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CHAPTER 6

As soon as Julie left the house, tears streamed down Nina's cheeks as she felt the sting of disappointment and confusion.

She had always envisioned her life following a certain path, and this unexpected turn threatened to unravel everything she had carefully built.

The news that she was carrying Charlie's child stirred a mixture of resentment and fear.

Amidst her inner turmoil, a sudden knock on the door startled her. Panic surged through her veins, pushing her to quickly compose herself. She wiped away the evidence of her tears and took a steadying breath. She moved to the door and opened it with a bright smile.

"Ralph!" she exclaimed, her voice infused with a warmth that masked the tempest of emotions raging within her. She threw her arms around her fiancé, enveloping him in a hug that served as both a welcome and a shield. "What a wonderful surprise!"

Ralph returned the embrace, his familiar scent providing a sense of comfort that momentarily pushed aside Nina's internal struggle. "I was in the neighborhood and thought I should drop by," he said, his words tinged with genuine affection.

As they stepped back from the embrace, Nina's eyes met Ralph's, and she took a moment to study his features. His kind eyes, the smile lines around his lips – they were all parts of the man she loved, the one who had stood by her through life's ups and downs.

Guilt gnawed at the edges of her consciousness as she worked to maintain the facade of happiness.

"I'm really glad you're here," Nina said, ushering Ralph inside and closing the door behind him. "How's your day been?"

Ralph shrugged, his easygoing nature apparent even in his casual gestures. "Oh, you know, the usual. Meetings, emails, the grind. But seeing you always brightens my day."

Nina managed a genuine smile, though it felt fragile against the weight of her secret. She led Ralph to the living room and they settled on the couch, engaging in small talk about their respective days and plans for the upcoming week.

As they chatted, Nina found herself wrestling with the choice she now faced – to reveal her pregnancy, or to continue to keep it hidden.

The more Ralph talked, the harder it became for Nina to concentrate on the conversation. Her mind wandered, consumed by thoughts of the truth she was withholding. The distance between her reality and the cheerful façade she was maintaining felt like a vast chasm.

Her heart ached as she considered the implications of telling Ralph about the secret, and the potential consequences for Ralph and their future together.

Meanwhile, Ralph found himself drawn to Nina as they discussed. His fingers brushed against Nina's as he reached for his glass, sending shivers down his spine. He felt the weight of his desires pressing against the restraints of his self-control, a battle he fought with every fiber of his being.

Taking a deep breath, he turned to Nina, his voice gentle yet uncertain. "Nina, there's something I've been wanting to talk to you about."

Nina tilted her head curiously, her expression a mix of curiosity and anticipation. "What is it, Ralph?"

Ralph hesitated for a moment, his gaze searching Nina's face for any sign of discomfort. Then, he took her hand in his, his touch grounding him as he spoke. "Nina, you mean the world to me. You're my everything, and I cherish every moment we spend together."

Nina's eyes softened, and she squeezed his hand in response. "Ralph, you mean the world to me too. You're my rock."

Encouraged by her words, Ralph continued, his voice sincere. "Nina, the depth of my feelings for you goes beyond the physical. I want our relationship to be built on a strong emotional foundation, one that can withstand any challenge. And that's why I've made a decision to wait until our wedding day to make love to you. I'm just happy that I'll be the one to disvirgin you."

Nina had always told Ralph during their relationship that she was a virgin, and Ralph believed her with every fibre of her being.

At Ralph's words, Nina let out a broad smile. Deep inside her, she felt guilty and helpless.

"Same here, Ralph. I'm just as excited as you. That night will surely be a memorable one." Nina responded, smiling slightly.

"Sure, love. Waiting is one sacrifice I'm willing to make."

Nina's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her heart touched by Ralph's sincerity. She squeezed his hand tightly, her voice filled with emotion. "Ralph, I can't believe you'd make such a sacrifice for us. It means so much to me that you value our relationship this way."

Ralph offered her a warm smile, his love for her radiating from his every gesture. "Nina, I'm not doing this out of sacrifice. I'm doing it because I believe in us, in what we have. And I want our love to stand the test of time, to be a love that's not just fleeting but enduring."

Nina's heart began to beat faster than normal as she felt a weight of guilt rest upon her. Ralph was just and sincere, but she could not say the same about herself, right now.


Later that evening as the moon hung low in the night sky, casting a silvery glow over the city. Inside her cozy apartment, Nina found herself lost in thought, the events of the evening still playing in her mind like a movie on repeat. Ralph's decision to wait until their wedding day had touched her deeply, reminding her of the depth of his love and commitment. Yet, even with his genuine gesture, her heart remained heavy.

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