He held her with such force as if he wanted to make her a part of himself. His arms trembled from the rush of emotion, his chest heaving, heart pounding so hard Athena could hear it right next to her ear. "Athena ... is it really true?" Zaden's voice was hoarse with excitement, his breath hot against her neck. He could barely contain his joy. "We're going to have our second baby?" That tidal wave of happiness crashed over him, engulfing him completely. He suddenly let her go, as if remembering something important. His hands turned gentle, even a little clumsy, as he carefully placed them over her still-flat stomach. That was the place where their little baby was growing. "Did I hurt you? Was I too rough just now?" His eyes held all the nervousness and caution of a first time dad. He looked nothing like his usual calm, composed self. Athena's heart melted at the sight, tears springing to her eyes. She shook her head softly and said, "No, I'm fine. I just felt a little sick earlier, but it's so much better now. I don't feel nauseous anymore." "Let's go to the hospital. We need to get you checked out right now!" Zaden made the decision instantly, the urgency and anxiety clear in his voice. He quickly helped Athena into her coat, as if she were the most fragile, precious thing in the world. The news of Athena's pregnancy spread fast. Soon, everyone in Storm Villa knew about it. On the way to the hospital, Zaden never let go of Athena's hand. He kept one hand steady on the steering wheel, the other holding her tightly.His palm was damp with sweat, showing just how nervous he was inside. For Zaden, every minute waiting for the checkup results dragged on endlessly. He stayed tense the entire time, eyes locked on the exam room door, until the doctor finally came out with a smile. The doctor told them Athena was indeed pregnant. She was about six weeks along, and everything looked perfect. Hearing that, Zaden was almost overcome with joy. The emotions were so overwhelming that he nearly burst into tears. Athena was really pregnant, carrying another child that represented their love. He hadn't known about her first pregnancy, so he couldn't be there for her. But this time, he would be with her every moment. ... A gentle spring breeze drifted along Storm Villa's white picket fence, and the climbing roses brimmed with clusters of buds, ready to burst into bloom. In the villa's main bedroom, the lingering chill of the night made the temperature perfect for sleeping in. Athena was stirred awake by a soft, constant rustling and some muffled whispers. Before she even opened her eyes, the corners of her mouth lifted in a tender curve. Without even looking, she knew it had to be Teri coming into the room. She had given birth to a baby boy. He was almost seven pounds, perfectly healthy. The boy's delicate features looked just like hers, but when he furrowed his brow, he was the spitting image of Zaden. Athena glanced over. At the edge of the bed, close to the crib, a fuzzy little head peeked between the bars, curiosity all over her face. "He's still asleep ... " Teri whispered, sounding disappointed."His eyelashes are so long, just like Mommy's." Teri inspected her baby brother closely, her voice as soft as a feather. Inside the crib, the baby sucked on his tiny fist, breathing evenly, sound asleep. Athena just watched in silence, not wanting to disturb Teri. She simply lay on the bed, quietly soaking in the moment. The morning light cast a warm glow around the kids. Teri already looked so grown up—she was ready to take on the role of a big sister. She showed no jealousy toward her new brother at all, only patience and joy. Zaden stepped out of the bathroom, the fresh scent of aftershave trailing behind him. The moment he saw the scene on the bed, the hard edge in his face melted away. He went over and patted Teri's head. "Shh, keep your voice down. Don't wake up Mommy and your brother." "Daddy, I think he just smiled at me!" Teri reported in a delighted whisper. "He's saying hi to his big sister," Zaden grinned, leaning over to peek into the crib, his eyes practically glowing with love. He gently tucked the blanket around his son, handling him like an expert. Zaden, who was so intimidating in the business world, now looked completely at ease with the crib, high chair, and bottles. Athena couldn't help but laugh softly. Hearing her laugh, Zaden turned and walked over, bending down to give her a good-morning kiss. "Did we wake you?" "No, I just woke up on my own." Athena smiled as she sat up with his help.