CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY-ONE: PREGNANCY CRAVINGS AND MOOD SWINGS

Claire sank into the plush armchair, her hand resting on her growing belly. The soft glow of the setting sun filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows of their Los Angeles penthouse, casting long shadows across the room. Mason paced back and forth, his brow furrowed in thought. "I'm sorry, Claire," he said, finally stopping to look at her. "I didn't realize I was being so... suffocating." Claire's expression softened. "I know you mean well, Mason. But I need to feel like myself, even with all these changes happening." Mason knelt beside her chair, taking her hand in his. "I just worry. About you, about the baby. I can't help it." "I know," Claire replied, squeezing his hand. "But we need to find a balance. I'm pregnant, not made of glass." A small smile tugged at Mason's lips. "Fair point. I'll try to dial it back. But promise me you'll be careful?" "I promise," Claire said, leaning forward to kiss him gently. "Now, how about we celebrate this breakthrough with some of that w