“An Artistic Soul with a Love for Grand Gestures”
“Do you regret it?” whispered Maxim, pulling Olivia close to his chest.
“No. Do you?” She tilted her head up to meet his gaze.
“I’m happy. You know, when you first walked into our home with Emily, I knew it was fate. Everything that happened before you—it all led to us.” He hesitated. “After she left—”
Olivia pressed a finger to his lips. “Don’t dwell on the past. Everything’s going to be fine now.”
*One Year Earlier*
Olivia smoothed the festive tablecloth, arranging plates, cutlery, and two champagne flutes with care.
“You sure this was the right call? We could’ve gone to Jamie’s—it’d be more lively. Still time to change our minds,” Daniel remarked as she returned to the kitchen.
“I’m sure. Take these out.” She handed him a platter of sliced ham and cheese, then a bowl of salad. “We’ll see our friends tomorrow. Three years together, and we’ve never rung in the New Year just us. How you start the year sets the tone.”
“So you’re scripting an entire year of just us, shut away from the world?” Daniel leaned in the doorway, arms crossed.
“Sounds perfect. Shame life doesn’t work that way.” She sighed.
“Fine, let’s give it a go.” He relented, disappearing into the dining room.
Olivia retrieved a bottle of champagne from the fridge, balancing another salad bowl as she followed.
“Well? Looks nice, doesn’t it?” Daniel gestured at the table. “Can we start? I’m starving.”
“Not yet. Give me five minutes. Need to change into my new dress.”
“Why bother? No one’s seeing you.” He snatched a slice of ham.
“Because it’s *New Year’s*,” she called from the bedroom.
*Bloody artistic soul with her theatrics*, he grumbled internally, grabbing another bite.
Moments later, Olivia reappeared, glowing in a sapphire-blue dress, her curls tumbling loose. Daniel nodded approvingly as she spun, the skirt flaring around her.
“Now we can properly say goodbye to the old year,” she declared, eyeing the clock.
“Seems a waste, all this food. Should we invite Henry? He’s just with his mum.”
“Tomorrow. Pour the champagne.” Her smile was radiant.
*She’s off tonight*, he thought, twisting the cork.
“You seem…” He groped for the word. “Agitated.”
“A little. You’ll see why.” The news burned inside her—she’d reveal it at midnight, when the moment was perfect.
They toasted, nibbled at the spread. Daniel leaned back, idly watching a lightweight film on the telly.
“You’ve barely touched yours.” He nodded at her full glass.
“Don’t want to doze off before the countdown.”
“I’m popping out for a smoke.” He stepped onto the balcony.
Snowflakes drifted lazily; fairy lights twinkled in nearby windows. From the next street over, fireworks crackled—cheers followed, though the buildings blocked his view.
“Dan! The PM’s about to speak!” Olivia called.
He flicked his cigarette into the dark, the ember vanishing midair.
Inside, the Prime Minister droned on. Daniel refilled his glass, thoughts jumbled. Too many wishes to settle on one.
“You still haven’t drunk?” He frowned at her untouched flute. “How’ll you make a wish?”
“Daniel, there’s something I need to tell you.” She straightened. “Maybe top yourself up first?”
He obliged. She inhaled sharply.
“This year… we’re not just two. We’re three. A proper little party now.” Her eyes shimmered.
He stared, uncomprehending.
“Don’t you get it? I’m pregnant. There’s a baby—well, tiny yet, but it’s there.”
Daniel drained his glass in one gulp.
“Aren’t you happy?” Her voice wavered.
“I am, but—” He rubbed his temples. “We said we’d wait.”
“It’s been *three years*. I’m twenty-eight. I want this.” Her nails dug into her palms. “What’s there to wait for? It’s already happening.”
“But—the pill—”
“I stopped last month. Usually it takes time, but… here we are. Isn’t it wonderful?” Her enthusiasm faltered at his silence.
“That’s why you skipped Jamie’s?” Realisation dawned.
“Yes. Honestly, I thought you’d propose after.” Her voice cracked. “Since you won’t…” Tears escaped, streaking her cheeks. “You can still go to Jamie’s.” She bolted for the kitchen.
“Liv, I didn’t say I wasn’t happy—just shocked—” He chased her.
She wrenched the balcony door open. Cold air rushed in.
“Stop being childish! You’ll freeze—” He yanked the door; she stumbled.
“Why didn’t you *tell* me?”
“Because you’d have talked me out of it again! We’re just *existing* together. That’s not a family!” She fled to the bathroom.
Outside, fireworks boomed.
“Sorry I’m not who you wanted.” He pressed his forehead to the door. Water ran inside.
Back in the dining room, he eyed her full glass, gulped it down. *New Year’s, and it’s all gone to hell. Couldn’t she wait?* Anger simmered. *Sod this. Not sitting here all night watching her sob.* He grabbed his coat and left.
The slam echoed. Olivia crumpled, tears staining her dress. She cleared the table, changed, and curled up on the sofa. The telly blared festive music.
Daniel didn’t return—not that night, nor the next day. When her friend Charlotte pressed, Olivia confessed everything.
“Men always panic about babies. He’ll come crawling back. Want me to talk sense into him?”
“No. Just go. I won’t do anything stupid.”
Three days later, Daniel slunk in. Apologies stuck in his throat. They moved like strangers through the flat. His phone buzzed constantly.
“Anything to say to me?” she finally asked.
“What d’you want to hear? Fine—I’m leaving. You tricked me.”
“Then *go*.” She turned to the window.
“Thought you’d have got over this nonsense.”
“Wanting a child is *nonsense*?”
“Christ, I can’t even talk to you—”
The door slammed. Later, Charlotte confirmed he’d been shacked up with an old flame.
March arrived, thawing the ice. Olivia and Emily—a gifted pupil who’d stopped attending lessons—walked home from the music academy. Emily’s father, Maxim, appeared unexpectedly.
“Dad! Are we taking Miss Olivia home?” Emily beamed.
In the car, he thanked Olivia for her patience, then shyly invited her to dinner.
Two months later, he proposed.
“I’m not rushing, but why wait? Emily adores you, and I… I’ve never been happier.” He faltered. “I know I come with baggage—”
Olivia smiled. “I’ve already thought about it. Yes.”
They married in August. When she discovered she was pregnant before New Year’s, she told him outright. His joy was instant.
“Always wanted a big family. My ex… she barely tolerated Emily.”
This New Year’s Eve, they sat curled on the sofa after Emily fell asleep. The Christmas tree twinkled.
“I’m happy,” Maxim murmured. “Everything before you led us here.”
Olivia closed her eyes.
*Happiness*, she thought. *What a winding road it takes to find you.*
