Chapter 0317

Hannah

I made my way down to the dining room the next morning, my eyes still bleary from a restless night's sleep. Today was my father's birthday party, and I was sure the day would be a blur of activity. But I had my own plans.

Noah, Lily, and my parents were already at the table, enjoying a veritable breakfast feast. The sweet scent of pancakes and the savory tang of bacon filled the air, and a place was set for me with a steaming cup of coffee waiting.

“Ah! There she is,” my mother said as I took my seat. “Are you feeling alright? You left dinner rather abruptly last night.”

I nodded, grabbing my coffee and taking a sip. I had woken up feeling queasy again, but there wasn’t much left in my stomach to throw up. The coffee helped.

“I’m fine, Mom. Just…,” I paused, glancing at Noah, who didn’t look up from buttering his toast. “I had to make a phone call.”

My father frowned at me over his newspaper. “Hannah, if you’re sick, we can just call the family physician.”

“No, no,” I said quickly, waving my hand. “It’s nothing like that.”

My parents exchanged disbelieving looks; clearly, they knew I was being evasive. I glanced at Noah again, who was now quietly sipping his coffee. His eyes met mine briefly, and I could tell he was leaving the decision to tell them up to me.

Taking a deep breath, I decided it was time. They would likely pry until they figured it out anyway. “Actually, Mom, Dad…,” I set my coffee down with a sigh. “I have some news.”

They both looked at me expectantly, and I could feel Lily’s gaze on me as well.

“I’m… pregnant.”

For a moment, silence filled the room. Time seemed to stand still; even the grandfather clock against the far wall seemed to halt its rhythmic ticking, and the servant who had been refilling our mugs almost spilled coffee all over the table.

Then, my mother’s squeal of delight broke through the air. “Oh, Hannah!” she cried, jumping up to run around the table and embrace me. “This is wonderful news!”

My father’s face split into a wide grin. “Congratulations, sweetheart! And you too, Noah,” he added, clapping Noah on the back.

Noah smiled politely. “Thank you, sir.”

Despite everything, I couldn’t help but smile as my mother hugged me tightly. Announcing it for the first time, out loud like this… it was surreal. I wished that things at home were a bit different, though, because it certainly dampened the celebratory mood. How could I bring myself to tell them that Noah and I were getting a divorce despite the pregnancy? They’d be confused and devastated.

Chapter 0318

As my parents fussed over me, peppering me with questions about due dates and nursery plans, I caught Lily’s eye. She gave me an apologetic look, knowing the full story behind this seemingly joyous news.

After breakfast, I excused myself and headed to the household library. I needed some time alone to think, and I also wanted to do some research for my Luna Council project.

The library was just as I remembered it—floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, plush armchairs, and the comforting smell of old books. I ran my fingers along the spines, searching for titles on childhood education and public speaking. I wanted to impress the Luna Queen and the rest of the council again, so I had to make sure I covered all my bases before giving my presentation.

I was so engrossed in my search that I didn’t hear Noah enter until he spoke.

“There you are,” he said, causing me to start slightly. “What are you up to?”

I turned to face him, a book on early childhood development in my hands. “Oh, just doing some research,” I replied, my tone softer than it had been in recent days.

Noah raised an eyebrow. “Research?”

I nodded, moving to sit in one of the nearby armchairs. “I had an idea for a pen pal program for kids at the last Luna Council meeting. I’ll be expected to present a formal plan at the next one.”