Nina's labor progressed, Javier took on a more active role, fetching water and providing comfort when Alejandro needed to step away for a moment.
Throughout the entire process, Javier's heart ached. He was in love with Nina, and yet, he had to stand by and watch her go through this with Alejandro by her side. He wanted to be the one holding her hand, the one whispering sweet words of encouragement, but he knew that wasn't his place.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, their baby was born, and the room was filled with the sound of a baby's first cry. Nina and Alejandro looked at each other with tears in their eyes, their hearts overflowing with love for their newborn child.
"It's a girl," The nurse announced with a smile, placing the tiny bundle in Nina's arms.
Nina's eyes filled with tears as she cradled their daughter against her chest.
"She's perfect," She whispered, her voice filled with awe.
Alejandro leaned in, placing a tender kiss on their daughter's forehead, his heart bursting with love and pride.
"She's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen," He said, his voice catching with emotion.
Javier stood back, his own heart breaking as he watched the new parents share this precious moment together. He knew he couldn't intrude any further. He had to give them their space and let them be the family they were meant to be.
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