"Got it." Sophia's eyes curved into crescents. "I'll leave all the fighting to the bodyguards from now on."

Ethan leaned down to press a kiss against her smooth forehead. "Good girl." His warm palm rested gently over her abdomen. "You're our top priority now."

Sophia picked up a sheet of paper from the coffee table. "What do you think of these names?"

Ethan scanned the list, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly.

The girl names were tolerable.

But the boy names made his vision darken.

Names like "Puppy" and "Egg" were utterly mismatched with the Sullivan family's stature.

"These names..." He chose his words carefully. "Aren't they a bit too... rustic?"

Sophia pointed earnestly at the paper. "Bunny is adorable, Strong sounds healthy, and Puppy is fun."

Ethan cleared his throat. "Perhaps we could reference classical poetry for inspiration?"

"Those will be their formal names." She blinked. "Nicknames should be down-to-earth—it's tradition for easier upbringing. Even great historical figures had humble childhood names."

Outmaneuvered, Ethan reluctantly accepted "Strong" and "Fish" as compromises.

His gaze inadvertently caught on a baby gift box in the corner.

A shadow crossed his eyes—it was from Kyle Grant.

Though displeasure flickered through him, his expression smoothed instantly.

Sophia carried his child. That was all that mattered.

Late at night, Ethan sat by the bed, his long fingers massaging Sophia's calves with practiced ease.

"They say swelling happens in the third trimester." His voice was velvet-soft. "I'll do this for you every day."

Sophia set aside her book with a laugh. "If the mighty CEO spoils me like this, I'll become insufferable."

"That's the plan." He pinched her nose playfully. "So you'll never leave me."

Warmth flooded Sophia's chest. She leaned in to brush her lips against his.

The crisp scent of mint enveloped her.

Unable to resist, she kissed him again, teasing the bow of his mouth with her tongue.

Ethan's breath hitched. In one fluid motion, he rolled her gently beneath him. "Little minx. You're doing this on purpose."

Her eyes sparkled with mischief. "What if I am? What will you do about it?"

"Just wait." He gritted his teeth, storming into the bathroom for an icy shower.

When he returned, Sophia was already asleep.

Moonlight traced the sweet curve of her smile, her lashes fluttering as if dancing through dreams.

Ethan watched her for a long moment before gathering her into his arms.

Here, like this, she was undeniably his.

Morning light filtered through the curtains.

Sophia opened her eyes to find Ethan already waiting bedside with her clothes.

"I can dress myself—"

"My wife," he interrupted, fastening her buttons with reverent care, "deserves to be pampered exactly as I please."

Her eyes prickled with unexpected warmth.

Having been independent since childhood, this was her first experience of such meticulous devotion.

As she studied the striking planes of his face, tenderness overflowed in her heart.

In this moment, she loved him down to her marrow.