Chapter 6 How Dare She Redecorate MY House?

I stared at the pregnancy test in my hand, the two distinct red lines confirming what I'd suspected. Pregnant! David's and my child. A wave of pure joy washed over me.

Despite yesterday's tensions, this tiny miracle filled me with unexpected happiness. My heart raced with excitement rather than anxiety.

Carefully tucking the test into my purse, I exhaled deeply, feeling lighter than I had in days. All the drama with Sarah suddenly seemed less important.

My hand instinctively moved to my stomach, where new life was growing—the product of our love. A baby! Our baby! The thought sent thrills of excitement through my body.

I couldn't stop smiling. This news changed everything. A child would strengthen our bond, remind David what truly mattered.

I imagined his face lighting up when I told him, pictured us planning the nursery together, discussing names and dreaming of our future as parents.

The ringing of my phone interrupted my happy thoughts.

"Olivia, I'll be at the store entrance in ten minutes to pick you up," David's voice came through, warm and inviting.

"Perfect! I'll be waiting," I answered, unable to keep the excitement from my voice.

Hanging up, I checked my reflection and applied a fresh coat of lipstick. My cheeks already had a natural glow—the famous "pregnancy radiance" I'd heard about.

My eyes sparkled with the secret knowledge of new life. I looked different somehow. Happier. Stronger.

How would I tell him? Over a romantic dinner? With a tiny pair of baby shoes? Or perhaps I'd simply whisper it in his ear tonight when we were alone.

I wanted the moment to be perfect, memorable—a story we'd tell our child someday about how daddy learned he was going to be a father.

When I walked out of the fashion store, David was already waiting. He stood tall in his tailored gray suit, holding a bouquet of vibrant tulips—my favorite flowers.

Sunlight poured over him, highlighting his handsome features and the intensity in his gaze as he watched me approach.

"You look absolutely breathtaking," he said, his voice dropping to a husky whisper as he handed me the flowers.

His fingers deliberately brushed against mine, sending sparks through my body. "I've been thinking about you all day. About last night, before we were interrupted."

His words made my cheeks burn and my heart race. I accepted the tulips, burying my nose in their fragrance to hide my knowing smile.

If only he knew why I was truly glowing today. Soon, I promised myself. Very soon.

He opened the car door for me, his fingers deliberately grazing my waist. That momentary touch was enough to make my knees weak.

The atmosphere in the car was intensely intimate. David's hand occasionally rested on my thigh, transmitting heat through the thin fabric of my skirt.

At a red light, he turned to look at me fully, his eyes dark with desire. "Do you know how hard it is to focus on driving when all I can think about is taking you to bed?"

I swallowed hard, my breath quickening. "We're in public, David."

"Barely," he countered, his grin wolfish as his hand slid higher on my thigh. "No one can see us. And I love watching you try to maintain your composure when we both know what you really want."

His confidence, that borderline arrogance, had always been irresistible to me. I bit my lip, imagining how much more irresistible he'd find me once he knew our news.

"Last time," he continued, his voice a seductive rumble, "we were interrupted at the worst possible moment. Tonight—" he leaned over and kissed my neck, just below my ear, making me gasp "—no one will disturb us. I've made sure of it."

I smiled, leaning into his touch. Tonight would be the perfect time to tell him about the pregnancy—after we reconnected, in a moment when there was only love between us.

When the car stopped at our doorstep, my spirits were soaring. David helped me out, pulling me against him for a brief but searing kiss that promised more to come.

We approached the door, and he eagerly pushed it open. We both froze simultaneously.

In the living room, all the decorations I had carefully selected were gone. Strange paintings hung on the walls, different cushions adorned the sofa, and crystal ornaments cluttered the coffee table.

None of these were my choices—this was no longer the home I knew.

"Do you like my changes?" Sarah's voice came from the dining area. She wore loose loungewear, hands on her hips, carrying herself like the lady of the house. "I thought the original decor was too plain, lacking personality."

"What gives you the right to change my home's decorations?" My voice trembled with anger. All my happy feelings instantly evaporated.

"This is mine and David's home, not your personal renovation project!"

Sarah put on a hurt expression, hand moving to her pregnant belly. "I just wanted to make this place feel more like home. Dave knows I studied interior design in Milan."

David stood between us, clearly uncomfortable. "Sarah, you should have asked for our opinion first." His tone carried reproach, but was much gentler than I'd expected.

"I'm sorry, Dave." Sarah's eyes immediately welled with tears. "I only wanted to show my gratitude. I didn't mean to upset Olivia. Pregnancy has made me sensitive, and the doctor says I need to rest in a familiar environment..."

I laughed coldly, interrupting her performance. "Familiar environment? This is MY house, not yours!"

"Olivia," David gently held my hand, "we can adjust things gradually. There's no need to argue now."

I took a deep breath, trying to control my emotions. For the sake of the baby inside me, for our future, I couldn't let anger cloud my judgment.

"Fine," I reluctantly agreed, "but the original decorations must be restored."

Sarah nodded, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Of course, I'll arrange it immediately. Dave, I'm a bit hungry. Could Olivia prepare something from the kitchen? The doctor said pregnant women shouldn't go hungry."

Her words acted like a match to gasoline, instantly igniting my fury. I glared at this woman playing innocent. Who was she to casually order me around?

Then I fixed my gaze on David, a sense of anticipation gripping me as I awaited his reaction.