The Alpha's Unblessed Wife novel Chapter 3

Akiah’s POV

A loud burp escaped me, and it elicited laughter from all of us.-

"Seems like someone's hunger has finally been satisfied," Mom quipped, her laughter joining in.

I dabbed my lips with a tissue napkin, my grin directed at them. "I've missed your cooking, Mom!"

It was an honest sentiment. Amidst my busy schedule, I couldn't recall the last time I had eaten like this, and I genuinely longed for my mom's culinary creations. Dad cast a fond glance at Mom, his smile mirroring the warmth in his gaze as he observed her modest chuckles. Shaking my head at their endearing interaction, I realized I was grinning just as wide without even noticing it.

Following dinner, Dad requested my presence in his study. While the maid handled the cleanup, I pitched in to assist. Meanwhile, Akeel adhered to his usual routine.

Three deliberate knocks preceded my entrance into Dad's study. Settling into a chair facing his desk, I found Mom seated in the adjacent chair. Her reassuring smile accompanied the supportive grasp she laid on my shoulders.

"How are you?" Dad inquired, as if our earlier discussions about me upon my arrival and during dinner hadn't transpired.

I returned a smile, mirroring my previous response. "I'm fine, Dad. Like I told you."

Dad exchanged a concerned glance with Mom before resuming his questioning. Strangely, he was revisiting the same queries they had posed earlier—a fact that raised my eyebrows. "As I mentioned, Dad, Mom, my clothing business is thriving. My designs are well-received by numerous customers. And about Gustav, he continues to be supportive, treating me kindly and ensuring my well-being. I consider myself very lucky to have him," I asserted.

I couldn't discern if it was my imagination, but it seemed like Mom and Dad exchanged an uneasy look before she turned her attention to me, enfolding me in an embrace. Her hand moved soothingly over my back, and her chin rested atop my shoulder. "It's alright, Akiah. You don't need to pretend with us, dear."

My eyes widened in an instant.

They were aware.

Despite their knowledge, I persisted in denial. A nervous chuckle escaped me as I returned Mom's hug. "You must be mistaken, I'm genuinely fine."

Turning my gaze toward Dad, I tried to convey my assurance, yet he shook his head in response. Relinquishing her hold on me, Mom instead clasped both my shoulders, her gaze resolute. “Akiah, we know what’s happening to you.”