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I genuinely appreciate Anakin's willingness to help me; it means a lot. However, if he keeps criticizing every decision I make, my child might end up without a father.

As we wandered through the aisles of IKEA, I found myself lost in the textures and colors of the various items on display. "That rug is the most hideous thing I've ever laid eyes on," he remarked, wrinkling his nose as I ran my fingers over the fabric, savoring its softness. While I agreed it lacked charm, I was merely exploring its texture, contemplating a similar piece in a different style that might better suit my apartment. I wanted to create a warm, inviting space for the baby, but Anakin's constant commentary was making it difficult to focus on my vision.

With a heavy sigh, I regretted not coming to IKEA on my own. "Anakin, could you please just be quiet?" I asked, trying to keep my tone light but feeling the frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

"I'm just giving my opinion. I don't want my child to suffer from their mother's poor taste in decor," he replied, crossing his arms over his chest as he eyed a few other things in the same section, and judging by his expression, he hated everything.

I lowered my hand from the rug and shot him a side glare. "She is not going to suffer and I don't have bad taste."

"She?" He arched an eyebrow in surprise, clearly caught off guard by my assumption.

I rested my hand on my belly, feeling a flutter of excitement mixed with nerves. "Just a feeling I have," I said, a smile creeping onto my face as I imagined a little girl running around my apartment, her laughter filling the air that surrounded my dull life, giving it the brightness it needs.

He nodded thoughtfully, his expression softening. "I'm willing to bet it's a boy," he countered, a playful glint in his eye.

"Little Anakin? I might as well throw myself down the stairs right now," I joked, prompting a playful nudge from him that caused us both to chuckle.

After settling on a couch and a new bed frame, we wandered into the nursery section filled with cribs and other items meant for a nursery. I had planned to pass through without a second glance, worried that I might jinx it by buying anything this early. It felt wiser to wait a few months before making any of these purchases.

Anakin, however, had other plans. He was already testing the sturdiness of a crib, giving it a gentle shake. "This one looks good, what do you think?" he called, gesturing for me to join him.

"Anakin, I really don't think we should be looking at cribs just yet. Not until we're sure this pregnancy is going to stick," I replied, the words feeling bitter as they left my mouth. Given my body's history, the possibility of it not lasting was unfortunately larger than most.

He brushed off my concerns with a wave of his hand. "It will stick, trust me. Now come over and take a look," he insisted, moving around to check the cushion inside. I decided to indulge in his positivity and approached him, eyeing the crib that was beautiful, but expensive—more expensive than the others around, "It's a bit pricey, but I'll cover whatever the baby needs." He said, as if he was reading my mind.

"I can contribute for some things too," I countered, wanting to share the responsibility.

He shook his head firmly. "Just send the bills for doctor visits, clothes, food, and all the essentials my way." I looked at him, a wave of gratitude washing over me. Initially, I had prepared myself to face this
alone. I never imagined he would step in, let alone offer to cover the expenses. It was a comforting realization that, for the first time in a long while, I wasn't completely alone; I had someone on my side. Even if it was someone as unexpected as him, "Why are you looking at me like that?"

I blinked, brought back to the moment. "Like what?"

He raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Like—" He glanced around us and leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Like the night we made this little bundle of joy."

I flinched slightly, the memory flooding back with an intensity that caught me off guard. "I'm not," I insisted, though the slow smile spreading across his face indicated he wasn't convinced. "I was just going to express my gratitude and say that I appreciate your support in all of this. We'll take the crib—two of them."

He chuckled softly as he noted the product number, entering it into his phone for later. "I'm just saying, I wouldn't mind doing it again. Not like you can get pregnant," he added with a cheeky wink.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his boldness. "You're unbelievable." I took a few steps away, glancing at the various displays in the showroom while I waited for him to catch up.

"I have a couch," a familiar came from down the aisle, causing the blood in my evenings to run cold. "And a bed, and a damn kitchen table."

"All things you bought with your ex. This is going to be our place now, and I want everything new."

Without thinking, I dashed into one of the showrooms, seeking refuge behind a sleek black couch. I recognized that voice—it was Arthur. And judging by the conversation I was overhearing, he was shopping for new furniture with the woman he had cheated on me with. I happened to recognize her voice too.

Of all the days for him to be here, it had to be today.

"What are you doing?" Anakin's voice pulled me from my thoughts as he appeared in front of me, confused etched on his face as he stared down at me.

"Just—" I cleared my throat, my fingers grazing the soft fibers of the rug beneath me. "Feeling the texture of this rug. It's quite nice, isn't it?"

He looked at me like I was insane, "Why are you acting weird?"

I slowly lifted my head, cautiously peeking over the back of the couch. There was Arthur, his laughter mingling with hers—a sound that had once filled my heart with joy but now cut through me like a sharp knife. They stood together, exuding happiness, a sight that twisted my stomach in knots. How could he have the audacity to rip my heart out, beg for my return, and then move on with her as if I had never been a part of his life? Did she even realize how desperately he had tried to win me back?

I sank back down, my finger instinctively pointing at the couple. "That's my ex," I whispered to not be heard, though I knew the noise of the building would likely drown me out.

"Who's what?" Anakin asked, crouching to meet my gaze.

"That's Arthur," I replied, my voice barely audible. "And the woman next to him is the one I caught him with on the couch."

Anakin glanced over, his face contorting in distaste. "Well, your little hiding spot is about to be blown; they're coming this way."

My eyes widened in disbelief. "They're what—"

"Get up," he insisted, pulling me to my feet before I could object. My heart raced so fast I thought it might explode. "Just stay close to me and go along with it." He leaned in, his voice low and comforting as he wrapped an arm around my shoulders. "I agree, sweetheart, it's a nice couch, but a bit too much leather for my taste."

As the couple approached, their expressions shifted to shock. "(Y/n)?" Arthur's voice was a mix of surprise and something else—guilt, perhaps?  

Anakin tightened his grip, turning us to face them. Arthur and I locked eyes for the first time in months. "Arthur, hello," I acknowledged, my gaze then drifting to the woman, who appeared visibly uncomfortable. "Sorry, I never caught your name." Perhaps "skank" would be a fitting title, but I held my tongue, opting instead for a more neutral tone. 

"Uh, this is Mia," Arthur stuttered, his bravado crumbling beneath the intensity of my gaze. It was as if he barely registered Anakin's presence, his attention flickering between him and the arm draped around my shoulders. "Who's this?"

"Hello," Anakin extended his hand toward Arthur, his smile polished and professional, "I'm none of your business."

Arthur hesitated, his hand poised for a shake, before pulling back, a look of irritation washing over his face. I suppressed a grin, sensing the tension. "We should probably get going."

"So soon?" Anakin tugged at me, reluctant to let go, "I've heard quite a bit about you, Arthur. It's fascinating to finally meet you," he scrutinized him from head to toe, "I must say, I don't quite see what all the fuss is about."

"Excuse me—"

"Anakin," I interjected, though a part of me was enjoying this. I just didn't want to witness a fight unfold in the middle of IKEA; that was a spectacle the internet would never forget.

"Apologies, sweetheart," he replied, a playful glint in his eyes, "You're right, we really ought to get back to choosing things for the nursery; our little one deserves nothing but the best."

I nearly choked on the air in my lungs, caught off guard by his unexpected announcement. I hadn't anticipated him to drop that on him right here and now. In fact, I never thought about telling Arthur or what he would think if he found out—I never thought of him at all.

Arthur's expression shifted from irritation to confusion, and I could see the gears turning in his mind as he processed what Anakin had just said, "Wait, what?" He stammered. "You're pregnant?"

"Yes she is, and it's not yours in case you're wondering," Anakin answered for me, his tone light, as if discussing the weather. "It's mine, and we're very excited about it."

Mia was the first to shatter the silence, her voice filled with relief. "Wow, congratulations!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining with happiness at Anakin's news that the child wasn't Arthur's.

Arthur, on the other hand, remained silent, his expression unreadable.

"Thanks," I replied softly, my eyes falling to the ground under the intensity of Arthur's gaze. It felt as if he were silently scolding me, like I'm the one who did something wrong here. I gently squeezed Anakin's side, a quiet indication that his teasing needed to stop. I was feeling too uncomfortable now and wanted to get away from this situation.

"We should go; I hope you two have the day you deserve." With a quick motion, he pulled me along, and I felt the weight of the world lift, allowing me to breathe freely again. However, our movement came to a stop after just a couple of feet, and I turned to him, a frown forming on my face. "Sorry for all of that, but you deserved a taste of revenge. I hope it felt good." He smiled.

"It was nerve-wrecking," I exhaled slowly, a soft laugh escaping me. "But it was so satisfying to see his reaction when you told him I was pregnant." This was it, this was his karma for what he did to me.

Anakin stepped closer, our bodies almost touching, and I felt my breath catch in my throat.

"What are you—"

"He's still looking," he whispered, his fingers gently tracing my cheek. With a tender motion, he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, his hand lingering on my face. "Why don't we give him something to look at?"Before I could express my curiosity, he leaned down and captured my lips in a soft, lingering kiss.

The rapid beating of my heart started to calm, the anxiety that had held me tight slowly fading away. It was an unusual feeling; the surroundings seemed to blur into quiet, leaving just the rhythmic thump of my heartbeat in my ears, gradually transitioning to a slow and relaxing tempo.

A short while later, he pulled back, a smile brightening his face as he gazed down at me. "Ready to go? I think we found enough for today."

I nodded slowly as I followed him out of the showrooms, his hand grasping mine the whole way.

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