Chapter 28

Aidan is about to turn four.

"Mom, is it not time yet?"

He tilts his head and strokes my swollen belly.

"Hmm, not yet."

"But it's so big already?"

"Yes, it will get even bigger."

"Really?!"

His eyes widen. He's so cute.

Lately, he's been a bit mischievous. It's more than the nanny can handle, so we're considering getting a dedicated attendant for him.

"Syncia"

Lias enters the room and sits on the sofa where I'm sitting. He wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me in for a kiss.

"Welcome back."

"Home. My dear. You look beautiful today too."

He said the same thing this morning before he left.

Lias places his hand on my swollen belly. I place my hand over his and lean on his shoulder.

"Hey, Dad! That's my spot!"

Aidan, who had been away, runs back.

"I worked hard, so let me have this spot."

"I worked harder! It's mine."

"What did you work hard on?"

"Um... everything! —Just move, okay?"

"Syncia, Aidan is being mean."

"A...haha... That tickles."

Lias hugs me and buries his face in my neck.

I open my other free hand.

"Look, Aidan, this side is free."

"No way! You like me more!"

"What do you mean?"

I push Lias's face away, unable to ignore his expression.

Aidan squeezes in and clings to me. He's still such a cute little clingy boy.

"What will happen if you keep acting like this when the baby is born?"

Lias says worriedly to Aidan, who ignores him with a frown.

"It's okay, Aidan. I have two hands. I can always hug you, even with the baby."

Aidan looks happy at that.

Since the explosion incident, Lias and I have grown much closer.

Perhaps "grown closer" isn't the right expression... It was a sudden development for me.

We started sharing a bedroom that very night.

As for our marital relations... I was worried, but it turned out to be completely fine.

I wondered if the dysfunction had been a lie.

Since then, we've been having even more intimate and carefree days.

Now, I'm five months pregnant.

Lias was quite opposed to having a second child because of what happened with Aidan.

But, having had three children in my past life, I really wanted Aidan to have a sibling.

I've been building up my strength and doing yoga.

I'm physically and mentally healthy, and I'm confident I can give birth safely.

This is my fifth time, and I've been told I'm good at it in my past life.

It took a long time to persuade Lias. He's gathered renowned healers and midwives from all over.

He massages my back and legs every night and seems to be delegating a lot of his work to others.

He regrets not being able to do more for Aidan and is eager to make up for it.

"There's no room for you with the baby and me!"

The two of them are already in a tug-of-war.

"I know it's not very mature of me..."

He tightens his grip on my waist.

Yes, it's not mature. Even if you're aware of it.

I sigh and lean on Lias's shoulder again.

"If I hold the baby and Aidan, you can hold me."

With your big arms, it should be easy.

"I'm happy when you hold me."

He holds his breath, his face showing a look of endurance.

I love this expression of Lias's.

And then, he smiles softly, looking truly happy.

Thank you so much to everyone who read this!

This is the end.

I started writing this on a whim, but it turned out to be quite a challenge.

I learned a lot from this experience.

Thank you for reading my clumsy work!

I'm truly grateful that you took the time to read it.