A/N:. So this chapter for the most part is going to be a little more uplifting. Also, the telenovela mentioned is actually one of my favourite telenovelas like ever.
Estrella POV
I stared blankly at the red long sleeve maxi dress hung up on the wall. I had no intentions of wearing it, although I really wanted to.
It was supposedly the day of my baby shower, but I wasn't really in a celebratory mood.
It had been a whole week and I had barely spoken to any of my family or friends, including Julius, which was incredibly hard seeing as we lived together. I had been staying in a separate room from him.
Almost everyone knew about my dad and Demetria and not one person thought to tell me about it.
Even Penelope.
My own sister had decided to keep the news from me.
My dad had only just come back into my life and now he was leaving again. Of course I wanted him to be happy ; but it hurt knowing that he wanted to be happy at my expense.
I felt incredibly selfish for wanting him to stay ; but I was only just getting to know him.
I swallowed hard trying not to cry. It was safe to say that I had been an emotional wreck the past few days.
Mustering all the strength I had in me, I got myself into my feet and waddled to the En suite.
Cringing slightly at a glimpse of my appearance in the mirror, I shut the door behind me and pulled my shorts down.
The moment my backside made connection with the seat, there was a rough knock on the bedroom door.
I rolled my eyes, assuming it was one of the maids.
"I'm coming!" I shouted to the intruder. These days I could pee for at least 2 minutes straight, it was absolutely unbelievable!
When I was sure there was nothing left, I finished up my business, washed my hands and splashed some cool water on my face to calm the angry red circles around my eyes.
"Who is it?" I shouted.
"It's me Estrella please open the door."
I rolled my eyes and pressed my back against the door.
"What exactly do you want Alina? I don't want to talk to you."
"I want my best friend back. I don't care how many times I have to say this Estrella. I love you and I'm sorry, we all are. Julius felt so bad for not telling you but I begged him not to give in. We had to make sure you didn't get stressed, for the baby's sake. Your pregnancy is high risk Estrella. I couldn't do that to you or to my niece or nephew."
I sighed before turning round and unlocking the door.
"I hate that I made you think, that the trust we had is broken." She sang, hoping I would follow suit.
"Don't tell me you can't forgive me..."
"because nobody's perfect, no"I smiled slightly.
"I was really hurt. It still stings to know that my dad is running away again but this time, everybody but me knew about it."
"Your dad is not running away. For the first time in a while, he's living. He's not being pestered by the council, he's not in hiding and he's not constantly worrying about his two wonderful daughters more than a regular dad should. Most importantly, he's found someone he adores. Think about what you have for Julius. Or what I have for Damian. Don't you want that for your dad?"
My response was delayed by the thoughts whirling around in my head. Alina's voice of reason had me feeling slightly guilty. Sure I was going to miss my dad not always being around. But ever since he had come back into my life, he'd been everything I would want in a father.
"You guys are trying to make up for all those years lost. But that doesn't have to stop just because he's moving away. He's not planning to shut you out this time Estrella I can promise you that. I think it's best you hear it from him yourself."
"I know. I will speak to him. At some point."
"No. Not at some point. This afternoon. Ooh maybe you can chat before the party starts."
"Party?"
"Yes. Your baby shower."
"Baby what?"
"The baby shower I've been planning for the past month. Did you really think I would cancel just because you didn't want to see any of us? Not a chance. I secretly knew you'd come around, with my help, of course."
"You never cease to amaze me Alina." I laughed shaking my head.
"Well I love you and I love to throw a good party. Now I'm going to leave you to change. Penny is going to come and do your.."
Alina was cut off by an urgent knock on the door. Seconds later, my sister came bustling in.
"Estrella I'm really sorry I kept things from you please don't ignore me anymore I miss you and I promise I will never keep anything from you again, well without reason." She uttered in one single breath.
"It's Alright Penny. I forgive you. To be honest, I was being a bit childish and dramatic."
"Wow. Nice work Alina. I thought that would be a lot harder. Now, I shall go and fetch my materials from downstairs."
I adjusted my bra for what felt like the 100th time. I had outgrown yet another item from the maternity section!
"And my work is done! Don't worry it's really really light. All I did was enhance your pregnancy glow!"
"Glow? Hardly. By the way, have you seen Julius? literally have not seen him all day."
"No I haven't seen him either. Weird. Maybe he will be downstairs with everybody else." Penny shrugged, shimmying into her own dress.
"Alright ladies. Time to go downstairs!" Alina announced winking at me.
One of the maids assisted me with my dress as I walked down the stairs to the dining hall. I blew out a sigh of relief when we reached our destination in one piece.
The dining room had been completely transformed, the walls covered in warm pastel decorations.
I gasped at the candid photos of my stomach hung up. The fairy lights brought about an air of comfort to the area.
Tears welled in my eyes. I hadn't realised how much I had missed everyone until I saw them all gathered in front of me.
"We are gathered here today, because as you can see, Estrella has a living breathing child in her stomach that's almost done baking. I'm sure she would like to say a few words."
I scowled at Alina knowing I didn't have anything prepared.
"Hi guys. This is a little weird considering that I've been in isolation for the past week. But I missed you all very much. I know I was being a little hard on you and I'm sorry for shutting you all out. This is a very very big deal for me and I'm really glad you're all here to share it with me."
I was on the brink of tears as I finished my speech.
The music started up again and people were congratulating me left right and centre.
"Estrella omg you're glowing!"
"Awwww you'll be such a great mother!"
"When is the baby due?"
My heart melted at the cupcakes decorated with little gold crowns. Everything was royal baby related!
I scanned the room for my mate. I hadn't seen him all afternoon and I was starting to worry a little.
"Mija!"
"Dad? Hi." I said awkwardly.
"You look absolutely stunning."
"Thank you. Is Demetria here?"
"Yes she was looking for you a moment ago. Estrella I.."
"No dad. You don't need to say anything. I'm sorry I was so hard on you. All I want is to keep you in my life. But nothing is worth your happiness."
"Thank you Mija. I promise I'm not running away. Te quiero corazón. I will be here for you always."
"Estrella, hi."
"I will give the two of you some privacy." My dad smiled, kissing Demetria, before wandering off somewhere.
"Estrella I don't know where to begin. You probably hate me now."
"I don't hate you. I could never. Sure I was a bit upset that the both of you had kept this from me. But looking back, it makes sense now. Dad was spending so much more time at the pack house."
"He's everything I ever wanted in a man and so much more. I had been working for Alex for so long I'd forgotten what it was like to really be alive. Your father helped me find myself again. I know it's early, but I love your father. I might just be falling in love with him."
Demetria's heartfelt confession warmed my heart. Her aura was strong, fiery. But also honest and loving. She was a perfect fit for my father and I had come to realise that their getting together was really a miracle.
"I'm really glad to hear that. You are an amazing woman Demetria. I couldn't have picked a better woman for my dad. Not to mention you would be an awesome stepmother."
She chuckled at the stepmother bit. I took her hands in mine.
"I give you guys my blessing and full support. I am really happy for you guys. It just took me a while to see realise it."
Immediately she enveloped me, carefully avoiding pushing up against my massive belly.
"Thank you." She whispered, causing my smile to grow even further.
"Ladies and gentleman, if I could have your attention please."
We released each other and turned to the stage.
"I hope your all enjoying the evening. We now have a special performance, dedicated to our beautiful Luna."
I furrowed my brows. Performance? Nobody mentioned anything about that.
The curtain was raised. I gasped when I recognised who was standing behind it.
"Ender Thomas! How did you get Ender Thomas to come and preform at my baby shower?!" I whispered shouted at Alina who had been floating around with a smile on her face.
"I didn't." She shrugged.
"This song was pictured specially by Mr Julius Stone, for his one true love, Estrella."
"Si no te tengo ya no le encuentro mas ningún sentido."
I resisted the urge to scream at the song choice. It was the theme song of one of my favourite telenovelas. One of the most romantic songs of all time.
I sang along, nearly exploding with joy. Just as the chorus was about to begin, Julius had appeared, almost out of thin air. The lights went out completely, save for the lights on stage.
By the time Julius had joined me in the middle of the floor, one of the spotlights above me had turned back on, creating the illusion that we were the only two people there.
He held out a hand which I gladly took and we slow danced the entire duration of the song.
When the song ended, the light came back on and I was led onto the stage by my mate.
"I can't even explain how happy I am right now. Ive finally settled into my role as king, and I have an heir on the way. But most importantly, I have my better half right here with me. I never thought I could love another person the way I love you. Thank you for teaching me how to love and how to come back from my mistakes. I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with you and right now I would like to make it official."
Julius knelt down and pulled out a small red, heart shaped box. He opened it, displaying, an absolutely gorgeous, tear shaped diamond ring. It was a deep blue, encased in smaller white diamonds.
"Estrella Àlvarez, will you marry me?"
Lost for words was an understatement. In that moment, I could barely think or breathe.
I cleared my throat several times before answering.
"Y..yess. Yes yes yes!"