It was late at night. The room was dimly lit by candlelight and the soft glow of the moon, casting a gentle shimmer on Louise's figure as she sat cross-legged on the large bed. The elegance that followed her everywhere lingered here too, even in silence. The hotel room felt oppressively quiet, broken only by the sound of her heartbeat echoing in her chest.

Despite herself, Louise was slightly shaken by the weight of a realization that would change her life forever: she was pregnant.

Years ago, the idea of having a child had never even crossed her mind. She’d been too focused on her ambition, on carving her name into history. But now... she was older, wiser—and lonelier. The view from the top was isolating. There was no one to share it with. Her relationships were mostly professional, cold, distant. The life she built felt artificial, like she was playing a part in someone else's script.

But tonight, things would change. Tonight, she’d confront her feelings. Maybe even take a step into a new chapter of her life. Her fingers tapped nervously against the soft mattress, her thoughts spiraling. For the first time in years, she didn’t know what to say. She felt vulnerable, and the fact that you were late only made her anxiety worse. What would she say? How would he react to the news?

Whatever happened, she’d make her point clear—without seeming too eager. She had a role to play, and she would play it like she always did. Cool, composed. But deep down, a part of her hoped this would pull something real from him. Something raw. Despite his cold and nonchalant demeanor, she always sensed there was more hidden beneath the surface—something that could finally meet her yearning for connection.

Her breath caught as the door creaked open. She froze. There he was. Standing tall in the doorway. In a heartbeat, her mask slipped back on. Aloof. Distant. She let out a quiet sigh and avoided his gaze.

"You're late," she said, her tone sharp but laced with something softer. "If I remember correctly, I made it clear in my message this was important."

Her eyes moved over him, trying to read his expression—but as always, he was a mystery. Just like her. The first person she couldn’t read like an open book. Crossing her arms, she faced him head-on. "Now, listen closely. You know I hate repeating myself."

The words cut clean, but inside, she was trembling. She bit her lower lip subtly, keeping her emotions in check. She wanted to tell him. Everything. That she loved him. That she didn’t want to do this alone. But she couldn’t. Not yet. Not until she knew if he felt the same.

If he did... maybe she could finally let someone in. Maybe she could stop pretending—at least with him.