Crossroads

Stephanie eventually decided against buying that playful little princess dress. Feeling frustrated, she turned on her heel and walked out of the baby store.

There were certain topics he never brought up, and she didn't either.

Whenever they came up, it led to conflict and irritation.

Walking along the bustling commercial street, they each turned their heads to glance at the shops, not speaking a word.

However, as she looked down, Stephanie noticed his right hand loosely around her waist. It wasn't a firm hold, just a gentle touch. As the crowd thickened near the end of the workday, his gesture protected her from being jostled by passersby.

"Her husband is so handsome."

Their striking appearance drew attention. Stephanie, dressed in loose maternity clothes, walked carefully with her head down. Beside her, Dominick, typically aloof, displayed his chiseled features and exceptional poise. He rarely appeared so openly. His unique, calm demeanor left a lasting impression.

"Let's go home." She suddenly lost the desire to continue. It was strange, She had never expected him, the esteemed Dominick, to accompany her shopping or to the movies like an ordinary couple.

She couldn't understand his behavior today. He usually disliked crowded streets and avoided being in packed places.

Dominick stopped, lowering his gaze to her, but remained silent.

"We got everything in Wellington Villa. There's nothing we need to buy," she muttered, sensing his attention without looking up. It made her uncomfortable.

They knew the baby would arrive in about a month, but they tacitly avoided discussing anything that happened before.

Keeping silent and pretending all was well seemed the best way to handle things, though it left them both frustrated and unable to let go.

Walk with me a bit further."

His words puzzled Stephanie. She lifted her head to look at his stern profile, but he was staring intently ahead, determined.This belongs to NôvelDrama.Org - ©.

What do you want to buy?" She followed his pace.

"I don't know."

"Where are we going?"

They continued walking down the street, passing shop after shop. Dominick didn't seem interested in any of them.

"I don't know."

His vague answers irritated Stephanie. She stopped walking.

"Dominick, what do you really want?" she asked, a bit angry.

He didn't know.

He lowered his gaze, just looking at her, capturing her current expression.

A heavy silence settled between them, almost tangible.

On Stephanie's right was an international lingerie boutique. A young salesgirl with a sweet smile called out to her, "Miss, we've just received a new batch of maternity lingerie today. Would you be interested in taking a look?"

Hearing the invitation, Stephanie instinctively turned towards the voice.

Seeing the young girl enthusiastically promoting the products with a bright smile, Stephanie didn't know how to refuse. Meanwhile, Dominick remained silent.

"Lingerie is very particular. A good piece can shape the body beautifully. Especially during pregnancy, it's crucial to try on and find the right fit, the young salesgirl said warmly. She took her hand and almost dragged Stephanie into the store.

"I already have plenty at home."

"Miss, try this light pink one. As women, we should always keep a youthful spirit, no matter our age."

"Absolutely! We've got to treat ourselves right and invest in ourselves. Men are visual creatures. When we look after ourselves, they will cherish us more," another employee chimed in.

A swarm of shop assistants surrounded Stephanie, bombarding her with a flurry of advice.

Stephanie, typically strong-willed, found herself at a loss, as she was never good at rejecting others.

The

"I'll buy one then," she finally said, her voice tinged with resignation.

Is motivated by commission, were thrilled by her agreement. "Miss, the fitting rooms are this way."

"I'll get more sizes since cup sizes can change Significantly during pregnancy. Miss, don't close the door. I need to help you try them on."

"No, no, that's not necessary. You don't need, y being exposed in front of others.

in."

e quickly Magretted her decision. Despite her usual stern demeanor, she didn't like see if the lingerie truly fits." The store staff was exceptionally professional.

"Miss, don't be shy. We're all women here. Let help

"I can tell if it fits me. There is no need for your help... Hey! heard the door open.

don't come in."

Stephanie, already undressing, hastily covered her chest when she

474

"You!" Their eyes met, and Stephanie's widened in shock. "What are you doing in here?" she exclaimed. She looked at the man before her, and her voice filled with indignation.

"Dominick, get out now," she demanded, her face stern as she pushed him in a panic.

Some situations made her easily embarrassed.

He gazed at her with a hint of a smile in his deep eyes. "Here are a few more sizes. Try them all on."

Stephanie glared at him as she saw Dominick holding an assortment of bright red and vibrant purple lingerie. It was incredibly awkward to see him so serious while holding such intimate items.

"Who told you to come in? Give those to me and get out," she stammered, her ears turning red.

"Pregnancy causes significant changes in cup size. Don't wear anything too tight," Dominick said. He was quite knowledgeable about this matter.

"I can put them on myself." Stephanie, who had been wearing shapewear for over a decade, found herself tumbling with the clasps, her face flushed. She couldn't help but instruct, "I'm used to fastening the outermost hooks."

"Okay," he responded flatly. His usually deft fingers, accustomed to signing documents, were now somewhat clumsy with the delicate task.

Perhaps due to her pregnancy, Stephanie's skin had become softer and more delicate, and her breasts Celicate, and 1

were fuller.

The confined space of the fitting room only added to her discomfort and embarrassment.

'Why is he staring at me like that?' she thought."

"Does it fit?" he asked.

"Yes," she replied, staring at her toes, her voice barely above a whisper.

Dominick, who was behind her, casually zipped up the side of her dress.

Silence enveloped them again.

Stephanie, deep in thought, couldn't help but speak up. "Sandra has prepared plenty for me. The om prime Wellingtons have been very kind, and I lack nothing. What I have is enough and suitable. I don't need too much."

Her words carried an underlying meaning,