The news of Maya’s pregnancy should have felt like the simplest blessing in the world — but instead, it brought a new layer of tenderness, fear, and secrecy into the days leading up to her wedding.

Only a few hours had passed since the doctor left, but mElias was already acting like Maya was made of thin glass.

And Maya… didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Elias stood beside the bed with his arms folded like a guard.

“Maya, I said no getting up without me,” he reminded firmly.

“I’m only going to the bathroom,” she protested.

“That’s not the point,” he insisted. “You almost fainted earlier.”

“I’m pregnant,...