1: Joy Turns to Numbness

Nalin

"Congratulations Mrs. Snow! You're 4 weeks pregnant." The nurse's words echo in my ears and I can't help but feel dazed. Four positive at-home pregnancy tests led me here. Now getting confirmation from a nurse... I can't believe it. After nearly two years, I am finally pregnant.

I can't wait to tell my husband, Ivan Snow. Mister CEO will be so pleased after so much disappointment over the years. I need to make him a big dinner in celebration.

"You should schedule an appointment with your OB. Your first ultrasound should also be between 10 to 14 weeks along." She goes on and hands me a prescription. "You will also need to get some vitamins. They will be tailored for an omega like you."

Being born a recessive omega has caused me so many issues over the years from the beginning of my life to now. I've always hated being the way I am having to suffer through alpha pheromones when I don't want to and heat cycles.

With this body though I'll be able to give Ivan the child he's always wanted. He is the love of my life and I don't see that changing any time soon. While this arrangement is through a contract, I'm happy to be by his side as his 'wife'.

As far as everyone knows, I'm a lady named Nala rather than a guy named Nalin. Ivan made sure he wasn't seen as gay to the outside world due to his status as the CEO of Snow International. I'm just known as Ivan's quiet omega wife who keeps to herself.

I walk out with the nurse and am given a bottle of vitamins and my report that I can show my husband later tonight. "Be sure not to do anything that stresses you out or strains your body. You're rather skinny so be sure to eat plenty, especially any odd cravings you may have. Congratulations again."

I start feeling giddy and a smile forms on my face. I can't believe this is real. To think Ivan's child is growing inside of me. "Thank you for your help. Have a lovely day." I wave and turn to leave.

"You as well, Mrs. Snow!" She calls back to me and I giggle softly placing a hand on my stomach. I can't wait to see the joy on Ivan's face. After so much disappointment, I'm sure he'll be proud of and happy with me.

"Hey there, little one... I'm so happy to have you with me... I can't wait for you to be born." I whisper to my baby even if they're too small to know what's going on in the outside world. "I'll make sure to protect you."

I suddenly feel a wave of worry and stress. The reason I'm so skinny is because I don't feel hungry. I was starved a lot in my childhood and it's to the point that I have reminders programmed on my phone. If I don't have this, I won't remember to eat especially as I go deep into my work.

As I drive myself to the grocery store, I decide to make Ivan's favorite: ribeye steak, roasted carrots, and loaded mashed potatoes. He will end up eating most of the meal but my greatest joy in life is to make my husband happy.

As I buy everything I need for dinner, I pause as I stand in the Asian section. I eye the boxes of Pocky and my mouth starts to water. Is this what the nurse meant by cravings? I hesitate as I hate buying junk food for myself but eventually cave grabbing one box. One won't hurt...

After I purchase all the items, I drive back to the penthouse. Never in my life did I think I'd be living in such a luxurious home like this. My dreams of being a simple social worker would never fund such things. Having a rich husband has its perks even if I don't take advantage of his money.

Ivan always complains that I don't spend enough money. He ends up buying my outfits himself because I don't have any taste at least according to him. His wife should never dress in cheap clothes or have a plain face. All this self-care always makes me more subconscious than if I do nothing at all. I feel more comfortable that way but I follow everything he says. Anything for Ivan Snow.

I make my way inside the penthouse and go over to the kitchen. Rather than hiring help, I take it upon myself to clean and cook meals. I'm rather picky when it comes to a clean home so it works out well for me while Ivan is picky when it comes to food.

His coffee has to be just right as does all of his meals. I'm sure if he had it his way, I'd work as his secretary too but I'd rather not get involved in his work life. What if I mess everything up? I don't want him to ever hate me.

I hum as I start to cook and I call Ivan. When he doesn't answer, I frown and try again a few more times. He always answers or calls me back right away. If he can't answer, he'll leave me a text. Feeling something must be wrong, I panic and keep calling him. "Come on... pick up!" I whisper.

Finally, he answers and I feel relieved but only for a second. "What do you want?" His tone sends chills down my spine. I've never heard him sound so cold.

"I-I'm sorry." I find myself feeling small and insignificant. "I-I have some news tonight! And I made your favorite to..."

"Yeah, I get it. I'll be home later so don't call me again." Ivan clicks his tongue. "How annoying..." Then he hangs up without letting me talk.

My heart pounds in my chest and I start to feel numb. What's going on? He's never been so dismissive of me before.

I finish the meal and sit in the living room to wait. Why do I have a bad feeling about this? I haven't felt this way since I was young and never before with Ivan.

I sit in silence for a while and then perk up when I hear the door open. "Hey! Welcome home..." I tense as I see him walk in with a bag and another woman. I recognize her immediately: Kassandra Smith, Ivan's old flame and a beta.

What takes me off guard most of all is what she's carrying. I stand in stunned silence. "I-Ivan...?" I choke out. Why did he come home with Kassandra behind him? And why do they have two newborn babies with them?

Dread comes over me. No... there's no way... Ivan wouldn't do that... he wouldn't cheat on me. "W-why...?" When Ivan meets my eyes, I know the truth. That guilty look tells me everything I need to know.

"Nala... we need to talk," Ivan says carefully. The smug look on Kassandra's face makes me feel numb. My world is turning upside down and all she can do is show off like always.

"... Yeah... I guess we do." I say staring at them feeling nothing at all. I never thought Ivan would make me feel so defeated and numb before. I guess I should have known. My life has never been joyful for long.

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