Chapter 76
Chapter 76
Chapter 76: “No One Else in the Room”
POV: Jackson
\---
I adjusted my cufflinks for the third time, standing in front of the full-length mirror in our room. My bowtie sat neatly in place, but something about tonight made me feel oddly nervous. I didn’t usually care about these charity events, handshakes, fake smiles, tight suits, but tonight felt different.
Elizabeth’s soft footsteps behind me made me turn.
She walked in slowly, one hand on the small of her back, the other brushing the edge of her dress as if she still wasn’t sure about it. It was black. Off-shoulder. Soft and elegant. It clung to her bump and flowed out gently below it. She’d curled her hair loosely, letting it fall over one shoulder.
I swallowed hard.
She didn’t say anything at first, just walked to her side of the room and checked herself in the mirror.
“I thought you said it might be too much,” I said quietly, watching her through the reflection.
“I changed my mind,” she replied, smoothing the fabric over her belly. “I wanted to feel pretty tonight.”
“You do,” I said before I could stop myself. “You look... stunning.”
Her eyes met mine in the mirror. She gave a small smile, but didn’t respond.
We stayed quiet for a while. I adjusted my jacket. She slipped on a bracelet.
“How’s your back?” I finally asked.
She gave a little sigh. “Feels like I’m carrying a bowling ball.”
“Do you want to sit before we go?”
“I’ll be fine,” she said, grabbing her clutch. “I just want to get this night over with.”
“You sure?” I moved closer, hesitating before gently touching her lower back.
Her body tensed slightly at the touch but didn’t pull away. “I’m sure.”
\---
We arrived in separate cars, the way we always did for these events. Appearances. Protocol. Public image. It was all part of the dance.
When I stepped into the ballroom, the first thing I saw was her.
Elizabeth stood by the champagne table, talking to a couple of board members. She laughed softly at something, her head tilting just slightly, her hand brushing across her bump like a quiet reflex.
There were people all around her, but for a moment, it felt like she was the only one in the room.
I made my way toward her, pretending not to rush.
When she caught sight of me, her expression shifted. Not warm. Not cold. Just... aware.
“You made it,” she said lightly.
“I wasn’t going to miss it.”
She looked away and sipped her sparkling water.
I wanted to say more. Ask if she was okay. If she needed to sit. If the baby had been kicking again. But this wasn’t the place.
Then, Pearl arrived.
She wore a deep red dress, tighter than necessary, with heels that clicked like threats on the marble floor. Her eyes landed on Elizabeth and narrowed slightly before curving into a polite, sugary smile.
“Oh, Lizzie,” she said, drawing close. “You really went all out tonight. It’s so brave of you to wear something like that. I could never.”
Elizabeth straightened a little. “Why not?”
Pearl blinked. “Well, you know. The bump. I mean, I’d probably feel self-conscious with everyone staring.”
I stepped in quickly, but Elizabeth didn’t look rattled. She looked... calm. Controlled.
“I’m not ashamed of being pregnant, Pearl,” she said, voice even. “And I didn’t dress for anyone else.”
Pearl’s smile slipped for a second, then returned. “Of course. Confidence is everything. I just hope the press doesn’t misread it.”
“They’ve misread worse,” Elizabeth said, and turned away to refill her drink.
Pearl flinched like she’d been slapped.
I tried not to smile.
\---
Later, we found ourselves on the rooftop, away from the buzzing music and loud laughter inside. It was cool up here. Quiet. The city stretched around us like a breathing thing.
Elizabeth leaned against the railing, both hands cradling her belly. I stood beside her, close but not touching.
“The stars look fake tonight,” she said softly.
I followed her gaze. “Too bright?”
“Too still.”
We fell quiet again. The wind tugged lightly at her hair. I wanted to brush it back, but I didn’t.
Instead, I looked at her and said, “You handled Pearl well.”
She gave a small smile. “I’m tired of pretending I can’t speak up.”
“You shouldn’t have to pretend anything.”
She didn’t reply. Just stood there, taking in the night.
“I used to wonder if you regretted marrying me,” she murmured suddenly.
I blinked. “Elizabeth—”
“I don’t need an answer,” she added quickly. “It’s just a thought I’ve had. A lot.”
My chest tightened. “I don’t regret it,” I said. “Not a single second of it.”
She looked down at her belly. “Even with everything?”
“Especially with everything,” I said. Then I hesitated. “I think I love you.”
The words were barely above a whisper. I didn’t know if she heard them. But she didn’t move. Didn’t flinch.
She didn’t walk away.
After a moment, she said, “You’re trying.”
“I am.”
“It’s hard to trust that,” she admitted.
“I know,” I said. “But I’m still here.”
She turned her face toward mine. We stood there, eyes locked, the city forgotten.
Then, she said, “Come on. I’m hungry. And I think our baby is, too.”
I chuckled. “Room service?”
“Midnight pancakes sound good.”
I held the door open for her, letting the moment stay between us, unspoken, but real.
And maybe, just maybe, that was enough for tonight.