*Lauren*

The cool porcelain of the bathroom sink felt like a lifeline as I leaned over it, gripping the edges while another wave of nausea washed over me. A single bead of sweat trickled down my temple—a testament to the effort it took to keep silent. Lucas had already left for the day, the early morning sun pulling him away to his responsibilities before the first hint of my sickness could betray me.

"Baby's got quite the sense of humor," I whispered to myself, attempting a ...