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Dessert arrived, and we indulged in a decadent chocolate lava cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It was lavish and delicious and the perfect ending to our meal.

Finally, I signaled for the check, and as it arrived, I was looking forward to continuing a special evening with Elizabeth.

9:42 p.m.

After our delightful dinner at the steakhouse, Elizabeth and I decided to stroll through Central Park.

The city lights glowed softly, creating a serene atmosphere despite the chilly evening air, and I couldn't think of a better way to cap off the evening.

As we meandered along the winding paths, I noticed Elizabeth shiver slightly.

The temperature had dropped, so I took off my suit jacket and offered it to her. I was much more concerned with her comfort than my own.

She looked at me with a grateful smile.

"What a gentleman," she said cheekily with a nod as she slipped the jacket over her shoulder.

I chuckled, playfully rolling my eyes.

"Aren’t I always?" I asked teasingly.

Elizabeth laughed, and the sound warmed my heart as we continued to walk hand in hand on the pathways through the park. The crisp night air and the soft crunch of fallen leaves beneath our feet added to the moment's charm.

After walking in silence, I could sense that Elizabeth had something on her mind.

Her breathing was heavier than usual, and she appeared distracted.

I asked her, "What’s going on? You seem anxious."

She took a deep breath, her gaze focused on the ground. She continued walking for a few seconds. My heart began to race, a sense of anticipation building within me.

Then, she stopped, grabbed onto the back of a nearby bench as if she needed support, and turned to face me.

"I have something important to tell you, Alex," Elizabeth said, her voice steady but filled with emotion.

I stepped closer to her and gave her my full attention.

"You can tell me anything."

She took another breath, her eyes locked onto mine.

“I don’t know exactly how to say this. I have rehearsed this over and over. No matter how I say it, I will probably mess up. I’m just going to say it….I’m pregnant," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I found out two weeks ago, not long after our first time together."

The words hung in the air, and I momentarily felt a swirling mix of emotions. Shock, surprise, and a deep sense of responsibility flooded through me.

"You're pregnant?" I finally managed to say, my voice tinged with disbelief.

Elizabeth nodded, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and hope.

"Yes."

I couldn't deny the impact of her words.

I’d been so caught up in the whirlwind of our relationship that I hadn't even considered the possibility that this could happen.

One part of me was upset that she hadn't told me earlier, but another part felt excited about becoming a father.

At that moment, I knew I’d have to confront my priorities and responsibilities.

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