Chapter 18: The Greatest Surprise

Life gradually settled into a peaceful rhythm.

Hill Corporation continued expanding internationally, while Hill Interior Design became one of the most sought-after firms in the country.

For the first time in years, Catherine felt completely at peace.

One Monday morning, however, something felt different.

She sat inside her office, staring at the cup of coffee in front of her.

"President Hill?" Freya asked curiously.

"You haven't touched your coffee."

"I don't know why..." Catherine frowned.

"The smell suddenly makes me feel sick."

"Are you feeling okay?"

"Maybe I just worked too much."

Freya narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

"Too much work?"

"Or..."

"Don't tell me..."

"What?"

"You're pregnant."

Catherine immediately laughed.

"Impossible."

"Is it?"

Freya crossed her arms.

"Morning sickness."

"Constant fatigue."

"Suddenly hating coffee."

"Those don't sound like stress to me."

Half an hour later...

Catherine found herself sitting inside a private hospital examination room.

After several routine tests, the doctor returned with a warm smile.

"Congratulations, Mrs. Hill."

"You're about seven weeks pregnant."

For a moment...

Catherine completely forgot how to speak.

"Pregnant...?"

"Yes."

"Both you and the baby are perfectly healthy."

She gently placed a hand over her stomach.

A tiny life...

Growing inside her.

Without realizing it, tears rolled down her cheeks.

Freya hugged her tightly.

"You're going to be a mother."

"I can't believe it..." Catherine whispered.

"Neither can I."

On the drive home, Catherine decided not to tell Shaun immediately.

"I want to surprise him," she smiled.

"Poor Mr. Hill won't know what hit him," Freya laughed.

That evening, Shaun returned home later than usual.

"Sorry," he said while loosening his tie.

"The overseas meeting took longer than expected."

"It's okay," Catherine replied mysteriously.

"I have something for you."

"A gift?"

"Sort of."

She handed him a beautifully wrapped box.

"Open it."

Shaun slowly removed the ribbon.

Inside...

Lay the tiny silver baby shoes he had bought months earlier.

Beside them rested the pregnancy report.

He stared at the documents.

Then at Catherine.

"...Is this real?"

She nodded with tears in her eyes.

"You're going to be a father."

For several seconds...

The legendary Shaun Hill stood completely frozen.

Hadley, who had just entered to deliver documents, quietly stepped backward and closed the door.

"We'll come back later," he whispered to the staff outside.

Inside the room, Shaun slowly walked toward Catherine.

"Say it again."

"We're having a baby."

He carefully placed both hands on her shoulders.

"Are you serious?"

"I've never been more serious."

The usually composed businessman suddenly laughed.

Then...

To Catherine's complete surprise...

His eyes turned red.

"Shaun...?"

"I'm sorry," he said softly.

"I just..."

"I've imagined this moment so many times."

"I never thought it would actually happen."

He gently knelt in front of her.

Resting one hand over her stomach, he whispered,

"Hello, little one."

"I'm your daddy."

"I promise..."

"I'll protect both you and your mommy forever."

Catherine couldn't stop crying.

"Our baby is going to think you're overly emotional," she laughed.

"Good."

"That means they'll know how much they're loved."

Later that night, they visited both families.

Mr. and Mrs. Jones were overwhelmed with happiness.

"We're going to be grandparents?" Mrs. Jones exclaimed through tears.

"Congratulations," Mr. Jones smiled proudly.

"Take good care of yourself, Catherine."

Even the Lowe family sent flowers and sincere congratulations.

Ethan quietly read the news online.

Instead of sadness...

He smiled.

"She finally found the life she deserved."

"I'm happy for her."

As the night came to an end, Shaun stood beside the nursery room they had prepared months ago.

"Looks like we'll finally need this room," he said.

Catherine rested her head on his shoulder.

"Our family is getting bigger."

"Yes," Shaun smiled.

"And this..."

"Is only the beginning of our happiest chapter yet."