5 November 2020

Hey guys! Sorry for the longest wait, here's the next chapter. I hope you like it!

"And when her lips met mine, I knew that I could live to be a hundred and visit every country in the world, but nothing would ever compare to that single moment when I first kissed the girl of my dreams and knew that my love would last forever." – Nicholas Sparks, Dear John

Alayna's POV

As soon as I wake up the next morning, my phone vibrates from on the bedside table. I look towards Zayan who's fast asleep, his arm wrapped around my waist gently. I pick up my phone and unlock it. It's a text from 'No Number'.

My heart drops in my chest as I open the text. It had been a few days, and this person hadn't messaged me. They're back, though.

Did you miss me? I'm back, and I see you've been taking my warnings lightly. Time's running out. Leave Zayan, or you'll regret it. Tick tock.

My heart rate accelerates in my chest, and I place a hand on it to calm myself. I feel a prickly sensation on my skin.

I swallow the lump in my throat and place my phone back onto my bedside table. Then, I turn to face Zayan. Right away, my muscles unknot and I feel a sense of calmness overcome me. I know that no harm can come to me as long as Zayan's with me. When I'm with him, I feel protected, safe.

But I know I'll have to tell him about the texts if they continue coming. It doesn't look like this person will leave me alone so easily. Moreover, it's not only myself I need to worry about now. It's my baby, too.

I touch my stomach gently. I'll do anything in the world to keep my baby safe.

I glance at the clock on the wall opposite me, it's only 5:30am. I'm going to try and go back to sleep, and put the threats to the back of my mind. Whoever this person is, they're afraid. Why else would they be hiding their number and texting me? Why don't they come out and face me?

I snuggle close to Zayan, wrapping an arm around his waist and resting my head on his arm. He's fast asleep, but I feel him kiss the top of my head gently. A smile makes its way onto my lips, and I hug him tighter. I love this man more than words could ever describe. He's my everything.

I kiss his shoulder gently and close my eyes, drifting off to sleep in less than two minutes.

********

'Dad, I was thinking of taking a two-week break from work after this week. Hanna and Alayna should, too. We should all go on holiday, the whole family,' Zayan says after breakfast that morning.

Uncle looks over at him, as does everyone else. "Zayan, that's a good idea, but why the sudden plan? Is everything okay?"

He nods. 'Dr. Lina will take care of everything at the hospital for two weeks, it won't be for long. I've been wanting to go on holiday for a while now.'

A frown makes its way onto my face. I know exactly what he's doing, but it's not needed. He doesn't want me to overwork at this very early stage of my pregnancy. Being a doctor, he knows how fragile the first trimester can be, for many women. He doesn't want to take any risks, he wants to keep me and the baby safe and healthy. But I'm sure that working at the hospital wouldn't cause any harm. I can't just put my job aside.

"Zayan, are you sure about this? It's a great idea to take a trip as a family, but for two weeks?" I glare at him, but he's not having it.

'Alayna, we're newly married. We should spend more time together. All of us should. I feel as though we're not spending enough time as a family. It'll only be for two weeks. Aliya and Kabir can go with us too, of course.'

Why am I liking the idea of a family holiday so much? I won't stop working just because I'm pregnant, though.

Hanna grins. "Zayan Bhai, you're right. I've been so exhausted these last two weeks especially. So has Alayna. Especially with Dr. Lina there, she can be a bit.. yeah. I think it's a good idea. We're allowed time off, we should take two weeks off now. Are you sure the hospital will be okay without you, though?" Hanna asks her brother.

Zayan nods. 'There are plenty of amazing doctors at the hospital, it'll be just fine without me. Don't worry about that. Alayna, what do you say?'

I continue to glare at him. "I.. I don't know. I mean, of course I want to go for a small holiday with my family, that would be the best, but can we do this? All three of us taking time off at the same time? Are we allowed?"

Zayan chuckles at that. 'Alayna, I own the hospital. I'm in charge, of all the doctors and nurses working there. We're definitely allowed.'

Aunty grins. "Oh, it's going to be so much fun! Where have you planned for us to go?" She asks Zayan.

Zayan shrugs. 'That's up to you all, Mum. Wherever you want to go.'

'A word, Zayan?' I ask, standing up.

He looks at me, nods, and stands up. I lead him into the living room, closing the door behind us.

'Is everything okay, Alayna?' He asks me, worriedly.

I frown at him. "Everything's okay, Zayan, you know it is. I know exactly why you're doing this. You don't want me to work while I'm pregnant."

He sighs. 'I don't want to take any risks. I don't want to do anything that would cause harm to you or our baby, Alayna. I think it's best if you take a short break, only a two-week break. Then I won't stop you from going to work, I promise.'

I sigh. "I'm a doctor, Zayan, just like you. I can't stop being a doctor. I can't stop working."

He nods. 'I know, Alayna, and I wouldn't ever make you stop working. You said Aliya's just as far along as you are?'

I nod. "Yes. Why?"

'Her morning sickness has kicked in, she's not been feeling too good lately. You don't have too many symptoms just yet, but they might kick in soon. You'll be six weeks along on Friday. I want you to take good rest and not take any stress during the next couple of weeks especially. They're a crucial time in the first trimester.'

I touch his arm gently. "I know, Zayan, but.. you know what, are you sure the three of us can take some time off together?"

He nods, smiling softly at me. 'I own the hospital, Alayna. I'm quite sure. Don't worry about it, or anything else. Where do you want to go for two weeks?'

I grin. "Wherever you want. When will we be going?"

'On Saturday.'

"Is it okay if we stay in the country? Just in case. I know I shouldn't be thinking so negatively, but just in case I need.. a doctor at any point in the next two weeks."

'Of course.'

"We should go to the manor again, in London," I say, excitedly.

His eyes light up, and he nods. 'That's a good idea.' He kisses my forehead, and I hug him, sighing with contentment.

********

Friday rolls by, and I'm extremely nervous. When I wake up on Friday morning, I have a mini panic attack. My nerves are going crazy, and I'm terrified. I have my scan this morning. I'm six weeks pregnant, and shortly, me and Zayan will be going for my first ultrasound. It'll be at our hospital, in the maternity unit.

I get ready for work, and I have breakfast with my family. I'm silent throughout breakfast, and Zayan keeps giving me worried glances. He's nervous too, I know he is. He's trying to calm me, but it's not working. I'm so scared.

What if we see nothing on the ultrasound? What if it's bad news?

I'm six weeks today, and still, the only symptom I'm having is light cramping in my lower abdomen. Sometimes, I'm feeling fatigued but not as much as I was last week. I'm still bloated, which I guess is a good thing. But there's nothing else. No nausea, no vomiting, nothing else.

Zayan doesn't let go of my hand on the drive to the hospital. We reach on time, and we head to the resident's room. He assigns us all to our duties first, and what a surprise! I'll be working in the paediatric unit today, which is right next to the maternity building.

Everyone starts their shifts, and I head to the maternity unit. My legs are trembling, and my heart's thudding loudly in my chest. My heart palpitations are back, and my hands are sweaty. I'm so glad that no one else is suspicious just yet. I want to hide my pregnancy for the time being, at least for the next two weeks or so. I want to make sure I'm in the safe zone, before announcing to everyone.

I just hope this ultrasound goes well. I can't wait to see my tiny baby on the ultrasound, although I know very well that I won't see much at such an early stage of my pregnancy.

When I tell the young receptionist at the desk of the maternity unit that I'm here for an ultrasound, she gives me the widest grin.

'Dr. Alayna, I'm so happy for you! How far along are you?' She asks, excitedly. She's a lovely young girl around the same age as me, and she's always so sweet. I've talked to her a few times before, when I've been working in gynaecology and the maternity unit.

I can't help but blush. Not many people know about my pregnancy, and it feels so surreal.

"Thank you, Lauren. I'm six weeks today," I say, smiling gently at her.

She grins. 'Will someone be joining you today? Dr. Zayan?'

That's the moment where he enters the maternity unit in all his glory, walking through the wide double doors in his doctor's coat, black trousers, black shoes and his stethoscope around his neck. His hair's tousled, his eyes sparkling with excitement. He has some light stubble on his jaw, and he looks so sexy. He's the epitome of perfection, of masculinity.

His shoulders are broad, his doctor's coat fitting him snugly. His biceps look huge in the coat. He looks more like a model than a doctor, if I'm being honest.

A faint blush creeps up onto my neck as I see him smirk. He nods at the receptionist, and she grins at him.

'Dr. Zayan, congratulations! I'm so happy for the both of you! Dr. Aaron's ready to see you now,' she says, gesturing to a door beside us.

We thank her and enter the doctor's clinic. Dr. Aaron's the head of gynaecology and obstetrics at this hospital, he's an amazing doctor who's in his mid-thirties, and he's a good laugh too. When he sees me and Zayan enter the room, he grins at both of us, gesturing to the seats in front of his desk.

I thank him quietly, blushing hard. This feels unreal. How can I be pregnant?

I know exactly how.

'Dr. Alayna, Dr. Zayan! It's great to see the both of you! Congratulations on your pregnancy, am I right to believe that you're six weeks today, Alayna?' He asks, looking down at a file in front of him.

I nod. "According to my dates, yes. I think so."

Zayan grabs my hand from beside me, and I relax instantaneously.

'So, first we'll have your bloods drawn, make sure all your levels are looking great. And then we'll have your ultrasound. What do you say?'

My eyes widen slightly when he informs me I need to have a blood test, but Zayan rubs small circles onto the back of my hand. I glance at Zayan, and he nods.

Of course I need a blood test. Of course I do. Pregnancy is not easy. For my baby, I need to get it done without being a wimp.

"That sounds great," I say, my voice weak.

Dr. Aaron grins. 'Not fond of needles?'

I shake my head with a grimace. "Not really. It has to be done, though. So it's fine."

'I'll do it myself for you, it won't hurt much. Only for a couple of seconds, as you already know,' he says, standing up and walking over to a medical cart. He takes out all the things needed for my blood test, and he returns in ten seconds.

He sits on a chair near me, and I roll up my sleeve.

'Maybe it'll help if you don't look at the needle,' he says, laughing.

I nod, turning to face Zayan. "You're okay, I'm right here," he replies, smiling softly at me.

'I know I am. And I know, you're always here with me,' I whisper.

I take a deep breath, and then I feel a prick. It's over in seconds. And it wasn't bad at all. It definitely helps not to look at the needle.

I feel myself instantly relax when it's over.

'See, that was great, Dr. Alayna. We'll have your blood reports ready by midday. Are you ready for your ultrasound?' That's when my heart rate and anxiety levels pick up again, and my hands start to feel clammy.

My heart's pounding loudly in my chest, threatening to escape. "I'm ready," I say, nodding to myself. I'm ready.

I'm taken to the ultrasound room, which is dimly lit. Zayan's right by my side. The sonographer tells me to lay back on the small hospital bed and lift up my shirt. I do as I'm told, and she introduces herself. She rubs a small amount of clear gel onto my stomach, and turns on the monitor.

I can hear my heart thudding loudly in my chest. I'm sure Zayan and the sonographer can hear it, too. One hand is resting by my side in a fist, and my left hand is clutching Zayan's, hard. I swallow, my throat suddenly feeling very dry.

'There's your little baby, Alayna! Can you see, just there on the screen?' The sonographer says with a smile, pointing to a tiny dot on the screen. My eyes fill with tears as I look at the screen and then at Zayan. His eyes are fixed on the screen, he looks shocked. He has a tiny smile on his lips.

He sees me staring at him, and he grins at me. My heart.

'Everything looks great, Alayna. The fetal pole, the yolk sac, they're all measuring perfectly to your dates. Can you see your baby flickering on the screen?' She whispers, staring at the screen and moving the ultrasound probe over my stomach.

I nod. "Yes, it's flickering. Is everything okay? Is it meant to be doing that?" I ask, worried.

She grins at me. 'That's the baby's heartbeat, Alayna. A pretty strong heartbeat for only six weeks!'

A tear slips out of my eye, and I hold onto Zayan's hand tighter. "Zayan, our baby," I whisper, my heart pounding in my chest.

He nods, smiling at me. He kisses the top of my head, wiping away my tears. 'Our little miracle,' he says, sighing with happiness.

I chuckle. 'Everything's normal? Everything's okay?' I ask the sonographer again. I can't help but worry.

"Everything's great, Alayna. Continue to take care of yourself, don't take any stress and everything will be fine," she says, grinning at me. "Do you want a picture of your baby?"

I nod, my eyes wide. 'Yes, please!'

She smiles at me. "I'll grab that for you just now. You can make your way back to the doctor's office, sweetie."

I sit up, wiping the gel off my stomach with a tissue. She prints out a copy of my ultrasound, and hands it to me in an envelope. I thank her, as does Zayan. Then, we return to the doctor's office where he's waiting for us.

When he sees our happy, excited faces, he grins at us. 'Take a seat, Alayna. Zayan.'

We take a seat opposite him at his desk, and he proceeds to give me precautions and advice.

"Alayna, continue to take care of yourself, eat healthily and drink plenty of water. You'll be needing all the energy you can get. Don't overwork, and try not to take any stress. Continue to take a daily dose of folic acid and your pregnancy vitamins, which I've prescribed to you. Just collect them from the hospital pharmacy and start taking them today. Don't worry if you accidentally miss a day, but as you know, being a doctor yourself, don't take a double dose at any time."

I nod. 'I understand.'

He smiles kindly at me. "I'm glad that you're not experiencing many pregnancy symptoms just yet, but in case you start feeling nauseous and having morning sickness, I've prescribed a medicine for you which will help with that."

'Thank you,' I say, smiling.

Zayan thanks him too, and he tells us a little more about the symptoms I might start to experience in my first trimester.

I listen to everything he tells me, even though I know it all already, being a doctor myself. Zayan asks the doctor if he has a list of foods I can't eat, which he gives us. We thank him again, before leaving his office.

I'm very excited and uplifted all day, after seeing my baby's heartbeat on the ultrasound. My energy levels are great today, and I have a good time treating patients on the ward. However, by the time it's the end of my shift, I'm exhausted. My legs are aching, and so is my back. I've been on my feet for most of the day, so I'm tired.

I head home with Zayan and Hanna that evening, we reach home at half five. We're all super excited and all smiles, as we start packing for our two-week trip to London.

I'm glad we're taking two weeks off for ourselves, but I'm also glad that we've decided to stay in the country. Zayan makes sure I have everything I need for our trip, he does most my packing for me and tells me to rest. He's the sweetest, although I know he doesn't like being called 'sweet'. Crazy guy.

We go to sleep early that night, as we were both tired from our shift. I'm very much looking forward to London, and spending quality time with my loved ones.

********

We reach the manor at 3pm the next day. Although I've been here before, not too long ago, I can't help but feel awed and very impressed by the manor. It looks like a palace, it's so beautiful, so huge. Again, all the staff introduce themselves to us. I have a personal maid, it's so crazy.

Me and Zayan are taken to the room we stayed in the last time we were here, the most beautiful suite in the entire manor. It looks exactly the same as it did the last time we were here, spotless, perfect, traditional and pristine.

I start to unpack our suitcases, but Zayan comes from behind me and hugs me, resting his hands on my stomach. I feel a fluttering sensation in the pit of my stomach, and I lean back into him.

He kisses my temple, his height towering over me. Just one touch of Zayan's makes me melt.

'The maids will unpack for us, Alayna. Rest, babygirl,' he whispers into my ear, his voice low and husky.

I suppress a shiver. "Will you not let me do any work at all, Zayan? Do you expect me to stay in bed for the whole two weeks?" I ask, a smile playing on my lips.

He kisses the back of my head, breathing in the scent of my strawberry shampoo. 'Yes.'

I chuckle. "Well, that's not gonna happen. I can't.. not be doing anything. I can't rest for two weeks."

'Not even for our baby?' He whispers gently.

I turn around in his arms to face him, our bodies pressed against each other. I sigh, taking in his handsomeness, his sexiness. He's too perfect for his own good. How can someone be so flawless, so hot?

"I'll try to rest as much as I can, but not all the time. I'm not on bed rest. And anyway, I don't want anyone to get suspicious, which is gonna be so difficult. We're going to be living with everyone, with Mum, Dad, Aunty, Uncle, Aliya, everyone.. for two weeks. I don't know how I'm gonna be able to hide it from them for so long," I say, staring into his eyes.

He smiles softly at me. 'Don't you want to tell anyone yet?'

I shake my head, and then I shrug. "Maybe by the end of these two weeks. I was thinking to surprise everyone in some way. Remember the recording of your reaction? When we played that game? I want to play that recording in front of everyone. Of course, I'm going to edit out a lot of the parts, though," I say, a grin breaking out on my lips.

I remember Zayan asking me if I've given him something naughty, when I handed him the pregnancy test. I'm gonna have to edit that out, otherwise it'll be... crazy.

He smirks. 'I don't think we should edit anything out.'

I raise an eyebrow. "Really, now? We should leave that part in? And the part where we were both getting emotional, too? And when you kissed me?" I blush furiously.

He nods. 'I'm not afraid of anyone seeing it.'

"You're crazy!" I laugh, hitting him playfully on his chest.

'Only for you, baby,' he says, winking at me.

I blush deep scarlet, and I bite my lip. His gaze darkens as his eyes fall to my lips. He holds me tighter against himself, his eyes now boring into mine.

I take my right hand to his face, caressing gently, loving the feel of his light stubble against my fingers. I stand on my tiptoes and kiss his stubble, and then his lips.

He kisses me back gently, wrapping one strong arm around my waist and the other at the back of my head.

He deepens the kiss, and I groan against him, pulling him closer. My whole body feels like it's on fire, from just one kiss. But this kiss...

The pregnancy hormones aren't helping at all. I try to pull Zayan even closer to myself, I try to merge our bodies together, but we can't get closer. We're pressed up against each other, every inch of me is against his hard, muscular body.

When we break the kiss for air, Zayan rests his forehead against mine, staring into my eyes. His blue-brown depths are a very dark shade of blue right now, a beautiful shade like the night ocean.

I lean forward to kiss him back, but he just gives me a small peck. I frown at him, trying to pull him to myself.

'Alayna, baby, we can't. We have to take things slow,' he whispers, cradling my face in his hands.

I shake my head. "Why? Dr. Aaron didn't say once that we have to take things slow. Our baby will be happier if his, or her, parents love each other."

He chuckles at this. 'Really, now?'

I nod, my eyes wide. "Yes."

'We do love each other. But only for a few weeks, we have to control ourselves,' he says, smirking at me.

I frown. "Impossible."

He laughs loudly. 'I feel the same way. But this is for our baby.'

"I understand. I can do anything for our baby. I still can't believe that I'm pregnant," I say, smiling.

He kisses me softly. 'I can't believe it, either. But I'm the happiest man in the world. I can't wait for the next nine months to be over. I can't wait to see our baby.'

My eyes well up with tears. "He's going to be perfect," I whisper.

Zayan raises an eyebrow. 'He? Do you think we're having a baby boy?'

I chuckle, shrugging. "Honestly, I have no idea. I haven't given it much thought yet. But maybe.. maybe we're having a boy."

'Maybe. I think we're having a beautiful baby girl, though. A princess,' he whispers, holding me close.

My heart swells with emotion. "You think we're having a girl? I honestly have no idea," I say, leaning back slightly and touching my flat stomach.

Zayan places his hand on mine, ever so gently. 'I think we're having a girl,' he says, nodding.

I grin. "It's crazy. I really think Aliya's having a boy, and I really think Zara's having a boy. But I don't know about myself."

He smiles at me. 'I love you, Alayna.'

I pout. "Why are you so damn cute? I love you too, Zayan." I pull his cheek gently.

'I'm not cute,' he says, his eyes twinkling.

"Yes, you are. So shh. You're the cutest, for the next nine months."

He hugs me, his whole body vibrating with laughter. 'That's you, babygirl. You're the cutest. Always.'

********

I spend the evening with Hanna, Laiba, Sara and Aliya. We watch a film, while talking excitedly about Aliya's pregnancy.

However, the whole evening, Aliya's feeling nauseous. She vomits right after dinner, and then she feels nauseous throughout the film. Watching her feel this sick worries me. I'm lucky that I don't have many symptoms as of right now, but what if my sickness starts soon too? Will I be vomiting this much, too? Will I be feeling nauseous all the time, too?

She rests her head in my lap, watching the film. I smile, massaging her head lightly.

"Alayna, I feel so bad. I'm only six weeks, but the morning sickness and the nausea have hit me like a train! One evening I was feeling perfectly fine, and the next morning I was puking my guts out!" She says, frowning sadly.

Oh, my god.

'Aliya, I'm sorry that you feel so bad. But it's a way of your baby telling you that they're doing just fine!' I say, trying to cheer her up.

She nods. "I keep telling myself the same. But after a miscarriage, you can't help but feel paranoid. You can't help but feel terrified of the same thing happening again, even though chances are that it won't happen again. Every time I go to the bathroom, I obsessively check my underwear for any blood. I'm going crazy."

My heart breaks for her. 'I can't even begin to understand how you must be feeling, Aliya. But please, try not to take any stress, try to remain calm and happy. For your baby. Stress won't do any good. I know it's easier said than done, but please try not to stress. We're all here for you, Aliya. Always. And we're gonna have the best time in the next two weeks.'

She smiles at me, grabbing my hand. "I love you so much, Alayna. You're the best. You too, quickly give us all good news!"

I laugh, my cheeks turning bright red. 'You're crazy!'

Hanna and Laiba turn to me, grinning. "Aliya's right, Alayna! Quickly give us good news! Adnan needs someone to play with," Hanna says.

I roll my eyes, looking towards the little boy. He's sitting in Laiba's lap, playing with a strand of her hair.

'Shh, everyone! Let me concentrate on the film! You've all gone mad!' I say, not knowing what else to say.

They laugh, and we continue to watch the film.

'Alayna? Is it okay if Mariyah comes to visit sometime next week?' Aliya asks me, as the film ends.

I look down at her, she still has her head in my lap. "Oh, yeah. Of course. She's not too bad, you know."

Aliya nods. 'She's actually pretty nice, she's always been good to me. Ever since she found out I'm pregnant, she'll call me every morning and evening to ask how I am.'

I give her a small smile. "She can come over whenever she wants, Aliya," I tell her genuinely.

Aliya thanks me, and she sits up. 'I think I'm gonna be sick again.' She runs into the bathroom and closes the door behind her.

Hanna sighs sadly, following Aliya. A few seconds later, I can hear her being violently sick.

********

Me and Zayan watch 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' that night before we go to bed. I tell him that while we're here, we're gonna watch all the Harry Potter movies, before moving onto a different film series.

We both love the movie, even though we've watched it several times before. Even if I watched 'Harry Potter' a thousand times, I wouldn't get bored of it. It's the best film series in the world, and my favourite.

I lay in Zayan's arms as we watch the movie, resting my head on his chest. His arms are wrapped around me, his chin resting on the top of my head.

'That was a good movie,' Zayan says, as the film credits roll.

I nod, turning around in his arms to look up at him. "It's the best. We'll watch the second one tomorrow, okay?"

'Okay, of course. Do you want to eat something?' He asks me.

I shake my head. "No, I'm tired. Come here," I say, grabbing his head and kissing him softly. The kiss was meant to be short and sweet, but as soon as his soft, full lips touch mine, I feel the strongest current go through my whole body. I groan, pulling him close and kissing him deeply.

He kisses me back, first gently and then harder. I hear him groan from the back of his throat as his hands roam down my back. I shiver in his arms, not breaking the kiss.

I bite his lip, teasing, making him groan again. My hands travel to his head, and I tangle my fingers through his hair, pulling gently. These pregnancy hormones are really driving me crazy.

Our baby definitely doesn't want me and Zayan to stay away from each other in any way.

Zayan's hands slip under my shirt, resting on my small waist. I tremble in his arms, shifting so I'm closer to him.

We break the kiss for air, and he stares into my eyes, his pupils dilated.

'You're a dangerous girl,' Zayan says, staring at my swollen lips.

I smirk. "What did I ever do?" I ask, feigning innocence.

He pulls me into his lap so I'm straddling him, our faces inches apart. 'You're pregnant, and you're driving me crazy.'

"I'm pregnant, not sick," I say, raising an eyebrow.

He chuckles, shaking his head at me.

"Our baby doesn't want us to stay apart, Zay," I say, tracing the hard ridges of his abdomen.

Zayan groans, closing his eyes shut tight, shaking his head. 'Only a few weeks, Alayna. I promise.'

I nod, shrugging. "Okay! No problem. I'm tired now, anyway. Let's sleep."

I peck him on the lips and stretch, yawning. Zayan looks at me in confusion.

"It's hot!" I complain, frowning.

'Shall I turn the fan on?' Zayan asks.

I shake my head. "No, it'll turn really cold if you do. I'll just take my top off."

In one swift motion, I take off my shirt and discard it to the side. I get into bed, covering myself with the duvet.

Zayan's tense, rooted to the spot. He stays seated, staring intensely at me. 'Alayna, don't do this.'

"I'm pregnant, Zayan. I need to be comfortable to sleep, otherwise I won't be able to sleep. I'm comfortable like this. Come and sleep."

He doesn't take off his shirt, and he gets into bed beside me. He pulls me into his arms, staring into my eyes.

'I'm not going to give in,' he says, more to himself than to me.

"I'm not telling you to. I'm honestly tired now, me and baby want to sleep. Goodnight, Zayan!" I say, smiling at him and snuggling close to him.

He tenses, but holds me close. I feel him kiss the top of my head as I close my eyes, hiding my smirk in his warm chest.

'Goodnight, Alayna,' he whispers, his voice hoarse and thick.

I guess I was actually pretty tired, and that this pregnancy is tiring me even more than usual. I'm asleep within minutes, in Zayan's arms.

********

Hey guys! How are you all? I hope you've been well?

I'm sorry for such a long wait! I've been really busy lately. A month ago, I went abroad for two weeks, and when I returned, I fell ill so I was unable to update. I tested positive for coronavirus almost two weeks ago, and I've been recovering. I was really unwell, and I couldn't write even though I really wanted to. Thankfully now, though, I'm feeling much, much better. I'm back to normal now, and I'll try my best to update regularly for you guys from now.

How was the chapter, guys? Alayna's testing Zayan's patience and control, how do you think that'll work out?

What do you think about Alayna's pregnancy? She's feeling pretty well, right now! What do you think will happen next?

Don't forget to vote and comment if you liked the chapter! Also, please point out any mistakes you see because the chapter is unedited.

Question: When were you last sick, and what happened?

Bye guys! Take care, please, please stay safe! This virus is no joke, it's spreading like crazy and it's honestly so bad. I haven't ever been as ill as I was with the virus.