Chapter 272 I'm Not Good Enough

Amelia's POV:

He froze like a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar. "I was just..."

"Absolutely not," I said, hands on hips. "That's also wasting resources! The doctor said sperm quality matters—every drop is precious now."

Luke looked like someone had canceled Christmas, but reluctantly crawled back into bed.

I couldn't help laughing at his dejected expression. "You look exactly like Lucas when he doesn't get a toy he wants."

"I'm not pouting," he mumbled.

"You absolutely are," I kissed his cheek, feeling the stubble on his jaw. "Three days will pass quickly. Hang in there, my strong man."

"You owe me, Mrs. Carter," he sighed, pulling me closer, the warmth and scent of his body making my pulse quicken.

"I'll make it up to you," I whispered against his broad chest, already worrying I might regret this teasing in three days' time.

Three days later, on a sunny afternoon, I was sitting on the living room couch, intently flipping through a pregnancy preparation book, my notebook already filled with highlighted key points. Ever since Luke and I decided to try for a baby, I'd been on a serious "baby prep mission."

The doorbell suddenly rang, interrupting my reading.

"Coming!" I closed the book and got up to answer the door.

Monica appeared in the doorway, radiant as always, wearing a deep blue dress with a bright smile.

"Well, look who it is, our mom-to-be!" She exaggeratedly looked me up and down, her smile tinged with teasing. "I never thought I'd see the day when successful Amelia Wilson turned into a stay-at-home couch potato!"

I rolled my eyes helplessly, stepping aside to let her in. "Please, I'm just preparing for pregnancy, not retiring."

Monica walked in, casually putting her bag on the entryway table. "Let me see what you've been working on. Oh my God, 'The Perfect Pregnancy Guide'? Seriously? You're way too intense!"

"Pregnancy is a big deal," I defended myself. "I just want to be fully prepared."

"I get it, I just can't help teasing you." Monica sat down on the couch. "How are you? Feeling anything yet?"

I shook my head with a wry smile. "Nothing yet. We just started trying. Today's the beginning of my ovulation period."

"Oh!" Monica's eyes lit up with a suggestive smile. "So tonight's the big night, huh?"

I felt my cheeks warming slightly. "Can you be serious for once?"

"I am being serious!" Monica laughed. "Pregnancy is a scientific project, and ovulation is the critical moment."

I handed her a cup of tea and sat down beside her. "Honestly, I'm a bit nervous. Although I've been pregnant before, this time is completely different. This time it's a joint decision between Luke and me, a creation of our love."

Monica's expression softened. "I'm happy for you, Amelia. What you and Luke have is really beautiful. Seeing you this happy makes me genuinely happy too."

"Speaking of love," I changed the subject, "how are things with Adrian?"

At the mention of Adrian, Monica's eyes noticeably flickered, revealing complex emotions. "Not bad. I met his family last weekend."

"Really?" I said with surprise. "Things are moving fast! So, what impression did you make on his parents?"

Monica sighed slightly. "His father was great, very warm. But his mother... I could tell she wasn't very pleased."

"What happened?" I asked with concern.

"You know my family background," Monica said softly, her tone betraying obvious insecurity. "My father went to prison for corruption, and I was the whistleblower. My family went bankrupt, and I had to drop out of school to work as a dancer to support us. Adrian's mother clearly wants her son to find a 'clean' girl."

I took her hand. "Monica, you have nothing to be ashamed of. Everything you did was for survival, to help your sister and mother. Besides, it took incredible courage to report your father's corruption."

"I know, but sometimes I still feel like I'm not good enough for Adrian." Monica blinked, seemingly fighting back tears. "He has such a promising future in Hollywood, and I..."

"Your career is on the rise too!" I argued. "Didn't you just choreograph for that popular TV show?"

Monica's face lit up with a hint of joy. "Right, and I have some good news. I've saved enough money to open a dance school. That way I'll have some stable income instead of always waiting for projects. Adrian even offered to help fund it, but I don't want to complicate our relationship. His family already doesn't approve of me, wouldn't this make them look down on me even more?"

"Listen," I gripped her hand and looked into her eyes earnestly. "This dance school gives you a more stable future regardless of what happens with Adrian. If things don't work out between you two, you'll have your own business and income. You could even make him a shareholder or pay him back later. Your talent and hard work are real accomplishments. Opening a dance school is your own achievement, and it will only make Adrian admire you more. As for his mother, give her time to get to know the real you. What matters is how Adrian sees you, not what others think."

A smile appeared on Monica's face. "Adrian is definitely committed. He told me in front of his mother that he loves me and doesn't care about my past, only our future."

"That's right!" I smiled. "He's a smart man. If you love each other, you can work through any other issues together. But whatever you decide, I support you."

Monica nodded and managed a smile. "Thank you, Amelia."

"No need," I said lightly. "That's what friends are for, right?"

Small footsteps suddenly came from the living room as Sophia emerged from her room, holding her favorite teddy bear and a puzzle box. Seeing Monica, she smiled shyly.

"Hi, Sophia!" Monica greeted her warmly. "How was your day?"

"Good," Sophia answered quietly, slowly approaching. "Aunt Monica, can you do the puzzle with me? Daddy bought me this new puzzle yesterday."

Monica smiled. "Of course, sweetheart."

Sophia spread the puzzle out on the carpet between us, excitedly beginning to sort the edge and middle pieces. Monica and I joined her, all three of us searching for matching patterns on the floor.

Monica gave me a warm glance, then turned to Sophia. "What picture is this puzzle? It looks beautiful."

"It's a magic garden!" Sophia explained excitedly. "There are unicorns and fairies, and a rainbow! Lucas says it's too childish, but I think it's pretty."

"It's not childish at all," I said gently. "It's very beautiful art."

We worked on the puzzle together in a cozy atmosphere, occasionally cheering when we found matching pieces.

"I should get going now," Monica said after playing with Sophia for a while, checking the time. "Adrian's picking me up tonight for a movie."

"Have fun," I walked her to the door. "Don't forget our advice. Just be yourself, and everything else will fall into place."

Monica gave me a hug. "Thanks, Amelia. Good luck tonight!" She winked at my stomach.

I laughed and gave her a gentle push. "Get out of here!"