Two weeks had passed since that unforgettable night when their love finally became one. Elena had never felt such warmth, such peace, such wholeness in her heart. Every morning she woke up in Lorenzo's arms, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat — the sound that had now become her safe place.
But lately, she had been feeling different. She grew tired easily, her appetite changed, and sometimes she would find herself smiling for no reason at all. At first, she thought it was just love doing its magic, but when she missed her monthly flow, her heart began to race.
She stood quietly in front of the mirror, her trembling hand resting on her belly. "Could it be?" she whispered, her voice soft as the morning breeze. A tear rolled down her cheek — not of fear, but of joy.
When Lorenzo came into the room, still half-dressed in his suit, he froze at the sight of her teary eyes. "Elena… what's wrong?" he asked, rushing to her side.
She looked up at him with a shy smile, her hands trembling as she placed them on her belly. "Lorenzo," she said softly, "we're not alone anymore."
For a moment, he didn't speak. His breath caught. His heart stopped. Then, slowly, a rare smile spread across his face — the kind only she could bring out of him. He cupped her face with both hands, staring into her eyes as if trying to memorize that exact moment forever.
"Elena… you mean…" His voice broke slightly.
She nodded, tears spilling again. "You're going to be a father."
Lorenzo exhaled deeply, his emotions overwhelming him. The ruthless, fearless man who once ruled through fear now held his entire world in his arms. He dropped to his knees, gently kissing her belly. "My love… my little one," he whispered, his voice rough with emotion. "You've given me a reason to live a life I never believed I could have."
Elena laughed through her tears, stroking his hair. "You've always had that life, Lorenzo. You just needed to see it through love."
He looked up at her, eyes glistening. "I swear, Elena, no one will ever hurt you. Not you, not our child. You're my family now — my everything."
They stayed like that for a long while, wrapped in warmth, hearts beating as one. Later that night, Lorenzo held her close, his hand resting gently on her stomach. He whispered things he never thought he'd say — about dreams, about peace, about the future.
And for the first time in years, the night felt safe. The man who once lived in shadows now saw his light — in her, in the tiny heartbeat growing inside her.