The days turned into months that had passed in a haze of stillness, broken only by the occasional call of birds or the rustling of the wind outside the manor. It had been two months since the poison had been purged from Nicole's body, and though she was recovering, the subtle shifts in her body were undeniable. The moment she had feared and anticipated was drawing near—the birth of her children.
Nicole laid in their bed one late afternoon, her hands gently resting on her rounded belly. The room was filled with the soft scent of lavender and rosemary, calming herbs that Jasper had placed in the room to help her relax. Despite the calm surroundings, she felt restless. She could feel the children moving inside her, their tiny hands and feet brushing against her skin, a reminder of the life she carried.
Any day now…
