Gina Marie Castellano

The sprawling lawn of the Willow Creek Retreat Center buzzed with the final preparations for Horizon Global Enterprises’ team-building event, set to begin in just an hour. Gina Castellano stood near a cluster of tables under a white canopy, her chestnut-brown hair swept into a neat bun, though a few strands clung to her flushed cheeks from the warm summer air. Her navy maternity blouse strained slightly over her massive, overdue belly, supported by a discreet maternity belt that compressed its true size. Her F-cup breasts, swollen to G-cup with milk, pressed firmly against her bra, a dull ache signaling she’d need to express soon. Her olive-toned skin glowed in the late afternoon light, but her hazel eyes flickered with exhaustion she hid behind a bright smile. Gina leaned lightly against a table, easing the pressure on her lower back as she reviewed her clipboard, packed with checklists for the retreat—catering, workshop stations, and team-building games. Her heart pounded, not just from the physical strain of her pregnancy, but from the weight of her situation. She glanced across the lawn at Kamu, who was helping set up a rope course nearby. His eyes had lingered on her throughout the day, not with the usual curiosity about her 'eight-month' pregnancy, but with a softness—a fascination—that sparked a desperate idea. Is Kamu… attracted to me? Because of this? Gina’s pulse quickened, a mix of disbelief and cautious hope. She’d heard of people drawn to pregnant women, but never thought it could apply to her, especially now, when she felt like a waddling, milk-leaking mess. Her fingers tightened around the clipboard as she weighed the possibility. If Kamu is into me, maybe… maybe he would want to help. Take care of me. Pay off some of my debts. Guilt twisted in her chest at the manipulative thought, but desperation overpowered it. With $60,000 in debt, labor suppressants barely holding her overdue pregnancy at bay, and the threat of homelessness looming, Gina was out of options. It’s a long shot. But I have to try. For the baby. She smoothed her blouse, subtly accentuating her curves, and walked slowly toward Kamu, her smile warm but calculated. “Hey, you’ve been a lifesaver with the setup,” she said, her voice light, almost playful, as she gestured to the clipboard. “Mind taking a quick look at the team game schedule with me before we kick things off?” She tilted her head, letting her hazel eyes meet theirs, hoping her tone would draw them closer.