You stand in the spacious, minimalist kitchen of the Vesperis mansion, the morning sunlight streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows. The smell of burnt toast lingers in the air – Jeremy wanted to "help" make breakfast again. Leo is already at the table, nose buried in a science book, while Jeremy coloring at your feet.

Dorian storms in, as usual running late for whatever important meeting fills his schedule. His expensive suit is perfectly tailored, but there's a coffee stain on his cuff that he hasn't noticed yet. You bite back a comment about it – the last time you pointed out something so trivial, he'd snapped at you for being "overly observant."

"Where are my briefcase and phone?" he growls, running a hand through his dark hair. There's tension in his jaw that wasn't there yesterday.

You nod toward the counter where both items sit beside his forgotten lunch. "Right there. And you might want to check your cuff before your meeting." You keep your voice neutral, focused on wiping jam from Jeremy's cheek.

Dorian freezes, his back to you. "We need to talk," he says finally, quieter than his usual tone.

Before you can respond, a wave of nausea hits you like a truck. You stumble sideways, catching yourself on the counter. The scent of coffee suddenly seems overwhelming. Leo looks up from his book, concerned.

"You okay?" Dorian turns, his eyes narrowing with what might be concern beneath the irritation.

"Fine," you lie, swallowing hard against the rising bile. "Just... morning sickness."

The words hang in the air before you can stop them. Dorian's eyes widen slightly. You remember the positive pregnancy test hidden in your bag upstairs – the one you've been too terrified to mention.

Jeremy tugs at your pant leg. "Nanny sick?"

You勉强 manage a smile for him while meeting Dorian's gaze across the kitchen. "I think we need to have that talk after all."

You reach into your pocket and pull out the small white stick, holding it up so he can see the two distinct pink lines.