Cat And Mouse Game

Zephyr shot her a skeptical glance. "Then why is he still blowing up your phone asking for a replacement? Two days straight— and you haven't replied to at least one of his messages?"

Shantel tossed her curls over her shoulder, smirking. "Elsa's attention isn't something you can demand whenever you feel like it. You, dear Zeph, are just lucky. Just because you see me every day doesn't mean others can."

Zephyr scoffed and unlocked the door. "Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you for the rare honor."

Before Shantel could fire back, a voice called from inside

"What are you two still bickering about at this hour?" Mercy's exasperated tone rang from the dining table. "At this rate, the food will be stone cold before you even take a bite."

Shantel's grin widened as she stepped inside. "Mercy, darling," she sang, crossing the room with effortless grace. She leaned down and kissed Mercy's cheek, earning a half-hearted glare. "Forgive our lateness. We were drowning in work today."

Mercy rolled her eyes but almost immediately, her warm brown eyes flickered with amusement despite the feigned annoyance. "You're always 'drowning in work.' What was it this time? Something that couldn't wait until tomorrow?"

Zephyr pulled out a chair beside his wife and sealed off whatever she wanted to say further in a beautiful kiss.

Mercy pulled back, attempting to feign anger, but the blush creeping up her soft, peach-toned cheeks betrayed her. She tucked a stray strand of her shoulder-length dark brown hair behind her ear and huffed. "Don't think you can silence me with your deceptive tactics. Why were you late?

Zephyr exchanged a knowing glance with Shantel before shrugging. "Just the usual. Business meetings, phone calls, a bit of a cat-and-mouse game. I barely managed to pick up Shantel thirty minutes ago."

"Cat-and-mouse?" Mercy asked, arching a brow as she served him a plate of food.

"Let's just say someone is making life a little difficult for a certain billionaire."

"And by 'someone,' I assume he means you?"

Shantel placed a hand over her heart in mock innocence. "Me? Making life difficult? Whatever gave you that idea?"

Mercy sighed. "Do you ever take a break from your games?"

Zephyr reached for her hand and squeezed it lightly. "Let's not stress you out, Sweetheart, okay? You know stress isn't good for the baby."

At the mention of their child, Mercy softened, allowing Zephyr to brush another kiss against her temple. 

"Ehem! Ehem!" 

"Careful with that," Mercy laughed and was about to stand up to meet Shantel but was stopped by her raised hands. 

Shantel, who had just choked on the water she was taking, set her glass down and turned to Mercy with wide eyes. "Hold on, you two. Did I hear that right? Mercy is pregnant?"

"I found out just three weeks ago."

Shantel's mouth fell open as she stared at the slender hands resting on Mercy's still flat tummy. "And this unfaithful servant of mine did not deem it fit to tell me."

"You just came back to the city," Zephyr defended. "And besides, I was waiting for the moment—".

"Forget it," Shantel waved him off dismissively before pointing at Mercy. "Now that I know, you are officially relieved of all duties. Effective immediately, Zephyr will stay home and care for our little princess on the way."

"Wait, hold on. It's only been a few weeks," Mercy protested.

Shantel ignored her. "Pregnant women deserve all the love and care in the world. Starting now—no alcohol, no strenuous activities, and absolutely no—" she paused dramatically, then smirked, "—vigorous or unrestrained sex."

Zephyr nearly choked on his drink. "Hey, boss. That last part should not be on the list."

Shantel raised a brow. "Why not? Didn't the doctor say that during the early stages, you should be extra careful?"

Looking humorously guilty, Zephyr scratched the back of his head. "He did… but don't you think you're taking this a little out of proportion? Especially the… sex part?"

Mercy covered her face with both hands and groaned, causing the two bickering people to turn their curious expressions on her. "Can we not discuss this at the dinner table?"

Zephyr seemed to have seen a lifesaver as he said. "My darling is right." Turning back to Shantel he asked. "Besides, have you ever been pregnant? How do you know all these things?"

"I don't need to be pregnant to know," Shantel said smugly. "I have friends who are doctors, and I listen when they talk. So don't think you'll use my ignorance as an excuse to act recklessly. And from your reaction, I can already tell you haven't been very obedient."

"But not to worry. I'll ensure full compliance from now on."

Zephyr narrowed his eyes. "And how exactly do you plan to do that?"

Shantel's smirk deepened. "Simple. I'll take Mercy with me. She'll live with me until the probation period is over."

Mercy's brown eyes widened. "Wait, what? I never agreed to this."

"Don't be stubborn. It's for your own good, darling," Shantel said.

Mercy turned to Zephyr. "Are you just going to let her boss me around like this?"

Zephyr looked quite amused as he leaned back in his chair. "You're on your own, sweetheart. I know better than to argue with Shantel."

"Smart man," Shantel said victoriously as she flipped her hair over her shoulder. But all of a sudden, her expression turned serious. 

"And to think I came here with plans of dragging you to a party after dinner, Mercy. But now that you're pregnant, I guess I'll have to go alone." 

She sighed dramatically. "See? Even I have to make sacrifices for your well-being."

Mercy chuckled. "Somehow, I don't think your idea of sacrifice is the same as mine."

"Sacrifice is sacrifice," Shantel said airily. Then she leaned forward with a conspiratorial smile. "But just because you can't go doesn't mean we can't have fun planning how to keep Zephyr in check."

Zephyr groaned, while Mercy laughed, 

She loves having Shantel around. It's a pity she's not always in the country and anytime she was around, she'd be too busy to hang out with them but every moment with her has always been lively and wonderful. 

After dinner had settled and Shantel had successfully maneuvered herself into making tea for Mercy, she flopped onto the couch with a satisfied sigh.

"Aren't you heading off to your party? Don't tell me you've changed your mind."

Shantel instantly understood what Mercy was up to and laughed. 

"I'll stay for a while."

"Really?"

"Mm-hmm. Don't you think that's so generous of me? You're lucky to have me, Mercy. Most best friends wouldn't be this concerned about your well-being."

Mercy arched a brow. "Oh? And what exactly do I owe this honor to?"

Shantel grinned. "I need you strong and healthy for the future. After all, someone needs to help me keep an eye on this crazy man."

Zephyr, who had been lounging in an armchair, shot her a look. "You do realize that between the two of you, I'm the only sane one, right?"

Shantel smirked. "Exactly why you're dangerous. The silent ones are always the worst."

Mercy shook her head, laughing softly. Then, glancing down at her stomach, she whispered, "I still can't believe I'm going to be a mother."