Twilight faded as city lights flickered to life.

Jenna Roland walked arm-in-arm with Ethan Roscente as they exited the restaurant. Their assistant Lucas had already parked the Maybach by the curb. The sleek black car glided toward Studio 54, neon reflections dancing across Jenna's eyes through the tinted windows.

"We're here," Lucas announced, cutting the engine.

Jenna's phone rang the moment she stepped onto the pavement. Stella Laurent's name flashed on the screen.

"Hello?"

"Where are you guys?" Stella's voice bubbled with excitement.

"Just arrived at the club," Jenna chuckled. "Hurry up."

Ethan appeared beside her before she could pocket her phone. His arm slid around her waist, fingers splaying protectively over her rounded belly.

The club lobby glittered with gilded opulence. Tristan Ashcroft stood behind the bar mixing drinks, his back turned until Jenna's voice made him pivot.

"Mrs. Roscente?" His gaze dropped to her stomach, pupils contracting. "This is..."

"Six months," Ethan stated coldly.

Tristan's Adam's apple bobbed. "Congratulations."

"Is our room ready?" Ethan's clipped tone severed the awkward moment. His grip tightened as he noticed lingering stares from nearby patrons.

"VIP 888." Tristan gestured toward the elevators. "This way."

Jenna felt Ethan's muscles tense during the ascent. She gave his palm a reassuring squeeze.

Once the private room's door closed, Tristan cleared his throat. "How many in your party?"

"Seven," Jenna said.

"Ten," Ethan corrected. "Sophie and her boyfriend are coming. Plus Gavin."

Tristan nodded and withdrew. Outside, he leaned against the corridor wall and lit a cigarette. Smoke curled around him as he studied his elongated shadow on the marble floor.

"Boss?" Chloe Blanchet approached with a drinks menu. "You look pale."

"Fine." He stubbed out the cigarette and walked away.

Inside the suite, Jenna's phone illuminated with Chloe's text: «You here?»

«VIP 888,» she typed back.

The door burst open to Chloe's ear-splitting shriek.

"Oh my God!" She zeroed in on Jenna's bump. "When did you—"

"Six months." Jenna smiled, interlacing her fingers with Ethan's.

Chloe's eyes darted between them before welling up. "This is..." She pulled Jenna into a fierce hug. "Finally, someone's taking proper care of you."

Ethan's phone buzzed. He frowned at the caller ID. "I need to take this."

The door had barely shut when Chloe whispered, "So... the cruise?"

Jenna's ears burned as she nodded.

"I knew it!" Chloe slapped the velvet couch. "The way he looked at you that night—"

The door swung open again. Stella entered arm-in-arm with her boyfriend, followed by Sophie Roscente and Gavin Valentine.

"Surprise!" Stella threw her arms wide. "Happy birthday, mama-to-be!"