Adeline's Ροv
“Can you pass me the hammer?” Ewan asks me.
I put the yogurt back on the table and got up from my seat to get the hammer. “Why does everyone always ask me to do everything? I'm not your maid. I have a life. Am I only left to eat all day, suffer from horrible back pain, swollen feet and brothers who tell a pregnant woman to get up with this huge uncomfortable stomach and leave my food, all just to get them a hammer. And after all this, when I'm about to peacefully go to sleep I get kicked in the stomach like a slave.” I sighed, feeling overwhelmed. “Everyone acts like I'm the only one who doesn't do anything around the house, even these babies are so ungrateful for everything I do for them.”
When I reach Ewan, he has his mouth slightly apart and looks at me like he's out of words. I conclude he’s been weird but then I saw Josh with the same expressions as he sits in front of him holding the crib they're working on.
“Your hammer.” I grumble and hand him the thing before coming back to my seat to eat. “I hate it when they look at me like I've said some really nasty stuff. Can't I just overreact sometimes?” I whisper to Cyrus who’s sitting next to me as we both watch everyone else work.
“Chill, it wasn't your fault. He shouldn’t have asked you for help.” He tells me and passes me some more strawberries to add to my yogurt.
“You're right.” I agree with his conclusion.
We go back to supervising and share our opinions on who's putting in the most effort and who shouldn't be included when Cyrus sets up his kid’s nursery five years into the future.
Josh and Ewan work on the second crib as Reign's working with Julian on setting up the baby supplies in the cabinets. Adam and Altas are busy putting up the unflattering colorful curtains they chose thinking it would look good with the whole khaki and cream theme I decided upon.
“Shouldn’t the diaper station be on the right so it's easier to transfer the baby from the crib?” Reign suggests.
Julian considers the thought for a second. “I think we should rather move the cribs here because I really don't like them being so close to the window.”
“But we’ll need to put them in the sun occasionally so it's convenient to have them by the window.” Adam joined the conversation.
I scowled at him. “You’re talking about my babies like they're plants.”
“But babies need sunlight too.” He argued.
“Then I'll take them to the backyard for it. There's no need to put their crib by the window because you're too lazy to take them out of the bed.” I narrowed my eyes at him. “Don't worry I won't ask that from you if you hate babysitting so much.”
“There’s no need to be so rude, Addy. I was just trying to help with my limited knowledge.” Adam said irritatedly and looked away from me.
I started feeling so guilty. I always end up doing something that I shouldn't. I always take advantage of the care I'm getting for being pregnant and probably also the favorite child.
“I know,” I mumbled, biting my lip. “I'm sorry.”
I try not to always prioritize how I feel but also consider the impact of my words and actions towards others. I don't want to make my hormones an excuse but I can't help and feel strong emotions about the smallest things happening around me.
“It's okay. Cheer up now.” He said patting my back gently to let me know he's not mad at me.
It's so sweet that even if it was my fault, he’s cheering me up. Everyone knows I've started to overthink a lot which is why they try to let go of so many things where I'm wrong.
I nodded to him and he went back to his work as I grabbed my phone to check notifications. Just then a maid knocked on the door and informed me that my dress was here.
“Can you put it in my room please?” I asked her and she left mumbling, “Sure, Miss Storm.”
“Is that your prom dress?” Reign asks excitedly and I nod to the question. “Can I see it?”
I opened my mouth to make an excuse but I was out of words. I couldn't tell him it was a surprise for him, because then it would be too close to a boyfriend girlfriend thing. He's taking me to prom just as a friend and I shouldn't make it weird.
But at the same time, I really hate him taking even a single peek at my dress because I want him to see it on me. I want him to appreciate it when I'm wearing it.
“Don't you have any manners? Guys are not supposed to see the prom dress until the day. It's supposed to be a surprise.” Ewan told him frustratingly.
I was so relieved that he said that because I really didn't know what to say without being too suspicious.
I know Ewan only interfered to make my life easier because he himself doesn't particularly like the thought of Reign taking me to prom or any rituals around it.
Everyone except for Lucius, Cyrus and Rhyett were completely against the idea. The three of them weren't fans either but they didn't protest for lack of a good reason.
“I didn't really think about that…” Reign mumbled embarrassed. “But I'd love a surprise.” He smiled at me.
I couldn't help and blush at the thought of him being excited to see me all dressed up for him- for prom. I just hope he doesn't find me ugly because of the huge belly.
———
“What about Martha? I think she's the right choice.” Altas suggests.
Since my babies will be here in less than two weeks, we have to get a nanny as soon as possible. I wanted to care for them myself but my father has convinced me that having extra help won't be a bad idea.
Lucius chuckles. “She's been dead for years now, Altas.”
I didn't understand why that was a topic of amusement but my unasked question was soon answered by Rhyett. “She was a rat, dad had to kill her off.”
Altas and his twin were utterly shocked by the news as their mouth hung loose and eyes were widened like they were struck with the most horrible news of their life.
“Why didn't you tell us?” Adam gasped.
“Because you two loved her a lot. So we had to lie that your favorite nanny moved away.” Cyrus shrugged.
Altas and Adam were around three years when mom left and since then they were brought up by Lucius and nannies in his absence. I can't imagine how they must be feeling knowing that the woman who took care of you for a major part of their childhood, was just an undercover agent of their rivals.
All of a sudden Adam chuckled and my head snapped to him in disbelief that he's not sad about the reveal. Neither does his twin look like he's going through an emotional episode.
Ewan must've noticed the confusion on my face because he asked, “What happened?”
“Um…” I hesitate asking the question. “Aren't you… sad about it?” I look between the twins.
Altas smiled as if finding my question adorable. “We're used to people betraying us, that's why we don't trust as easily.”
“That's one thing our training with Cyrus taught us. Gaining control of our emotions and not crying over disloyal people.” Adam added.
I nodded, finding it extremely weird to not feel anything over the death of someone who was once close to you. But I guess that's how life in the Mafia is like.
“So we’re gonna look for a new nanny then?” Ewan asked Lucius.
I’d rather not have a complete stranger around my kids so I suggested. “Actually Reign and I were just talking about this last week. You know he had a nanny after his mother died, he said she was really sweet. She's a kindergarten teacher now. I was thinking we could hire her.”
“She’s already doing another job, let her.” Altas said scowling then grumbled, “We can find a better one than the heir’s suggestion.”
“Reign said he's already talked with her and she doesn't have a problem leaving her job.” I informed then added, “Given that we pay her well.”
I don't like putting extra costs on my family, especially when it's as much as double the cost of a whole salary. But I've been trying to get used to this lifestyle of putting comfort before money.
Rhyett narrows his eyes at me. “So you and Reign have been finalizing a nanny together?”
I felt so embarrassed at his words. We didn't do anything wrong but taking such an important decision with someone who's not family is really weird.
But I've started trusting Reign more than I'm willing to admit. And when he suggested someone, I knew she was the right choice for my kids.
Somewhere in me I know he cares a lot about my little lives.
“The kids have grown up so much that they don't need us any more.” Cyrus sighed dramatically.
“I didn't say that.” I protested with a blush coating my face. “I was gonna ask Lucius first.”
Cyrus started laughing like he's enjoying cornering me. My embarrassment dropped as I glared at him and launched the string cheese at him but he caught it before it could make contact with his face.
“Come up with some new ways of hitting your brothers, tigress. Because we're getting used to being attacked by random objects.” Altas suggested.
“Maybe if you guys weren't so bad then I wouldn't have to throw anything at you in the first place.” I grumbled sitting back in my seat.
“I don't think hiring someone as closely related to the Astor family would be a good idea.” Lucius said and I looked at him confused. “They might be nice but letting anyone —even if they're an ally— put their trusted people in your private space can be a threat.”
“Reign's not gonna recommend anyone who might harm my kids or me.” I argued being hundred percent sure of my words.
“I’m not saying the nanny would attack physically but there might be a transfer of confidential information that we're not willing to share with the boss.” He explained calmly.
I didn't like the implication that Reign would be involved in anything like that but I didn't argue further. Lucius did have a point. Being in the Mafia meant you can't trust anyone but your family and in the worst case, not even your own flesh and blood.
“I have someone in mind-” Julian was cut off as Adam very excitedly sat up to interfere.
“Stop dropping hints about your secret man, give us a name, Julie baby.”
Julian rolled his eyes and turned to our father. “There's this girl in my class, she was looking to be a part time babysitter. We can hire her for the evenings or the weekends.”
In an instant my brain started cooking up a beautiful love story for my brother. But I shut it off because recently I've been trying to play matchmaker a lot for my youngest three brothers and I really need to stop.
Lucius keeps looking at Julian for a few seconds before saying, “I’m assuming you've already done a background check on her?”
“Yes. She's perfect. I trust her.” He says confidently.
“Good. Tell me about her in my office later so I can decide if we're hiring her. Meanwhile I'll also look into a full time nanny for the kids for when the supposed girl isn't available.”
————
“Are you done?” I asked impatiently.
Holding up my gown while Ewan strapped on my sandals was such a tiring task. I don't know if going to prom was a great idea if I can't even remain standing for two minutes.
“Done.” He says and I immediately let go of the gown and lean against the wall to catch my breath.
I need to hurry up as Reign is already here and waiting for me in the living room. I purposely left the shoes for the last moment because I wanted to at least let myself enjoy a few moments of comfort which the rest of my body can't as I'm all dressed up since two hours.
Lucius eyes me carefully and says, “If you've changed your mind then-”
“You're supposed to encourage me because I'm already having second thoughts.” I sighed.
“There's no need to overthink. Everything's gonna be perfect.” He said, placing his hand on my shoulder. “I was just concerned about your dress.”
Lucius has been very worried about the dress because it looks too tight on me. But it's really not, I've got it tailored to my size and it fits me like a very comfortable glove.
I opted for a wine off shoulder silk dress and matching strappy sandals which aren't even visible as my gown slides down till my toes. I kept my hair open and went for a smokey eye look with nude peachy lips.
I was insecure about my breasts —as it’s nearly doubled during the last few months— but Valerie said it suits me so I'm taking her word for it.
I hope Reign isn't weirded out seeing me like this because I usually opt for clothes that cover up my upper body. I don't know if he's noticed the changes in my body but I just don't want him to think I look less pretty with more on my chest or face or arms or anywhere.
“I swear to you the dress is perfect. All the discomfort is because these two don’t wanna sleep today.” I pointed at the culprits in my belly.
My little babies have been more excited than me for their first ever prom. They haven't stopped kicking and turning around the whole day. I hope they choose to stay calm during the night so I can enjoy myself.
I pushed off from the wall and touched up my hair one last time in the hallway mirror before turning to go meet Reign but Ewan called after me to stop.
I look back at him, Rhyett and our father, waiting for someone to tell me what I'm being held for because this formation already looks quite suspicious to me.
Lucius steps forward. “Lets go over the rules for tonight?”
I wasn't planning on doing anything illegal but still the word ‘rules’ scared me. I might not follow each rule if they're unacceptable but that will only make me feel guilty and I won't have fun doing it. So I wanted the instructions to be lenient.
“I want you back by one.”
The prom’s ending by midnight and I was happy to be given an extra hour to get back. Not all of it would be spent on the ride home so I might get some time to talk with Reign because we don't get much privacy at home or at the workshop.
I nodded and he continued. “You’ll eat what you want and when you want. No need to starve yourself for anyone. You're pregnant and that should be your first priority.”
I nodded again. “You won't tire yourself. No standing up for extensive hours or dancing the whole night. You will take small breaks and sit down. Or if you don't feel well, you can always come back home.”
I won't leave the prom midway at any cost, I want to enjoy it to the fullest. Though my kids are weirdly too energetic today, I won't let them ruin my day.
“Your sneakers are in Reign's car so if your feet start to hurt then change to those.” Rhyett informs.
“Altas and Adam will be there too with their dates. If you want them or perhaps Reign does something you don't like then you can always find them.” Ewan doesn't trust him the least bit and it's clear from his words.
“I know he won't. He'll take good care of me.” I said rather firmly.
“Incase you go into labor-” I cut Lucius off.
“I won't.” I tell him confidently.
I'm not due for another week and a half. I'm sure I don't need to stress about it right now. It's too far ahead in the future. I just want to go to prom and have fun without thinking of any responsibilities that I have in life.
Lucius nodded agreeing to me but still completed his sentence. “If it happens then you will inform Altas or Adam and they'll take you straight to the nearest hospital. We'll meet you there, okay?”
“Okay.”
“No drinking-”
“I don't think anyone would even offer me any.” I gestured to my very obvious bump.
“Agreed.” He said and looked hesitant about his next words. “Well there's another rule… about intimacy.” My face fell at the words. “You're just fourteen, I don't want you to engage in any activity that's not suitable for your age or condition.”
“Why would you say that?” I whined, irritated that he even thought of that in my context. “I don't like him like that.”
I snapped my lips back when I realized I blurt out that I do like Reign Astor. I've been pretty conscious about what I want to reveal regarding my developing fondness for the guy but moments like this cause a slip up.
“Very well…” Lucius clears his throat. “Next one. You won't leave his side no matter what. He's your personal guard for the night.”
I scowled at that. “He's my date.”
I could tell Rhyett wasn't a huge fan of the term but he didn't comment on it, instead he opted to further emphasize on the last rule which seems to be the most important one.
“Doesn't matter who he is, we’re entrusting him with you. He's responsible for your protection. There will be one of our guards and one of his father's guards among the crowd disguised as waiters and more in the cars parked near the hall but they're instructed to maintain a distance. Reign has to stay next to you the whole night. He has a gun which I hope he knows when to put to use.”
I bobbed my head again to end this session of rules. Ewan saw my lack of seriousness and said, “This isn't a joke, Addy. You can't leave Reign's side. No matter where you go, he goes with you. Understood?”
“Even the bathroom?” I joked wiggling my eyebrows at him.
He scowled and gave me a stern look. “Are you serious?”
I dropped my smile and mumbled pulling out my lower lip. “I was just joking.”
Ewan nodded. “Take this seriously or you're gonna get grounded.”
“I'm already grounded by choice.” I muttered trying to suppress another smile.
Lucius shook his head at how much I'm enjoying the rules and gently grabbed a hold of my hand while using his free hand to adjust the side of my dress where it bunched up around my inflated belly.
“I hope you have a great time, Addy. I want you to enjoy yourself.” He mumbles looking at me with a soft smile.
“I will, don't worry.” I assured because I know how worried he is to let me go alone.
“Just know that you're perfect as you are. You don't need anyone's acceptance to feel good. You’re proud of who you are and that's all that matters. Own your truth and don't let anyone ruin your night.”
My smile stretched wide as a few tears started gathering in my eyes. I hugged him and tried to hold back on crying so I wouldn't ruin my makeup.
“I love you.” I mumbled.
“I love you more, sweetheart.”
———
Sorry for the delayed update. I'll try to compensate with an extra chp coming week.