Chapter 5 Moving In

After Elan's family dinner, the next week was filled with a flurry of calls, texts, and unannounced visits. With a heartwarming and perhaps overwhelming enthusiasm, Vivian and Eleanor appeared determined to include me in the family.

It culminated on a bright Saturday afternoon. My phone buzzed as I was going through some work-related emails, and it was Elan saying, "My mother and grandmother are on their way to your apartment." They are demanding that you move in. I apologize.

I read the message again, and my heart raced. Take up residence? To their home? A knock on my door interrupted me before I could completely realize what that meant.

I opened it to find Eleanor and Vivian standing there, both of them impeccably groomed and wearing determined expressions.

"Jade, darling," Vivian greeted me as she swept into my tiny flat. "We've come to help you pack."

Eleanor trailed behind, her perceptive eyes surveying my small living area. "For a woman in your condition, this just won't do," she said. "You need proper care and comfort."

I stood there, dumbfounded for a second. "What? Me? I'm not sure I get it."

I put my hands in Vivian's. "Dear, we would love for you to come stay with us. Until the baby is born, anyway. You'll receive the best treatment, and we have lots of space."

"But... my job, my life here..." Even while a part of me jumped at the prospect, I stammered. It was alluring to be cared after and to live in luxury.

Eleanor dismissively waved her hand. Are you able to work from a distance? Regarding your life, you are carrying the next generation of McWell's heir. Your life is now with us.

A whirlwind of emotions swirled within of me. On the one hand, their offer relieved a lot of my financial concerns and was really generous. Conversely, I had the impression of being carried away by an uncontrollable current.

But then my thoughts turned to my little apartment, my financial hardships, and the isolation of dealing with this pregnancy mostly by myself. Perhaps this was my chance to have a better life for me and my child, provided by the cosmos.

"I... I'm honored by your offer," I uttered gradually. "But I have a condition."

The two women gave me a hopeful gaze.

"Imogen, my closest friend and a nurse too. She has supported me through everything. At minimum, I would like her to come and stay with me. I require support from someone."

Eleanor and Vivian looked at each other. Vivian responded, "Of course, dear," after a brief pause. "Any friend of yours is welcome."

A sigh of relief washed over me. "Alright, I agree. I'm grateful.

There was a rush of action over the next few hours. Taking charge, Vivian and Eleanor quickly arranged for movers and organized my possessions. The pace of change in my life was so rapid that it was nearly dizzying.

Elan showed up in the middle of the mayhem. With a frown, he surveyed the scene. "Mother, Grandma, don't you think this is a bit much?"

"Nonsense," Eleanor forcefully retorted. "Jade requires appropriate maintenance. You ought to be appreciative that we're handling this."

Elan remained silent, though his jaw tensed. Silently assisting with the packing, he seemed much more composed than he had been of late.

I pulled him aside as the final box was sealed. "Are you comfortable with this, Elan? If not, I am able to -"

He interrupted me, his voice low, "It's fine." It's probably best that way. Please just keep your expectations in check. Nothing between us changes as a result of this.

Though his comments hurt, I nodded and tried not to show my emotions. "Obviously. I recognize."

The actual relocation was bizarre. I went from being in my small but comfortable apartment to being shown into a large suite in the McWell mansion in an instant. The rooms were bigger than my whole apartment, with all the amenities I could want for and gentle, calming design.

As she gave me a tour, Vivian proudly pointed out various features. "The nursery will be right through here," she continued, pointing to a room that was adjacent. "We're about to begin decorating. Oh, and Imogen, your friend, is welcome to stay in the guest room across the hall at any time."

Feeling a little overwhelmed, I nodded. "I appreciate it, Vivian. This exceeds my expectations beyond measure."

She gave me a warm pat on the arm. "Dear, you're now a family member. We look out for one another."

I fell onto the soft bed and rested my hand on my expanding bulge as she left me to get comfortable. "Well, little one," I said, "looks like things are looking up for us."

The days that followed were spent quickly getting used to my new environment. Both Vivian and Eleanor were always around, cooing over me and excitedly making plans for the baby's birth that was endearing but also a little overpowering.

Conversely, Elan appeared to be steering clear of me. His demeanor upon finally crossing paths was courteous but aloof, a far cry from the circumspect friendliness he'd displayed in the previous few weeks.

Imogen spent the weekend here a week after we moved in. Her eyes widened as she took in the mansion's splendor.

She mumbled, "Holy crap, Jade," as I led her to her bed. "This is really crazy. Are you certain you're not having a dream?

With a slightly hysterical tone, I laughed. I admitted, "I wonder sometimes." "It's all happened so fast."

Imogen fell into the bed and gave a little bounce. "Now, spill. Actually, how is it going? And what is Elan's situation?"

With a sigh, I took a seat beside her. "It's... difficult. Really, Vivian and Eleanor are incredible. They can't stop talking about the baby. However, Elan..." I became rambling, unsure of how to continue.

"He's being a jerk?" Imogen provided.

"Not precisely. He's simply... aloof. Nearly cold. Despite the fact that his family suggested I come, it seems like he dislikes me being here."

Imogen scowled. "That is unfair. It's also his baby."

I responded, absently massaging my bump, "I know." "I'm not sure how to get in touch with him. He gets quiet every time I try to speak with him."

"Want me to kick his ass?" Imogen made a semi-joking proposition.

Thankful for her commitment, I laughed. "Thanks, but I doubt that would be of any assistance. All I have to do is figure out how to get around this. If nothing else, for the sake of the infant."

The knock on the door came as if right out of nowhere. Eleanor was the one who invited us to supper. The dinner was an elaborate event, with Vivian and Eleanor taking center stage as they talked about their plans for the nursery and possible baby names.

Elan pushed food around his plate while he sat motionless. A few times, I noticed him glancing at me with an incomprehensible expression.

Elan approached me on my way back upstairs after dinner with Imogen. "Jade, can we talk for a moment?"

Despite my best attempts, hope faltered and my heart leaped. "Of course."

Entering his study, we were immediately struck by how masculine and gloomy it was compared to the rest of the house.

With a quiet voice, Elan said, "I want to apologize." "I know I've been... distant lately."

I gave a nod in anticipation of his next words.

He ran a hand through his hair, a move that I was starting to understand as an expression of annoyance. "This state of affairs is not what I had anticipated for my life. It everything seems so real with you here. I'm not sure if I'm prepared for that reality, too.

Although his remarks were hurtful, I valued his candor. "I recognize, Elan. Nor was this what I had in mind. However, whether we're ready or not, it's occurring."

His gaze was disturbed as he nodded. "I am aware. Jade, I just... I need time. must make adjustments and determine the implications for my life and future."

"And what about our baby's future?" I felt compelled to ask.

Elan's mouth tensed. "Of sure, I will take care of the child. That is not something to be concerned about.

I whispered, "That's not what I meant." "Elan, this baby needs more than just financial assistance. This baby needs a father."

He had a prolonged period of silence. "Jade, I'm trying. I am, truly. Please just be patient with me.

I agreed, despite the part of me that wanted to cry out that there wasn't much more time to be patient. I said, "Okay," in its place. "Thank you for talking to me about this."

I had mixed feelings as I walked out of his study. A rising resolve to make the best of this circumstance, with or without Elan's complete participation, annoyance at how slowly he was accepting, and hope that he was at least trying.

Imogen was waiting for details back in my room. She listened sympathetically as I related my interaction with Elan.

Her words, "Oh, Jade," brought me in for an embrace. "I apologize for the complexity. Well, at least you have me, isn't that right? Eleanor and Vivian also seem like really great people."

I nodded, suddenly filled with thanks for my friend. "You're correct. Who knows? Perhaps Elan will change his mind at some point."

I caught my reflection in the mirror as I was getting ready for bed that night. My bulge had become more noticeable, serving as a physical indicator of the life developing within me. I touched it, a wave of affection and protectiveness washing over me.

I murmured to my unborn kid, "I promise I'll always be here for you, no matter what happens with your daddy." Who knows? Perhaps our happily ever after will come to pass."

I went into bed and allowed the plush comfort of my new surroundings lull me to sleep after having that idea. I was prepared to take on any obstacles that came my way, both for my child and for myself.