"Cassie! You almost gave me a heart attack!" It is my mother who scrutinizes me from head to foot. "Look at you. You've become thin!"

"You're exaggerating, mom," I say as I respond to her hug.

"I told you. Take a vacation in the province for a while. It will lift your spirits up."

I grin at her. "Soon, mom," I say. Besides, there's only a little over a year before my contract with Liam ends.

"I heard you are pregnant. You'll be more healthy in the province, I assure you."

"I'm good here."

"Where is your husband, anyway?"

"At work."

"And Lukas?"

"School."

"See that? If you are in...