Aliyah’s POV

Some mornings, she’d wake up earlier than me and prepare breakfast before heading out to the small grocery store nearby. When I tried to join her, she’d scold me like a child. “Sit down, Lia. You look like you’re about to drop that baby right here in the kitchen.”

We’d laugh about it, but deep down, I could see the worry in her eyes. She’d grown protective of me, more than I ever expected.

As my belly grew rounder, even the smallest things became harder. ...