Chapter 129: Chapter 129

As Andrea emerged from the hospital, Sean had planned a surprise welcome home party. The living room was aglow with blue and white balloons, her favorite colors, and a bold banner reading "Welcome Home." A chocolate cake with the message "Quick Recovery Wife-y" sat atop the coffee table, accompanied by a bouquet of fresh blue roses.

Andrea's eyes welled up as she took in the thoughtful gesture. She felt overwhelmed by Sean's kindness, wondering if she was worthy of such affection.

Her daughters, Pearl and Ruby, rushed over to hug her tightly. "Welcome home, Momma!" they chimed in unison.

Andrea smiled through tears as she scooped up her daughters in her arms, showering their cheeks with kisses. "I've missed you both so much," she whispered.

Sean wrapped his arms around her waist, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You're too much," he teased.

As they hugged, Andrea felt a pang of exhaustion wash over her. She nodded at Sean's concern and handed their daughters over to him. The girls scampered off to play with Richard, their laughter echoing through the room.

Andrea turned back to Sean, her eyes searching his face. "Just look at my babies," she said wistfully. "Did they grow taller while I was away?"

Sean chuckled softly and wrapped his arms around her waist once more. "Baby, are you feeling dizzy? Maybe you truly need to get some rest," he said with a playful smile.

Andrea playfully pulled his ears until they turned red. "Are you saying I'm blind?" she teased back.

As Andrea stepped into her living room, she was greeted by a sea of concerned faces. Her mother, Mrs. Jones, rushed over to hug her tightly, her eyes welling up with worry. "My precious baby, I'm so glad to see you're feeling better," she whispered.

Andrea smiled weakly as her father wrapped his arms around them both. "We were worried sick about you," he said, his voice laced with relief.

As they hugged, Andrea felt a pang of exhaustion wash over her. She leaned against her mother's shoulder, grateful for the support.

The room was filled with familiar faces: Jace, Jasmine, Linda, Alec, Elena, Jacob, Sonny, and Alicia, with their son Lucius, all gathered around her with concern etched on their faces.

Andrea took a deep breath and began to speak, her voice steady despite the fatigue that threatened to overwhelm her. "Thank you all for being here for me during this tough time," she said, her eyes scanning the room. "I know these next few months will be challenging for me, but I've decided to keep this baby."

As she spoke, Andrea's gaze drifted down to her stomach, where a tiny life was growing inside her. She felt a surge of attachment to this little secret gem and knew that nothing would ever make her give up on it.

Her friends and family nodded in understanding as Jasmine spoke up, her voice filled with conviction. "We love you, Andrea, and we'll be here for you every step of the way."

Pearl snuggled up in her father's arms, wide-eyed with excitement, as Sean translated for her benefit. "Your mommy is giving you and Ruby a little brother soon to play with!"

The room erupted into laughter as Mrs. Wilson cooed over the twins' adorable faces. Andrea smiled wryly at Sean's teasing comment about not knowing whether it was a boy or girl yet.

The day unfolded with a warm and lively atmosphere as the elders mingled with one another while the younger generation gathered around the dinner table. The kids, meanwhile, ran wild, their laughter and shouts filling the air as they played games in the backyard.

Lin and Alec announced their exciting news: they had finally secured a new home and would be moving out of Crescent Wood Resident. Mrs. Wilson, who had grown fond of Linda, tried to persuade her to stay, but Lin and Alec were eager to start their new life together and cherish their independence.

Sonny regaled the group with stories of his tech company's rapid success and plans to open a second branch. As everyone chatted and laughed, Alicia turned her attention to Andrea. "So, Andrea, when did you find out you were pregnant?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Andrea hesitated before answering, her eyes flicking towards Sean before responding. "I found out two months ago, and then the doctor told me about my illness," she said, her voice steady despite the fatigue that seemed to weigh her down.

The group fell silent for a moment before Sonny spoke up. "I'm sure it must have been tough for you to keep the news from Sean."

Andrea nodded. "It was hard, but I had to."

As they continued chatting, Lucius, now five months old, clung to his mother's arm, his tiny hands grasping at her clothes as he gazed up at her adoringly. Alicia had grown fiercely attached to him over the past few months and barely took on any work commitments.

The conversation turned to the topic of having another child. "Gosh, I can't wait to give you a sibling," Alicia said to her son.

Sonny's eyes narrowed. "You didn't ask me if I was ready to take on another mouthful of responsibilities. Is that what this is all about? You want another little mummy's boy?"

Alicia's expression darkened. "Lies!"

The room fell silent once more as Sean's anger simmered just below the surface. He intervened, his voice calm but firm. "Can't we just talk about this like civilized adults? No need for arguing."

"So tell me, the day we went to shop for my wedding dress, was it because you were pregnant that you were putting on that dress?"

"And the other day at the bakery, you pulled because you're pregnant, and it wasn't the cake, right?"

Andrea coughed awkwardly and nodded her head.

...

Jacob had just hung up his phone when he turned around to find Sean behind him. "What were you doing?" he sneered, putting his phone in his pocket. "Eavesdropping on my conversation?"

"And you think everyone is as jobless as you are to eavesdrop on unimportant people's conversations?" Sean replied indifferently, turning to leave.

"Wait!" Jacob's voice halted him. "I'm sure you're aware that Carmen is in town presently. Just make sure she doesn't get near my pregnant sister, or else you'll see the worst of me."

Sean quickly pulled out his phone and gave Drew a call. "Why didn't you tell me that Carmen is in town? You fool! Haven't I told you to update me on everything going on around here?"

"I'm so sorry, boss," Drew replied. "You've been stressed out about Madam's condition, and I didn't think it was the right time to inform you."

"Don't let this nonsense repeat itself again. Understood!"

The rest of the night went on with everyone sharing jokes, eating, drinking, and bonding with each other.

One by one, everyone began to leave, with Elena saying her goodbyes to Andrea and preparing to leave when Jacob rushed over to her. "Are you heading home already? Let me drop you off."

"Carry on, you two, and drive carefully." Andrea waved at them before Elena nodded with a smile and followed Jacob to his car.

They were both silent throughout the drive. When Jacob's car came to a halt, Elena forced a smile, saying, "Thank you for the ride." She was about to open the door and get out when Jacob pressed the auto-lock button.

"Why did you do that?" Elena immediately became cautious of Jacob.

"Tell me what's bothering you," Jacob said as he folded his arm over his chest. "I know you have a lot to say; just let it out."

"Nothing is wrong with me; you're just overreacting. I'm feeling very exhausted; just let me out."

"You might not have noticed this today, but I was watching your actions throughout the day and noticed you barely said anything. I just want you to know that you're always free to share how you feel with me."

"Will Andrea be fine?" Elena asked anxiously.

"I really don't know either," Jacob replied. "

Elena said it solemnly. "Two years ago, there was this lady in our hospital who was also diagnosed with placenta previa. She was bent on having the baby but didn't make it. I don't want this to happen to my best friend."

"It won't," Jacob reassured her. "We should all have faith in Andrea."

Elena nodded, and Jacob gave her a hug while he caressed her back. Elena remained in Jacob's embrace for a while until she felt more composed.

"Thank you so much for tonight," she said gratefully. "This was what I really needed." She unlocked the door and immediately stepped out onto the ground. Jacob grabbed her arm tightly.

"Please just wait," he said urgently. "There's something I badly want to do before you leave."

Elena waited as he leaned closer and kissed her on the lips. Her eyes went wide, but she couldn't say a word or move her body. Jacob took this as a sign to continue.

He placed his hand on her cheek and kissed her again, this time exploring her mouth with his tongue.

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