Adeline's Ροv
My hands were horribly sweating as I kept thinking of the worst. I took a deep breath and decided to compose myself, focusing on the people gathered to celebrate my babies.
George and Lucius were sitting on the sofa discussing details of my pregnancy, from delivery at the family clinic to how Lucius will take some days off work to take care of me and my kids.
Surprisingly they looked like best friends, agreeing with each other and building upon the others advice. It was like they’ve put aside their differences for me, to make sure everything goes smoothly and I'm well taken care of.
Two weeks ago, George requested his company for a transfer —which Lucius used his contacts to get sanctioned— so he's moving closer now which is great because he promised to visit more often. Since Josh wants to experience my pregnancy I'm guessing he'll probably come over quite regularly.
Valerie was standing with Sasha and Cyrus with each one holding a champagne glass, talking about their wedding which will be held after a year. Since it's a wedding of two Mafias, there's so many protocols —from venues, security and a huge guest list— to be kept in mind which is why the preparations have already begun.
Rhyett went to stand near his girlfriend to join the conversation but Valerie excused herself, leaving him alone with the couple. And joined Kaito, Ewan and Julian who were busy shaming the twins' spending habits.
I brought my gaze to the guest we have today. He’s getting glared from left and right. The judgemental eyes on him are hard but he doesn't care about any as he stands in front of me confidently.
The twins have partnered with Josh to gang up against Reign. They’ve told him everything from how he flirted with me in the Gala and how much of a brat he is.
They've forgotten their rivalry and bonded over their common hatred for the poor guy. I guess the enemy's enemy is a friend.
“That's a lot, Reign.” I said genuinely, eyeing the piles of gifts.
There was everything from diapers to toys, clothes and even children books and toddler snacks that won't be needed anytime soon. Reign really went all out on it.
“I hand picked these.” He told me proudly.
“That's so sweet but you didn't have to.”
I was unsure how to feel about his gesture. It was so cute that he put in the effort to do all that but I couldn't just accept it. It was too much and probably cost more than an average man’s monthly salary.
“I agree, it's really sweet.” Josh said, shoving the rest of the honey oat bar in his mouth.
“Hey! That's for the babies.” Reign protested.
“It's a while till they’ll be able to eat it. By that time we'll get them the new and better ones.” Adam said, looking through the basket of snacks for my kids.
“You can't just take that without my permission.” I said, pulling him away from my gifts.
“But it's actually good,” Altas said walking over with the same bar in hand. “Try this.” He forwarded it to me and I took a bite.
It was actually really good so I decided to take a few for myself. What surprised me was that all three of them were together in ending the whole supply for my babies like they had no love for them. I need better uncles for my little lives.
“You can take multiples but we can't even take one.” Adam accused me.
“I'm now taking it for myself, I'm feeding the babies. They’re hungry and they just asked if I could get them something sweet.” I argued.
Just then I saw Josh sneakily taking out a pack of applesauce and I ran to stop him from doing that. But as I shoved him away, Altas took some toffees out.
“I'm killing all of you once I'm old enough to buy a gun.” I said, getting irritated.
“I can get you one if you want.” Reign meant it. I could only shake my head and roll my eyes at his words. He scowled and leaned towards my ear. “Don’t roll your eyes at me, that's rude.”
I rolled them again in rebellion and he narrowed his eyes playfully. A smile appeared on my face at his childishness and he grinned at me.
“Keep smiling princess, you look gorgeous when you do.” He whispered to me.
I was in the middle of blushing when Josh came to stand in the middle of us. He scowled at Reign and grabbed my hand.
“I think we need to discuss something.” I nodded and he tugged me to go with him.
When we were out of Reign’s earshot, Josh mumbled, “He’s so shameless.”
I stopped and looked at him. “What? He didn't even do anything.”
“He was flirting with you in front of all of us.”
“He wasn't.” I said immediately. “He was just a little nervous being here so he was sticking by my side.” I made a perfect excuse.
“He didn't look nervous.” He narrowed his eyes at me. “Why were you blushing? What did he say?”
“I wasn't blushing. It's just… pregnant women look flushed. It's science. It's okay if you don't know that, it’s not your strongest subject.” I held my head up high hoping he’ll believe my words.
“Fuckkkkkk.” He whispered, shocked. “You have a crush on him!”
My eyes widened and I immediately pulled him closer, gesturing to lower his voice further. “I don't! Are you crazy? I'm literally pregnant with two kids.”
“So? You can still have a crush on the side. And it could be that your hormones are going crazy and you wanna get with the only friend you have who happens to be cute in your dictionary.”
“When did I say he was cute?” He is. But I'm very careful discussing him with my family.
“Multiple times. You said he's cute when he tries to help me out in cooking and gets frustrated like a little kid. He’s cute when he tells me I make the best desserts in the world.” Josh said, trying to mimic my voice.
“And this one time you were absolutely head over heels when you told me he doesn't care that I'm pregnant. He’s still my friend. He’s trying to make things better between us. I think he’s changing, Josh. I love the new him. He’s honestly so adorable.” He added.
I took a deep breath hearing him repeat my lines word to word. I'm shocked that I managed to reveal all my feelings to him without even realizing. It's his fault for being such a good listener.
He's always been my secret keeper but I wanted to keep my small little weird attraction to Reign hidden, even from Josh. I don't want to admit it because it’s wrong for me to think such thoughts when I should be focusing on my babies.
“Josh, my mood swings are horrible and I might've been in my drunk blabbering mode when I said that, don't take it seriously.” I mumbled embarrassed.
“You definitely have a crush on him.” He stated with complete clarity.
I pinch his arm hard and he hissed. “I don't! Stop saying that. He might hear you.”
“Chill, he’s not gonna hear you all the way from there.” Josh looked towards Reign and saw him talking to Cyrus in the far end of the room. “By the way, it doesn't look like anyone likes him here —other than you obviously— why is he still alive? Aren't Mafia families supposed to… you know like kill off possible boyfriends?”
“Seriously?” I scowled at him.
“Well I'm guessing they won't kill your friends but how are they so okay with him coming over? I get it he’s here because of you but why're they been so nice to him? It's weird.”
“I guess I forgot to tell you a little something.” I scratched the back of my head. “You know Lucius has the USA Mafia under his control?” He nods. “Ethan Astor is sort of his boss, he has the whole North American Mafia under him and… Reign’s his sole heir.”
His eyes widened with shock. “What the fuck? You're not doing this. You're gonna only date a normal dude, Addy. Don't get involved in the Mafia shit. You deserve a better man than a to-be criminal. He’s gonna drive you into a dangerous lifestyle.”
“My life’s already not all sunshine and rainbows, Josh. I'm daughter of a Mafia leader, it's never gonna be normal for me. Considering that… Reign isn't that bad.”
I don't know why I'm arguing with him when I had made up my mind to never date Reign but I still wanted his approval. I don't understand the need to make Josh agree that Reign can be a right person for me.
“Gosh, my sister's really gone. You're deep in it now.” Josh shook his head. “Anyways, I'm not gonna try to talk you out of it because I mean, he’s not the worst. Even Altas and Adam said he’s nice to you.” He looked back at Reign and made a face. “Could get a few plastic surgeries done though.”
I chuckled. “He’s pretty as is.”
Our conversation was cut short when Lucius came by my side. “Let’s cut the cake now?”
There was no point in delaying it. Every single person invited was here now. I had to find out the truth even if it might suck out all my sanity. It's happening today. And what I'm scared of could be a reality.
“Okay.” I mumbled.
I followed him to the table where two cakes were beautifully set. I should feel excited seeing it but my heart was sinking. I was stressed and I couldn't bring myself to be happy no matter what the results were.
Everyone lined up in front of me with the expression that I should be mirroring. They were all so enthusiastic. They weren't doing this as an obligation, they genuinely wanted to know what it's gonna be. And gender didn't matter to them.
“I really hope atleast one of them is a boy.” Kaito said in excitement but his words only made it difficult for me to keep up this facade.
“No!” Sasha said and looked up with her hands joined. “God, please let it be girls. Amen.”
Cyrus chuckled and kissed her cheek. It was so cute to see them together. It must be nice to have a partner next to you in all of your special moments —especially something like gender reveal.
My gaze fell on Reign again and he gave me a thumbs up mumbling, “You got this.”
I smiled at him and looked back at the cake. “I’m doing it then.” I announced.
The cakes were two layered with the center filled with either blue or pink. No one except Valerie knew what was inside each. She conducted my ultrasound and was in charge of getting the cakes made.
The knife in my hand cut through the icing and then the layer but I hesitate to pull it out. I closed my eyes for a moment and finally did it.
When I looked at the color of the cream on the blade, a huge smile appeared on my face. I couldn't hold it anymore and a few tears went loose. I was crying from relief.
It's a girl.
I couldn't bear the thought of having a boy and I was so glad to have a girl.
I looked up when I heard hooting. Even those who wanted a boy were cheering. Everyone had a face of pure happiness, they were so excited to have a girl in the family.
“Woah, what happened, kiddo? Why are you crying?” Kaito asked worriedly.
I chuckled and wiped the tears away. “It's happy tears.”
“Okay next one!” Altas brought me out of my trance. “Fingers crossed it's gonna be a boy.”
I gulped realizing that this wasn't over with just one gender, I had another one to find out. I'm having two and if they're opposites I’m scared I'll prefer one over the other.
I shook off the thought. There's a huge chance that the next one will be a girl too. The universe can't be so unfair to me.
I grabbed a clean knife and exhaled a breath. I'm overthinking, I should calm down. I'm stressing my babies out. If they could understand the thoughts going through my mind right now, they'd hate me forever.
As I pressed it into the cake, my heart stopped for a second at the possible good news but when I pulled it out, any remnant of a smile wiped off of my face.
I felt like wires were wrapped around my heart and with each passing second they were only pulling tighter and tighter.
I couldn't focus as someone jumps on me in happiness and hugs me. I was lost in my thoughts that all I could hear was Altas shouting.
“It's a boy. It's a boy. It's a boy. It's a boy.” He said repeatedly as he fist bumped the air.
He was so happy about it. I should be too. But all I could think about was how this baby is gonna ruin my life. I can't live with the guilt that I love one of my children less.
I've already failed as a mother.
When Ewan pulls back he looks at me and frowns. “Brat? What’s wrong?”
I look at him and try to force a smile. “Nothing. It’s just… it's a lot to take in.”
“I can understand. It's overwhelming but trust me this is really the best. You're getting one of each with just one pregnancy. How cool is that?”
“It is.” I whispered.
“Get off! My turn.” Julian shoves him away and gently hugs me. “My baby sissy is gonna have her own little babies —a boy and a girl.” He sing-songed. “I think I'm gonna die waiting for them to be out.”
He pulls back and kisses my cheek. When I looked around, I saw Cyrus getting so excited that he nearly fell down with Sasha as he jumped on her for an over energetic hug.
Lucius came to my side and kissed my forehead. “Our family's having two new additions, I can't explain how splendid I feel right now. Thank you for giving me this joy.”
“It's not like it was my choice.” I said without thinking.
His expressions dropped and he looked at me shocked by what I just said at such a happy moment. I was ruining everything. I couldn't be happy myself so I was taken away their joy too.
Before he could say anything to me, Rhyett came towards us. “I really wanted a girl. Thank you, thank you, thank you for giving me a little princess. I love you so much.” He kissed my hair repeatedly.
I just smiled at him. I was feeling too weak to answer anyone. I wanted to go back to my room and cry for hours. I didn't want to take everyone's congratulations and realize how I'm the worst one of them.
When he turned around to let everyone else have a turn, he came face to face with Valerie. Rhyett instantly tried to hug her to congratulate but she swiftly moved away and came towards me.
“I'm so happy for you, sweetie.” She kissed my cheek. “Only I know how horrible it is to know the gender but not be able to talk about them with anyone.” She chuckled.
George was next. He gently grabbed both of my hands and kissed the knuckles on each. “I seriously can't wait to have the little bundles of joy in my arms. I'm so happy they're being born where they'll be so loved and cared for. Congratulations, my baby.”
“Thank you." I said, trying to push away tears.
“They’re gonna be the happiest kids in the whole USA.” Josh added, hugging me next.
“I wish.”
A kid wants parents, mine would only have one. And even I can't love them the way I initially intended to. How will they ever be happy with me?
Both of my parents asked if I wanted to abort but I refused. I thought I could do this. I decided to be a mother and to not kill the innocent life.
But I forgot to consider the fact that my kid might be born with my rapist’s features. And when I realized that, I resented having a boy.
I wish he won't look like my worst nightmare, otherwise I can't give him the love he deserves. I'd be incapable of feeling the same sentiments for him as I would for my baby girl.
When Sasha came towards me, she had a beautiful smile on her face —one that I should have. “Congrats, Addy. I hope your kids will be nothing like Altas or Adam —who hate me for no reason.” She chuckles. “Are you happy?”
“Yes.” I said not meeting her eyes.
“Cyrus sure is.” She says looking at him in adoration.
Valerie had a group —consisting of all my brothers and Kaito — around her as she explained to them my ultrasound, more specifically showing them the genitals.
When Reign came to stand in front of me, he had a huge grin on his face with an adoration in his eyes. He forwards his hand to me and I slip mine in his.
“Congratulations, princess. You're gonna be the best mother in the whole world.”
“Thanks, Reign.” I tried focusing on his beautiful eyes to ignore the unsettling feeling in me.
“You can leave her hand now.” Ewan grumbles and I instantly pull back my hand.
Reign glared at him but didn't say anything. I guess he was enjoying holding my hand just like I was finding comfort in his.
After another few minutes when everyone was done congratulating me, I moved to Lucius and whispered to him. “I don't feel good, can I go to my room and rest?”
“Okay but if there's anything bothering you, you know you can talk to me.” He tells me genuinely.
“Everything's fine. I just feel a little overwhelmed.”
“It's normal, sweetheart. It's your first time, it gets overwhelming.” He reassures me.
I nodded and left without another word. I was so disheartened that I couldn't accept the reality. I wanted to discuss my feelings with someone but I didn't want anyone to know how much of a horrible mother I am.
I knew I was wrong but I couldn't help wishing I didn't have a baby boy.
Or even a girl if she's gonna be born with his features.
I went to my room and locked the door. I took a deep breath and rested my head against the headboard trying to collect my thoughts.
I didn't realize when I dozed off but the sleep was nothing close to peaceful.
———
I hope I didn't disappoint too many people with the genders.
For those of you saying "2 girls" I get it. It would've been easier for her. But I wanted her to overcome this feeling because they're her kids, doesn't matter who they look like.
And for those of you saying "2 boys" I get you too. Being the only girl and having overprotective sons is cool. But honestly I wanted to write some cute baby girl moments with the Storms brothers so a girl was necessary.