Chapter 282
In Chapter 164 of “Dreams Folding Into Broken Time,” the protagonist is engulfed in a whirlwind of anxiety and uncertainty as she awaits Roman’s return home. Her nervous foot tapping mirrors the relentless rain outside, amplifying her tumultuous thoughts about a potential pregnancy. Roman’s late arrival due to a prolonged contract signing adds to her unease, leaving her grappling with the weight of three unopened pregnancy tests hidden away in her closet. The fear of what the results might reveal looms large, particularly concerning how Roman might react if she were indeed pregnant.
As she wrestles with her emotions, the atmosphere in the house has shifted with the addition of Reese and Lizzie, making her feel somewhat displaced in her own home. The horror movie playing in the background contrasts sharply with her inner turmoil, highlighting her sense of isolation. The protagonist fears the implications of a pregnancy, feeling the pressure of a life-changing decision that she is not yet ready to confront. The thought of Roman’s potential anger and accusations fills her with dread, pushing her to avoid taking the tests altogether.
When Roman finally arrives, his weary demeanor is momentarily lifted by the sight of her, and a tender moment unfolds between them. Their kiss is passionate and reassuring, providing a brief escape from the chaos surrounding them. Roman’s dark humor lightens the mood, allowing her to relax and share a laugh, even if momentarily. Their playful banter about Reese adds a sense of normalcy and connection, reminding her of the love they share despite the underlying tension.
As she prepares a bath for him, their interaction deepens, showcasing the affection and support they have for one another. Roman’s gratitude and playful teasing create a warm atmosphere, but the protagonist remains aware of the unresolved issues lurking beneath the surface. While the moment brings her some relief, the uncertainty of her situation continues to cast a shadow over their happiness, leaving her to ponder the implications of her hidden secret as they navigate the complexities of their relationship.
**Chapter 164: She’s An Advi p>
My foot wouldn’t stop its relentless tapping against the floorboards, a nervous rhythm that had persisted for what felt like an eternity—twenty minutes, to be precise. Each tap seemed to echo the relentless patter of rain against the windows, a sound that had become an unwelcome backdrop to my swirling thoughts. Earlier, Roman had called, his voice low and weary, informing me that he would be late due to some never-ending contract signing that seemed to stretch on indefinitely.
This wasn’t out of the ordinary, but tonight, my heart raced with a ferocity that mirrored the thunder rumbling outside. Each raindrop that struck the glass reverberated through me, a reminder of the tempest brewing both outside and within.
From the living room, the eerie sounds of a horror movie wafted down the hallway—Lizzie’s choice, naturally. It struck me that the house had transformed into more than just a shared space for Roman and me. Reese was now a part of our lives, and Lizzie had claimed the couch as if it were her throne.
And where did that leave me? I found myself in our bedroom, a place that should have felt safe, with three unopened pregnancy test strips shoved beneath the suitcase in the closet. They lay there, hidden away like evidence of a crime, an unspeakable secret.
I hadn’t dared to take the tests yet. A part of me quaked with fear, while another part hesitated, unsure if I truly wanted to confront the truth at this moment. If I was indeed pregnant, there would be no turning back, no erasing the reality that would unfold. And if I wasn’t… well, perhaps relief would wash over me, only to be tainted by guilt for feeling that way.
But what terrified me most was Roman’s potential reaction.
What if he yelled? What if he accused me of trapping him, of deceiving him, of forcing a future upon him that he wasn’t ready to embrace? I had glimpsed the flashes of his temper before—uncontrolled, sharp, and dangerous enough to make me tread carefully. In my mind, the safest course was clear: don’t test. Don’t know. Don’t face it. At least, not yet.
Yet, another part of me, a smaller and more honest part, was almost certain. The mood swings, the late period, the disquieting feeling in my body—it all pointed to something I couldn’t ignore. My instincts screamed that the tests would yield a positive result. And if that happened, everything—absolutely everything—would change. For better and for worse.
I was still mired in that tumultuous sea of thoughts when the sound of the door clicking open broke through my reverie.
Roman stepped inside, his shoulders tense and a tie dangling loosely from his hand, his shirt slightly damp from the rain. He looked utterly drained, yet when his gaze landed on me, a slow smile unfurled on his lips, as if the very sight of me lifted some weight from his weary heart.
“My love,” he breathed, the words spilling from him like a sigh of relief, as if they had the power to lighten the burdens he carried.
I pushed my rising panic aside, quickly wiping my palms on my thighs, forcing myself to appear composed. “Hey,” I managed, my voice almost a whisper.
In just three strides, he closed the distance between us, capturing my lips with his in a kiss that was both fierce and unexpected. It was as if he needed to remind himself that I was real, that we were still here—together. I gasped, but he swallowed the sound, deepening the kiss until all I could taste was him. Just him.
When he finally pulled back, his forehead rested against mine, his breath warm and comforting. “One more second in that blasted discussion and I would’ve added arson to my résumé,” he joked, a hint of irritation still lingering in his voice.
I couldn’t help but let out a small laugh, the tension in my chest easing slightly. “Really now p>
He didn’t smile in return, his expression serious. “I wish they’d dared me p>
That earned another laugh from me, this one louder, a sound that felt liberating. “How was your day p>
He groaned dramatically, leaning his head against my chest. “Horrible. I fucking missed you.” His voice was low, almost muffled. “If I’d had a gun, I’d have shot them all and called it self-defense p>
His dark humor sent a chill prickling beneath my skin, and I couldn’t help but think of Kingston, that entire nightmare we had both chosen to forget. I quickly shoved the thought aside, forcing a smile. “Wanna wash up? I’ll run you a bath p>
He lifted his gaze to meet mine, his eyes softening with gratitude. “Aren’t you tired p>
I shook my head, a smile breaking through. “No. I want to do this for you p>
A slow grin spread across his face. “Aren’t you the sweetest thing? I really hit the jackpot with you, Sav. You better believe that p>
“I thought that was my line,” I teased, brushing a soft kiss against his jaw, savoring the moment.
In return, he kissed my forehead, holding me close for a heartbeat longer than necessary, as if he feared letting go. “Where’s Reese? Didn’t see him on my way in p>
“He left earlier. Said he was going to see Penny p>
Roman snorted, a hint of amusement breaking through his weariness. “He’s probably… working right now p>
“Working on Penny,” I replied, biting back a grin, the playful banter lifting my spirits.
“Yeah. Working overtime,” he added, waggling his eyebrows suggestively.
I shook my head, laughter bubbling up as I made my way toward the bathroom. Turning on the faucet, I adjusted the water temperature until steam began to rise, filling the air with warmth.
From the bedroom, Roman’s voice carried to me, breaking through the haze of my thoughts. “That reminds me, I ran into Lizzie downstairs. Nearly had me calling the police. I thought it was someone else p>
As the steam from the bath enveloped us, a sense of calm began to settle over the chaos of my thoughts. Roman’s presence anchored me, grounding the tumultuous waves of uncertainty that had threatened to pull me under. The laughter we shared, light and teasing, felt like a balm to the anxiety that had gripped my heart. In that moment, the fears of impending motherhood, of Roman’s potential reaction, and the weight of the pregnancy tests hidden away in the closet faded into the background. Here, in the warmth of our shared laughter and love, I could almost forget the storm brewing within me. The connection we had, forged through trials and tempered by our unwavering support for one another, reminded me that whatever lay ahead, we would face it together.
Yet, beneath the surface of this newfound tranquility, the reality of my situation loomed like an uninvited guest. I knew that eventually, I would have to confront the truth hidden beneath the suitcase, to unravel the tangled web of emotions that came with the possibility of bringing a new life into this world. But for now, I allowed myself to bask in the simple joy of Roman’s company, to savor the sweetness of our banter and the warmth of his touch. The future remained uncertain, a patchwork of dreams and fears folding into one another, but in this moment, I chose to embrace the love that surrounded me, trusting that we would navigate the broken time ahead, hand in hand.
In the upcoming chapter, readers can expect a seismic shift in the dynamics between the characters as the tension surrounding Sav’s secret begins to unravel. With Roman finally home, the atmosphere is charged with unspoken words and hidden fears. As they share a moment of intimacy, the question of Sav’s pregnancy looms larger than ever. Will she find the courage to confront her reality, or will she continue to hide behind the veil of uncertainty? The weight of her decision will not only affect her relationship with Roman but could also alter the fabric of their lives forever.
Moreover, the playful banter between Roman and Sav hints at a deeper undercurrent of anxiety that may soon surface. As they navigate their feelings for each other amidst the chaos, the arrival of unexpected visitors or revelations could shatter their fragile peace. The mention of Lizzie and Reese adds another layer of complexity to the narrative, suggesting that their lives are intertwined in ways that may soon become explosive. Will Lizzie’s presence bring comfort or chaos? And what about Reese’s mysterious “work” with Penny? As the storm outside rages on, so too will the tempest within their lives, promising a chapter filled with revelations, confrontations, and perhaps the dawning of new beginnings.
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.