Athena couldn't stop herself from smiling at the sight before her. She called out, telling Teri not to tease the dog. The golden sunset wrapped everything in a soft glow, outlining Teri's lively figure as she ran around. Inside, Athena felt a deep calm, an indescribable sense of peace and thankfulness. Getting here had been far from easy. Betrayal had once torn her apart, leaving her broken and faithless in love and marriage. Losing her child had plunged her into endless despair, a grief so deep it nearly destroyed her as she searched for answers. But fate hadn't been entirely merciless. It had taken much from her, but in return, it had given her even more in ways she never expected. She'd found her missing daughter again and learned, to her relief, that Zaden had been caring for her all along. And then there was Zaden, a man who seemed cold but was kind beneath the surface. He offered her steadfast love and protection, shielding her through every storm, mending her heart, restoring her faith in love, and giving her a true home. She'd also rebuilt her career. Even though she had changed directions, she rediscovered meaning and a renewed sense of purpose. The sun slowly sank beneath the horizon, dyeing the sky in vivid shades. Teri, tired from playing, laughed and ran into Athena's embrace. Sunny followed, quietly leaning against Athena's leg. Athena wiped the sweat from Teri's face and said softly, "All worn out? Thirsty? Let's go in for a drink." Teri nodded excitedly.She hurried inside, then returned with two bottles, handing one to Athena. "Mom, have some too." Athena couldn't refuse her daughter's eager smile. She opened the bottle. But after a single sip of cola, her stomach churned violently. She doubled over and vomited everything she'd eaten earlier. Harriet and Jaylee panicked and rushed to her side. "Athena, are you alright?" Athena tried to reply, but every attempt brought another wave of nausea. Harriet looked at her in shock. "Athena, don't tell me you're … " Athena's face was ghostly pale. She gave a faint nod. She'd discovered it that morning but hadn't told Zaden yet. Teri began crying, terrified. The last time Athena collapsed, it had left a deep fear in her. Seeing it happen again, she thought her mother was dying. She ran off, sobbing, to find Zaden in his study. Athena wanted to call her back, but Teri was already gone. There was no stopping her. All Athena could do was sigh helplessly. Well, Zaden would learn soon enough; better now than later. ...... "Athena, what happened?" Zaden rushed over, panic written across his face. Teri had burst into his study crying that her mother was dying but hadn't explained further. Alarmed, he ran to see for himself.When he saw Athena so unwell, his brows knitted tight. He gently rubbed her back, tension clear in his voice. "Stomachache? Did you catch a chill last night?" A flood of worries ran through his mind. He couldn't hide the fear in his eyes. Athena finally managed to steady herself and leaned into him, shaking her head. Zaden grew even more worried. He was about to call the family doctor. Harriet, watching him fuss, couldn't help laughing. "Zaden, calm down! Athena didn't overeat, she's … " She stopped mid-sentence, realizing it wasn't her place to say. Athena caught on and said, "Zaden, I … I'm pregnant. Almost two weeks." "Pregnant? Two weeks?" Zaden blinked in confusion. "Two weeks what?" Then he froze completely. The realization struck him like lightning. Pregnant … two weeks … Remembering her recent sleepiness, strange appetite, and now her nausea ... The thought hit him hard, something so incredible he could hardly believe it. His eyes widened; he almost forgot to breathe. He grasped Athena's shoulders, his voice shaking with both fear and wonder. "Athena … you mean … " He couldn't finish, afraid to break the fragile moment. Athena saw his stunned face and laughed softly. "Yes, I found out this morning. I just hadn't told you yet." And in the next heartbeat, Zaden pulled her into a fierce, trembling hug.