Rose's eyes fluttered open, greeted by the piercing sunlight filtering through the window. The curtains were parted, the balcony door slightly ajar. Klive's imposing figure was nonchalantly leaning on the railing, a smile etched on his face.
She blinked, clearing the sleep from her eyes. Rising from the bed, she tenderly caressed her swollen belly, making her way to the balcony, next to her grinning partner. His mood was noticeably lighter than before; the air devoid of any hint of his usually uncontrollable rage.
The distant sounds of children playing football in the garden reached her ears, and she realized that Klive was engaging with them.
"Your friends?" she inquired, gesturing towards the group of nine or ten-year-old boys enthusiastically waving at Klive, inviting him to join the
