The following morning, Alyzs woke up to the sound of Roman dry heaving in the bathroom. "Roman!" she called out, her voice filled with concern as she threw the covers off and sprinted to his side. The sight of him, pale and trembling, brought a surge of fear and protectiveness. She rubbed his back gently, her heart racing as she waited for the sickness to pass.

Once Roman regained his composure, he leaned heavily against the sink, looking up at her with embarrassment and apology. "I'm okay," he said, his voice gruff. "It's just...something I ate last night."

But Alyzs knew better. Her hand hovered over her stomach, her eyes wide with realization. Could it be? Her mother had once told her that the father of an unborn child sometimes takes on the mother's morning sickness. It was an old, wise tale.

"Roman," she said softly, "Maybe it's more than just something you ate."

He looked at her, confusion etched on his face. "What do you mean?"

Alyzs took a deep breath, her heart racing. "I think...I think."

Roman's eyes searched hers, and understanding dawned. "Hold on," he murmured. Could it be?"

They both stood there, the gravity of the situation sinking in. Roman reached out, his hand covering her stomach, his eyes filled with a mix of awe and fear. "Are you pregnant, Alyzs?" Roman asked slowly. Realization hit Alyzs, and she slowly began to panic. "I-I don't know!" Her eyes welled with tears, and she covered her heart with her hand.

Roman pulled her into a tight embrace, "Shh, it's okay," he whispered into her hair. "We'll find out." He held her close, his heart pounding in his chest. The thought of being a father again was overwhelming and exciting.

Alyzs pulled away, wiping at her eyes. "We can't tell anyone," she said, her voice shaking. "Not until we know for sure."

Roman nodded, his jaw tight. "Of course," he said, his voice steady. "We'll keep it between us."

They agreed to get a pregnancy test and to keep their secret until they had answers. The tension was palpable as they went through their morning routine, their every move charged with the weight of their potential future.

Once they were dressed, they left the penthouse, the early morning light glinting off the skyscrapers around them. The drive to the nearest pharmacy was filled with awkward silence, the weight of their unspoken fears and hopes heavy in the air.

Roman's phone rang through the speakers in the car.

Monique's name flashed on the dashboard screen. He answered. "Good morning, Monique; what's up, kid," he said, pulling away from the curb. Paparazzi were headed towards them, attempting to swarm the URUS, but Roman peeled out quickly.

"We've got work to do, Roman." "Art vs. Art want a cover with you and Alyzs," and 'What's the Tea?' has been begging for a sit down with you and two for over a year now," Monique said with slight annoyance. "It will be an evening interview," she continued. "It will be live, Roman," Roman quirked an eyebrow with a scowl. 

"I'll speak with Alyzs; meet me in my office at 4 PM," he said firmly. "Roman, this will be a good thing, okay?" Monique cooed over the speaker. Roman ended the call without another word. "what the fuck" he mumbled to himself before grabbing Alyzs' hand and kissing her knuckle. "I'm not ready to know yet, Roman," Alyzs said in a small voice. "Let's just go to work" "We will get a test later," she said with a shaky voice.

The day dragged on, the weight of their secret pressing down on them. Every meeting and interaction felt like a tightrope walk—one wrong move and their world could come crashing down. Alyzs's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, her heart racing every time she felt the slightest twinge in her stomach. Was it just nerves, or was it something more?

Finally, the clock struck four, and Roman led her back to his office, shutting the door firmly behind them. He pulled her into his arms, his eyes searching hers. "We're going to get through this," he murmured, his voice a promise. "Together."

They sat down, the tension thick between them. Roman's hand found hers, his thumb tracing gentle circles on her skin. "We need to talk about this," he said. "But first, I need to know if you're okay with doing the cover for Art vs. Art."

Alyzs took a deep breath, pushing her fears aside for the moment. "Of course," she said, her voice firm.

They discussed the details of the cover shoot, the excitement of the project briefly overshadowing their turmoil. "What do I tell Clair about the interview?" Monique asked. "When do they want us to sit, Monique?" Roman was getting more annoyed by the second "ASAP," she said quickly. "Fine," he said with a defeated tone. "tomorrow, 30 mins only" "I've got shit to do," Roman said firmly. "Thank you, Monique. Email me the details," he said as he walked her to the door.

The rest of the day was a blur of meetings and decisions, their secret a silent third presence in every room they entered. Alyzs's stomach rolled with nausea and excitement, her thoughts racing with the possibility of their future. Roman remained by her side, his hand on the small of her back, a silent reassurance that he was there, that they were in this together.

Alyzs heard Roman's stomach gurgle. He bolted to his bathroom. Alyzs's stomach turned; now, her mouth was watering. She had to leave out of his office and get some fresh air.

When she returned, Roman was wiping his mouth with a handkerchief, looking green. "I'm fine," he said, but Alyzs knew he was lying. She stepped closer, placing a hand on his arm. "I'm sorry you're sick, love."

He gave her a forced smile, trying to reassure her. "It's nothing," he said, but the tremor in his voice belied his words. "Just nerves."

They decided to get the test over with, their hearts racing as they drove to the nearest pharmacy. The aisles were eerily quiet, the fluorescent lights flickering above them. Alyzs grabbed the first pregnancy test she saw, her hands shaking. Roman paid for it, avoiding eye contact with the cashier, and they practically sprinted back to the car.

The drive back to the penthouse was a silent battle of nerves. Roman grabbed her hand, his grip tight as if he had read her mind. "You'll be okay, love," he said, his voice steady.

Back in the safety of the penthouse, Alyzs took the test, her heart hammering in her chest. "Gah, I can't look," Alyzs said with a soft voice. Roman was pacing with the test in one hand, holding his stomach with the other. He didn't look well.

Roman's eyes snapped to hers, a fierce determination in his gaze. "We'll know soon," he said, his voice low and soothing. "And we'll deal with it."

The minutes ticked by like hours, the silence in the room thick with anticipation. Finally, Roman couldn't take it anymore. He turned, his hand trembling as he read the results.

"Well?" Alyzs whispered, her eyes searching his face.

He looked down at her with a slight smile playing on his lips. "It's positive," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "You're pregnant."

Alyzs stared at him, her mind racing. She felt a strange mix of fear and joy, then everything darkened. Alyzs fainted.

Roman caught her just in time, his strong arms wrapping around her as he lowered her to the floor. Panic surged through him as he checked her pulse and her breathing. "Alyzs, wake up," he whispered, his voice filled with desperation. After a moment, her eyes fluttered open, and she looked up at him with a dazed expression.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice tight and concerned. She nodded, taking a deep breath. "Yeah," she murmured. "It's just...a lot to take in."

They sat there for a while, her head in his lap, as they both processed the monumental revelation. "We're going to be parents," Alyzs said finally, her voice filled with wonder. Roman stroked her hair, his heart racing. "Yes," he said, his voice gruff with emotion. "We are."

The reality of the situation began to set in, and they both knew that their lives would change forever. They had to figure out how to balance their careers, newfound love, and the impending arrival of a baby. "We'll make it work," Roman assured her, his eyes filled with determination. "We'll tell everyone together."

Alyzs nodded, taking his hand in hers. "But not yet," she said, her voice trembling. "We need some time to get used to this first."

Roman agreed, his thumb brushing over her knuckles in a soothing gesture. "Whatever you need," he said. "I'm here for you."

They decided to keep the secret between them, focusing on their upcoming photo shoot and interview. The cover of Art vs. Art was a huge opportunity for both of them, and they didn't want any distractions.

Roman got her to her feet and then carried her to the bed. He then kicked his shoes off and lay next to her. Her face was buried in his chest, and she could feel his breathing change. Roman was crying. And it made her cry, too. Happy tears, fearful tears, anxious tears, all mixed into one. They lay there holding each other for what felt like forever. "what I don't understand is-" Roman said with annoyance. 'why the hell is my stomach tore up when you are the one pregnant," Roman said, his voice sounding nasally from crying.. amid tears they broke out into a fit of giggles.

Alyzs' phone rang. Roman handed it to her; it was Tawny—Alyzs mother.

"Hey, Mom," she said with a shaky voice. Roman looked at her with concern.

"Babe, how are you?" she began. "I had the weirdest dream about you last night. You were swimming. " Tawny burst into laughter. "It was crazy as heck," she said with a thick Caribbean accent.

Alyzs couldn't help but smile, her heart swelling with love for her mom. Roman's eyes were full of unshed tears. His hand resting gently on Alyzs's fertile belly.

"I'm okay, Mom. It's a lot going on today," Alyzs said, her voice steadying. "Is everything alright?" Tawny asked. "Yeah, of course, mama, we'll speak about it later." Roman kissed her cheek softly. "Hii Tawny Roman yelled. "Put my handsome son-in-law on the phone, Alyzs, " Tawny said, chuckling.

Roman took the phone from her. "Hey, mama," He said with a smirk. Alyzs watched as Roman's demeanor changed from concerned to excited. "I just had the best news of my life," He said. "What is it?" Tawny asked. "You're going to be a grandma," he said proudly. Tawny squealed so loudly that Alyzs had to cover her ear. "Oh my gah, baby boy! That's amazing! " "Oh wow, Roman, you are such a gossip," Alyzs said teasingly. "I see you two didn't dilly-dally," Tawny teased. "You've been married only six weeks," She exclaimed.

Roman chuckled and whispered to Alyzs, "I told you I was going to fuck a baby into you, Mrs. Dubois" Alyzs glared playfully at him. "yes, you did love," she whispered back. "but I thought we'd wait at least a year" "Yeah, nah that's too long" he said with a grin.

The excitement in Tawny's voice was palpable, even over the phone. "Well, you know me, I've always been a go-getter," Roman said with a grin, winking at Alyzs.

Tawny's laughter filled the room. "You two are going to be amazing parents," she said, her voice full of warmth. "I can't wait to spoil my first grandbaby rotten!" "Get in line, Tawny," Roman said, chuckling.

Alyzs felt a fresh wave of nerves, but Roman's hand squeezed hers reassuringly. "Thanks, mama," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "We're going to need all the help we can get."