Chapter Three:

The relentless Valorian assault inflicted severe damage on Eldoria's civilian population. Bordering cities, towns, and villages suffered devastating bombings before falling to the occupying forces. Tragically, many residents lost their lives or were forcibly uprooted from their homes due to Valoria's brutal military campaign.

Nestled quaintly atop a picturesque valley just 20 kilometers from the Valorian-Eldorian border, 100km north of the capital city, lies the charming village of Ravenwood. With its stunning natural surroundings and idyllic setting, this small village exudes a serene beauty that captivates all who behold it. 

The buildings of Ravenwood gracefully line both sides of the valley, creating a harmonious blend of architecture and nature that enhances the village's allure.

In the tranquil garden of her home in the village of Ravenwood, Elizabeth Smith, a young woman with long, flowing brunette hair and hazel-colored eyes, sat comfortably on a deck chair. 

She wore her favorite summer dress – a yellow and white floral-dotted ensemble that ended just above her knees, exuding a vibrant and cheerful aura. 

Basking in the warm sunlight, Elizabeth immersed herself in a magazine, relishing the peaceful moments of relaxation amidst the natural beauty of her surroundings.

A few meters away, James Monroe, a young man with black, tousled short hair and deep black eyes, tended to the plants that adorned the garden borders. 

Dressed in a local sports team top and tan-colored shorts, James attentively cared for the vibrant flora, his hands skillfully nurturing the greenery that flourished under his care. 

The harmonious scene in the garden of Elizabeth and James reflected a tranquil oasis of serenity and contentment in the midst of the village of Ravenwood.

"Ooo darling, he's kicking," Elizabeth joyfully exclaimed, her cheerful voice breaking through the tranquility of the garden as she peeled her eyes away from the magazine to gaze up at James.

Startled by Elizabeth's words, James momentarily setting aside his gardening work to turn his attention towards her delight. 

His gaze met Elizabeth's radiant smile, her hands tenderly placed on her swollen belly, a visible testament to her advanced pregnancy. 

The shared moment between the expectant parents in the serene garden of their home in Ravenwood encapsulated a blend of anticipation, joy, and the boundless love that awaited the arrival of their soon-to-be-born child.

For a brief moment, Elizabeth, her hand tenderly resting on her burgeoning abdomen, gazed down at her stomach with a gentle smile before lifting her eyes to meet James's. 

"Come darling, he's kicking a lot," she said with a mixture of excitement and warmth, feeling the distinct thumps and flutters emanating from within her.

Responding to Elizabeth's call, James stood up swiftly and made his way over to her, standing by her side and planting a soft kiss on her forehead. With a sense of anticipation and tenderness, he gently placed his hand atop hers, Elizabeth sliding her hand away to replace it with James own. 

Together, they shared in the intimate moment of connection as James felt the rhythmic movements of their unborn child.

Feeling the lively kicks and movements beneath his hand, James couldn't help but let out a small chuckle, his face lighting up with joy as he shared in the palpable excitement of the moment. 

Elizabeth looked up, meeting his giddy expression with a heartwarming smile of her own, reveling in the shared joy of their unborn child's energetic presence.

"He's really having a kick about," James chuckled with delight, his voice filled with happiness and anticipation. 

As he felt the gentle movements beneath his touch, his thoughts drifted to the future, pondering the joys and wonders that awaited them after the baby's arrival. With a gleam of love in his eyes, James turned to Elizabeth, his expression tender and full of warmth.

"He's going to be a very special wedding gift," James remarked with a smile, his gaze locked with Elizabeth's as they shared a moment of profound connection and love.

Their journey together had begun during their university days in the bustling capital city, where they had crossed paths while working at the same part-time job. 

Their initial meeting on the day of their interviews sparked a connection that blossomed into a deep and lasting friendship.

Over time, their bond evolved into something more profound, as they discovered a shared love and admiration for each other. Their relationship flourished, culminating in a deep and abiding love that led them to move in together after graduation and build a life as a committed couple. 

Despite discussions about marriage arising periodically, their busy schedules had prevented them from formalizing their commitment. However, the news of Elizabeth's pregnancy brought a newfound sense of clarity and purpose to their relationship. 

While the prospect of having a baby out of wedlock did not concern them, the impending arrival of their child inspired them to take the next step and solidify their union through marriage. 

Recognizing the importance of creating a loving and stable family environment for their child, Elizabeth and James made the heartfelt decision to exchange vows before the birth of their baby, embracing the opportunity to embark on this new chapter of their lives together as a united family.