FLASH MARRIAGE; CHARMED BY THE RUTHLESS BILLIONAIRE CEO

By nightfall, the beach estate had transformed into a magical Christmas dreamland.

What was once a quiet, elegant mansion now glowed with soft blue, green, red, crystal and gold fairy lights.

White and blue balloons floated in the corners of the grand dining room with baby boy-themed decorations lining every surface.

A huge glittering sign hung over the fireplace, which read: Welcome, Baby Blaze Anderson Junior.

The smell of vanilla cupcakes and hot chocolate filled the air as the glowing fireplace crackled in the background. And beneath the bubbling sounds of laughter and love, soft carols warmed the hearts of everyone gathered.

"Everyone, take your places," Maria whispered in an excited voice. "She's on her way out."

Instantly, the noise died down and everyone quickly took their hiding places, their eyes glistening with mischievous excitement.

Amelia walked into the huge sitting room, her hand resting on her baby bump, completely unaware of the excitement in the air. She was feeling a bit tired from all the baking and family fun activities she had with the mothers while Blaze and the others went shopping.

At the moment, all she wanted to do was lie down on the bed, curled up beside her husband with her head resting on his chest. But Blaze had encouraged her to join the rest of the family for a hot cocoa before she retired for the night.

"Honey, why is it so quiet in here? Where is everyone?" Amelia whispered to Blaze, who was clearly trying not to burst from excitement.

But before Blaze could reply to her question, everyone leapt out from their hiding places and behind the dining hall doors, cheering with party hats, streamers, and silly grins.

SURPRISE!

Kayla, Nicole, Adriana, and Stacy stood in front, all dressed in matching cute teddy bear onesies that spelt out 'B-A-B-Y.'

Amelia gasped, her hands flying to her mouth.

"Aww..." Her eyes immediately filled with tears. "Oh… you guys…"

Blaze slipped an arm around her shoulders, grinning proudly.

"Surprise, baby. We wanted to celebrate you before he comes."

"Aww... This is too much." Amelia broke down in happy tears.

A beautifully dressed Sofia–Naomi's daughter–walked towards Amelia holding a bouquet of white roses. She held out the flower to Amelia and said in the most adorable cutest voice.

"Congratulations, Auntie Amelia. I can't wait to meet my baby cousin."

"Aww!" Everyone in the room gushed over the pretty little girl dressed in a little angel costume.

"Thank you, Sofia." Amelia crouched a little and collected the flowers. "You are so adorable." She beamed amid tears stroking the little angel's cheeks.

Little Sofia giggled excitedly before hurrying away to join her mother, while the rest of the family cheered on.

"Tonight is your night, my love. We all want to let you know how special and beautiful you are." Blaze pecked Amelia tenderly on the cheek as Sarah came over, to place a sparkly blue tiara on Amelia's head.

The beautifully ornamented crystal tiara spelt out, 'Queen Mom-to-Be.'

"Mr Anderson, please step aside while we escort our beauty queen to her throne," Kayla said dramatically, collecting Amelia's hand from Blaze's tender hold.

"Certainly." Blaze gave a curt gentleman bow, beaming proudly.

Happy cheers and laughter rippled in the room as the four ladies dramatically led Amelia to the beautifully decorated throne complete with soft pillows and a plush blanket for her comfort.

"Please take your seat, your majesty." Stacy bowed animatedly while Nicole and Adriana stood protectively by Amelia's side, fanning her even more dramatically.

"Ladies and gentlemen..." Kayla, the next expectant mother in line, stood before everyone, beaming like a cartoon character. "...Without further ado, permit me to introduce to all, the soon-to-be Queen Mother..Mrs Amelia Anderson..."

Thunderous cheers and applause drowned the air as Amelia waved to everyone, beaming.

Minutes later, laughter and celebration filled the room as the family indulged in different fun games.

In the first game titled Guess the Baby Food, where all the men and aspiring fathers to be were blindfolded and fed with different baby meals, Blaze won the game by guessing correctly after gagging on mashed peas.

In the next game, tagged; Pin the Pacifier, Nicole – being one of the youngest mothers in the group– absolutely dominated the game, leaving Amelia almost choking with laughter.

When it was time for the baby trivia session, Sarah surprised everyone when she accurately guessed that a newborn's average sleep time fell within the range of twelve to sixteen hours.

And in the last game tagged, Build-A-Baby Name –everyone contributed to a list of different funny and ridiculous names ranging from Blazeton to Amelio Storm."

After the games, it was time to unwrap a mountain of lovingly wrapped presents ranging from blankets to bibs, tiny shoes, and even a musical stuffed elephant from Annabelle that made Amelia cry the moment she hugged it.

Amelia was glowing with happiness as she looked around the room and at all the faces she loved.

"I don't even have the words," she whispered, voice cracking. "You guys made me feel like a real queen. Like… this baby's already the luckiest child on earth."

"Of course, my grandson is the luckiest child in the world." Maria bragged proudly and everyone burst into laughter.

Nicole raised her glass of sparkling apple cider. "To Amelia and her little prince. May his arrival be smooth, magical, and on time."

Everyone exploded in another wave of laughter at the last two words of her toast.

But not long after the laughter faded, Amelia felt a sharp jolt of pain. She winced, biting down on her inner lips and clenching her jaw.

At first, no one noticed.

When the pain died down, Amelia forced a smile, brushing it off, thinking she must have had too much to eat and drink

Then the sharp pain returned, this time a little stronger and longer, causing her to grip the arm of her chair, wincing again.

Blaze –who was seated beside her– observed the change in her facial expression and her behaviour.

"Hey, babe. Are you all right?"

Amelia looked up at him, her eyes suddenly wide.

"I don't know." She whispered. "I think…"

Another jolt of pain shot through her a third time.

This time around, it was way more fierce and longer than the first two. It felt as though someone had stabbed her with a knife in her lower abdomen and was twisting it wickedly.

Amelia closed her eyes tightly and sucked in enough breath while gritting her teeth, and holding onto her husband with all her strength like a man clinging to his last Lifeline.

"Babe... Talk to me." Blaze said jumping up to his feet and crouching beside her, his eyes now wide with panic.

In response, Amelia let out a harrowing shriek that caused a sudden hush to envelope the room followed by Naomi's sharp cry.

"Oh my god...I think the baby's coming."