Olivia

I thought I would be able to go back to sleep but as soon as I heard the knock from the door followed by the maid voice, I know my sleep will be short lived.

"Yeah, I will be on my way now" I yelled out before she could announce to me. I'm ready for them today. I'm definitely going to break a rule today. That one is for sure. And Logan will have to bear the consequences for that.

As I finally mustered the courage to get out of bed, I walked straight to the bathroom and took a shower before I embark on the journey to the kitchen. Only for me to see the maid there. I wonder why they choose to hire one maid. Is it because of the so called tradition. "Where are the rest?" I asked her.

"They're-"

"Amelia has left for the hospital. I'm the only one here. Looks like you've gotten ready for the today already" Sarah access my body as she stepped into the kitchen. I couldn't help but be cautious of how her eyes raked my body.

I shrugged off Sarah's comment, trying not to let her judgmental gaze affect me. "I just wanted to be prepared for the day ahead," I replied, mustering up a confident smile.

She chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Well, Olivia, you're certainly not wasting any time. But let me remind you that there are certain rules and expectations in this house. It would be wise for you to remember them."

I scoffed inwardly, not wanting to show any signs of vulnerability. "I'm well aware of the rules, Sarah. But I also believe that some of them are unnecessary. I'm not going to conform to everything just because it's tradition."

She raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by my boldness. "You may have some courage, Olivia, but don't underestimate the power of family and tradition. It runs deep in the Nero blood."

I held her gaze, refusing to back down. "I understand that, but I also believe that there should be room for compromise. After all, I'm just here for a purpose. Not really a member of the family"

We shared a heated gaze. I was the first to tore my gaze away clapping my hand together. "I guess we shouldn't start our morning bad. I can see you have nowhere going this morning." My eyes raked her body. She was still wearing her nightgown. "I'm leaving work by 10am" with that I turned to the maid to take off work.

We work almost in silent. The glance we kept advancing at each other being our conversation. If they think they have equal right in the house, so do I. I'm married to Logan and carrying his child. Just that it is unknown to them.

We set the table before the rest of the members made their presence known. "Olivia, I haven't tasted the food yet but my mouth is already watering" Logan's step mother uttered as she sat down on her usual spot. She was looking all dashing. Should I add that she looked young to be mother of the grown up men. I forced out a smile. "Thank you Ma'am"

As Logan's father join the breakfast, total silence was maintained all through. Maybe it is also part of the so called rules and traditions that no words should be spoken while eating. Although it's part of table manners.

I observed the tense atmosphere at the breakfast table, feeling the weight of unspoken expectations hanging in the air. As the others began eating in silence, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. It seemed that every action and word was being carefully monitored, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I was walking on thin ice.

Logan's stepmother, Mrs. Nero, broke the silence with a gentle smile. "Olivia, dear, could you pass me the salt, please?"

I nodded, reaching for the salt shaker and passing it to her without a word. The interaction felt superficial, lacking any genuine connection or warmth. It was as if we were all playing roles, adhering to the predetermined script of this family's dynamics.

The rest of the meal continued in the same manner, with minimal conversation and strained politeness. I somehow felt a pang of sadness at the lack of genuine connection among the family members. Was this what their lives had become, governed by rules and traditions, devoid of authentic emotions?

As breakfast came to an end, I excused myself from the table, feeling the need to escape the suffocating atmosphere. As I entered the clinic, I was greeted by Lisa. "Good morning Ma'am"

"Morning Lisa. Hope you had a great night"

"Yes Ma'am I did. Hope you did too" I couldn't help but smile recalling how my night went. I nodded my head dropping my bag on my desk. And that was how I started my day going over the dogs that were being brought in for treatment.

At exactly 2pm, my phone buzzed with the alarm. A reminder of my plan to visit the hospital for checkup. Ever since I found out I'm pregnant, I haven't gone to the hospital. With that, I grabbed my bag.

"Lisa I'm closing for the day. Make sure you close the windows and the backyard door"

"Sure Ma'am. See you tomorrow"

I smiled at Lisa, appreciating her reliability and efficiency. "Thank you, Lisa. Have a great evening."

With my bag slung over my shoulder, I made my way out of the clinic, the weight of the day's events still lingering in my mind. As I stepped outside into the fresh air, a sense of liberation washed over me. The outside world felt like a welcome escape from the confines of the Nero household.

I hailed a taxi and directed the driver to the hospital. During the ride, I found myself lost in my thoughts, contemplating the choices I had made and the path I was forging for myself and my unborn child.

Arriving at the hospital, I took a deep breath and entered the familiar building. The smell of antiseptic and the sound of footsteps echoed in the corridor, reminding me of previous visits and check-ups. I approached the reception desk and greeted the receptionist with a polite smile.

"I have an appointment with Dr. Bennett," I informed her, handing over my identification.

The receptionist checked her records and nodded. "Yes, Ms. Olivia, you're scheduled for a routine check-up. Please have a seat, and the nurse will call you shortly."

I found an empty seat in the waiting area and settled down, observing the other expectant mothers and individuals coming and going. The mixture of excitement and nervousness in the air was palpable, reminding me of the journey I was embarking on.

After a short wait, a nurse called my name, and I followed her into an examination room. Dr. Bennett, a kind and experienced obstetrician, greeted me with a warm smile as he reviewed my medical records and asked me about any changes or concerns.

As I sat there, listening to the doctor's assessment, a mix of emotions washed over me. Hearing the steady heartbeat of my growing baby filled me with a sense of awe and wonder. It was a beautiful reminder that a new life was forming within me.

But as the doctor addressed me as "miss," I couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness. The mention of a husband only served as a painful reminder of the truth I had hidden from everyone. I plastered a smile on my face, concealing the turmoil inside me.

"He's kind of busy with work," I replied, attempting to downplay the absence of a partner by my side. It was a lie, a façade I had to maintain to protect myself and my unborn child. The truth would only complicate things further, and I couldn't afford to let that happen.

The doctor nodded understandingly, scribbling something on a piece of paper. He began advising me on how to take care of myself during this early stage of pregnancy. He spoke about the importance of a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper rest. It was a lot to take in, realizing that I had to prioritize the needs of my baby over my own desires.

As he continued with his guidance, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the weight of my new reality. Being pregnant wasn't going to be easy. There would be sacrifices to make, cravings to resist, and moments of discomfort and pain. The nine-month journey ahead seemed both daunting and miraculous.

The love I already felt for this little life growing within me was enough to empower me to face whatever came my way.

Leaving the doctor's office, I carried with me a mix of emotions. There was joy and excitement for the future, but also a tinge of sadness for the secrets I had to keep. I knew that I couldn't share the truth with anyone, not even the doctor who had just examined me. It was a lonely path to walk, but one I was willing to endure for the sake of my child.

As I stepped outside, the world seemed to blur around me. I took a deep breath, reminding myself that I wasn't alone. I had a precious life growing within me, a life that relied on me for protection and care. With that thought in mind, I straightened my posture and embraced the journey ahead.