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
Since their shared ordeal, the bond between Quincy and Lydia had become an unspoken understanding. They confirmed their feelings for each other and worked side by side. In a relationship, maintaining a healthy balance was crucial. Too much distance would breed longing, but too much closeness could lead to conflicts. However, they rarely argued and faced every challenge together, both in and out of the office.After work, they would have dinner, watch movies, and even commute together. Quincy felt that, at this point in his life, it was time to give Lydia a meaningful commitment. It was a promise not just to her but also to their future together.“Quincy has been with Mr. York for so many years, he’s practically family. Proposing tonight feels so right, like seeing a flower finally bloom!”“Quincy is Mr. York’s right-hand man, and we’ve all witnessed his impressive abilities firsthand!”“This really is a double celebration! Mr. York’s most trusted ally finding happiness, what
Mr. Fay’s dark eyes seemed to pierce right through Quincy. “No matter how successful you are in your career, you're still just someone working for others. My daughter deserves the best. Just because she chose to gain some experience on her own doesn’t mean she’s an ordinary person.”His voice remained calm, almost devoid of emotion, but the words were sharp and cutting.Quincy had earned respect from many due to his outstanding abilities and his close association with Nash York. People regarded him highly, partly because of Nash and partly because of his own competence. Nash, known for his high standards, wouldn’t keep anyone around who wasn’t exceptional.But in Mr. Fay’s eyes, Quincy was still not good enough.Quincy remained composed. “I’ve known Lydia’s background since the day she joined us. We both earned our positions through hard work. If you think my current job isn’t good enough for her, I can start my own business. But I owe everything I have today to Mr. York, and I pla
Lydia wrapped her arms around Quincy. “I joined York Corporation to gain some experience. And with your help, I’ve learned so much. But I always knew I’d leave one day. Quincy, I want to see you reach your full potential, not be limited by someone else’s shadow. Do you understand what I’m saying?”She wanted him to succeed, but if he chose to stay, she wouldn’t push him. Still, she couldn’t help but wonder why he would limit himself when he had the ability to go so much further.“I understand, but Lydia, I’ve committed to following Mr. York for life. I’ll do my best to gain your father’s approval. But if, in the end, he still doesn’t accept me...”Before Quincy could finish, Lydia’s face turned serious. “Quincy, you’ve been through so much. Just because my dad says no, you’re going to give up?”She was frustrated. They had been through so much together. And now, just because her father disapproved, he was ready to walk away?Quincy pressed his lips together and spoke softly, “It’s