Chapter 70: The Secret Joy

Scarlett knew something was different before the doctor confirmed it.

At first, she blamed exhaustion. Whitmore Industries was expanding, the Isabella Center had opened two new branches, and Alexander's restitution program required constant negotiations. She was busy. Tired made sense.

Then the scent of Alexander's coffee made her nauseous.

'That is impossible,' she muttered one morning, pushing the cup away.

Alexander looked offended. 'My coffee?'

'Your coffee has always been questionable. Today it is criminal.'

Dr. Cross, who had arrived for therapy, stared at Scarlett for three seconds too long.

'When was your last cycle?' she asked.

The room went silent.

Scarlett blinked.

Alexander became completely still.

Two tests and one doctor's visit later, Scarlett sat in a private clinic holding a printed report.

Pregnant.

The word did not look real.

Alexander sat beside her, one hand wrapped around hers. For once, he had no immediate strategy, no command, no controlled response.

'Say something,' Scarlett whispered.

He looked at her, eyes bright with shock and tenderness. 'I am afraid to breathe too loudly.'

She laughed, and then cried.

The doctor discussed risks, monitoring, support, and careful planning. Scarlett listened, asking sharp questions through tears. Her body had already survived so much. The idea of trusting it with new life felt terrifying and miraculous.

In the car afterward, Alexander said, 'Whatever you need, whatever you decide, I am with you.'

Scarlett looked at him. 'I want this.'

His breath left him slowly.

'So do I.'

They kept the news secret at first.

For one week, the joy belonged only to them. Alexander became absurdly protective. Luca guessed within two days because Alexander banned three types of cheese from the house and nearly interrogated the chef over herbal tea.

When Scarlett finally told him, Luca sat down heavily.

'I am going to be an uncle?'

'A very dramatic one,' Scarlett said.

Luca's eyes filled. 'Excellent.'

That night, Scarlett and Alexander stood in the empty nursery at the lake house.

The cream walls glowed softly in lamplight.

Scarlett placed a hand over her stomach.

'Hello, little one,' she whispered.

Alexander stood behind her, his hand covering hers.

For the first time, the empty nursery was not empty anymore.