If it weren’t for Nina’s reluctance to endure both the pain of labor and the recovery from a C-section, Nash would have insisted on going that route. After understanding the reasons behind it all, he was frustrated.He even tried to persuade her, “Even though there’s an epidural option, this constant pain is exhausting. How about we go through it just once and be done with it? If you’re worried about scars, I’ll get the best cosmetic team to take care of it. What do you think?”The daily contractions at night and occasional pain during the day were taking a toll. If Nina didn’t get enough rest, she wouldn’t have the energy to deliver the baby. It was a never-ending cycle of discomfort.But Nina was firm. “No, I want a natural birth. The baby is just taking its time. It’s not like it’s not coming out at all, and all my check-ups have been fine, haven’t they?“Natural birth recovery is much quicker. I don’t want to be bedridden for seven days after a C-section, unable to move.” She h
The baby's face was so tiny! Her cheeks were pink and wrinkled, her little fists clenched, and her mouth slightly open.The more Nina looked, the more she fell in love.She couldn’t help but think back to the day Orion was born. She had fought so hard to bring him into this world, only to have him taken away after a brief glance and be told that he had died.Five years…This time, she was determined to raise this child herself.“What should we name her?” Nina asked Nash, though she already had a name, Grace York, in mind.As she whispered the name softly, Nash kissed her forehead. “How about we give her your last name instead?”“Really?” Nina was surprised. It was still more common for children to take their father’s last name, and only recently had it become more accepted for them to take their mother’s.Nash smiled. “When have I ever lied to you? What about naming her Nira Walker?”This child was a gift from the heavens, a chance for them to make up for the past.Nina repea
Nina wasn’t willing to be separated from her newborn daughter.“Dad, it’s fine. She’s just a baby. Even if she cries, it won’t be that loud. When Orion was born, I didn’t get to be there for him, but this time I want to take care of Gemma myself. Lately, Nash and I have been so focused on everything else, and we haven’t been able to give Orion the attention he deserves. I’m going to need your help with him.”Hearing this, Pharaoh immediately placed Gemma back by Nina’s side.With a tender gaze, Nina wrapped her arms around her baby girl.“You’re being too polite. Orion is my grandson, and I’m here to spend time with him. You just take care of yourself and let the night nurse or Nash handle anything you need. You can count on me to take good care of Orion,” Pharaoh promised.Orion walked over to the bedside, leaning on the railing as he gently touched his baby sister’s cheek. “She’s so small, Mommy,” he said, his voice full of wonder.Nina felt an overwhelming sense of happiness
Freya’s eyes filled with tears, her emotions stuck in her throat, making it impossible to speak. All she could do was stand on her tiptoes and plant a kiss on Micah’s cheek.Micah grinned and leaned closer. “Just a kiss on the cheek?”Freya’s face turned red. “There are people around.”His eyes twinkled with amusement as he whispered in her ear, “Alright, but remember, tonight I expect you to be just as bold.”“You’re impossible,” Freya said, her heart racing, unsure of how to respond.Thankfully, they reached the exam room, and with no one waiting, the doctor asked Freya to go in first.About ten minutes later, Freya emerged, her eyes red and watery.Micah rushed over to her side, gently supporting her as he asked in a low voice, “What’s wrong?”Without a word, she handed him a piece of paper.Micah, assuming it was bad news about her health, began to comfort her, promising that he would always be there for her.Freya’s eyes welled up again. “Just read the results first.”A
Before Orion could respond, the woman continued, "Look at them, doting over your sister. They haven’t even looked your way."She clearly had ulterior motives.Freya stepped in, pulling Orion aside and shooting back at the woman, “Ma’am, that’s not how it is. My sister and brother-in-law adore both their children equally. Please don’t spread nonsense.”The woman sneered, sizing up Freya with disdain. “You’re not Mrs. York, so how would you know? It’s obvious they favor the daughter more. Was there this much fuss when Orion was born? I don’t recall seeing any of this.”Orion scoffed, “Just because you didn’t see it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. And unless you’re my parents, how would you know how much they love me?”Freya gave him a discreet thumbs-up.The woman, still not ready to back down, opened her mouth to say more, but Orion cut her off.Raising his chin, his eyes met hers with a defiant gleam. “I’m guessing your parents didn’t care much about you, did they? That’s probabl
Inside the hotel room, the place was a mess. Nina Walker woke up, her entire body sore and achy. She rubbed her temples, preparing to rise, and glanced at the tall figure lying next to her. His strikingly handsome face boasted sharply defined features and deep-set eyes. He remained sound asleep, showing no signs of waking.Nina sat up, the sheets slipping off, revealing faint marks on her fair, sensual shoulders. She got out of bed, bloodstains clearly visible on the sheets.Glancing at the time, realizing she was almost late for work, she grabbed her scattered professional attire from the floor and changed into it. Her stockings were already torn by him. She balled them up and tossed them into the trash, slipping on her high heels. There was a knock at the door. Nina was already neatly dressed, back in her role as an efficient secretary, holding her purse as she headed out. Entering was a pure-looking beauty. Nina had called her. The type that Nash York liked. Nina said, "You ju
Upon hearing the voice, Nina's face jolted with surprise, nearly stumbling.With her balance faltering, her body leaned towards him. Nash felt her body tilting and reached out to steady her by the waist. The scorching warmth instantly reminded her of the scene from last night when he ravaged her recklessly.Nina composed herself, lifting her head to meet his deep gaze. His eyes were too serious, containing both questioning and doubt, as if trying to see through her with just one look. Nina's heart raced rapidly. She dared not hold his gaze for another second, instinctively lowering her head.When he assumed it was the woman from earlier, he flew into a rage. If he were to discover it was her, her fate wouldn't be any better. Yet, she couldn't accept it. If Nash knew it was her, could their marriage last a little longer? She dared not meet his eyes. "Why would you ask such a thing?" Only she knew she was hoping for it.However, Nash chuckled lightly. "You don't have the courage."
She looked up to see Miranda wearing an apron, holding a ladle. Upon seeing Nina, her smile faltered for a moment, then she warmly greeted, "Are you Sally’s guest? I just made some extra soup. Come in and have a seat." Her demeanor was composed, entirely that of the lady of the house. It was as if Nina was the guest from afar. Indeed, before long, she would become an outsider.Nina frowned, feeling deeply repelled. When she married Nash, Miranda even sent a congratulatory letter. It was impossible for her not to know Nina was Nash's wife. Seeing her standing motionless at the door, Miranda quickly came over and took her hand, "A guest is a guest, don't be shy, come in." As she approached, a faint jasmine scent filled the air, the exact same fragrance of the perfume Nash gave her on her birthday last year. She felt her throat ache, and her breathing became heavy, as if there were a thousand pounds on her feet, making it difficult to move. Sally noticed Nina standing there m