Chapter 163

Spring quietly faded into summer. By June, Elaria's belly had begun to round. It jutted out just enough-it was probably a baby girl. The summer night sky hung deep and navy blue. On the trellis outside the villa, full wisteria blossoms dangled down, their soft lavender hue swaying gently in the warm breeze. Pretty, delicate, and full of life. Elaria was dozing lightly in a recliner. A small blanket was draped over her. Her black hair fluttered in the breeze, just like those wisteria petals, soft and elegant. Her face, fair and glowing under the soft lights, looked serene and beautiful. A warm palm slid into hers. He crouched in front of her, gently clasping her fingers while leaning in to rest his face against her stomach. She was over five months along now; the baby bump was firm and obvious. He could clearly feel the tiny life squirming underneath. It wasn't a sudden kick. More like a slow, gentle ripple. Almost like a little grapefruit doing a lazy stretch. Sebastian felt a sudden u