Alexander Valentine held Natalie Sullivan close, his fingers gently stroking her soft hair.

Natalie nestled against his chest with a pout. "Why can't someone as wonderful as my brother find the right partner?"

"Fate hasn't arrived yet," Alexander murmured soothingly.

"Sometimes I wish I could split myself in half—one for Ethan and one for my brother."

Alexander chuckled, pinching her nose playfully. "Silly girl, you can't force love."

Tilting her face up, her eyes slightly red, Natalie whispered, "But it hurts seeing him like this."

"I understand." Alexander sighed. "His greatest wish is to see Sophia happy."

Natalie nodded vigorously. "He's the best man in the world!"

"And what about me?" Alexander raised an eyebrow.

Her eyes sparkled mischievously. "You're the man I love most!"

Warmth flooded Alexander's chest as he leaned down to brush his lips against hers.

Back at their home, Natalie's gloom vanished. She bounded through the door with renewed energy.

"Alexander!" She flung her arms around him. "Now I can claim you openly!"

Amused, he smiled. "Tonight, I'm all yours."

"Wait for me!" She dashed upstairs. "I'm going to freshen up!"

Watching her joyful retreat, Alexander's smile faded.

The shadow of their last attempt lingered.

He took a deep breath, steeling himself.

"Alexander!" Her bright voice called from the bathroom.

Pushing the door open, he was met with the scent of roses.

Natalie lounged in the tub, crimson petals floating around her. With a teasing curl of her finger, she asked, "Care to join me?"

His throat tightened, but he forced calm into his voice. "Let's move to bed. It's too easy to catch a chill here."

Truthfully, he feared history repeating itself.

Natalie pouted but obediently agreed.

After drying her off, Alexander took a quick shower.

Returning to the bedroom, he found her in a silk nightgown, her curves subtly outlined.

"This time..." She bit her lip, hesitating.

Understanding her worry, Alexander drew her into his arms. "Don't be afraid."

The bed swayed gently as passion unfolded.

Natalie clenched a towel between her teeth, stifling any sound.

Afterward, curled against his chest, her finger traced circles on his skin. "That was much better."

He kissed her forehead. "Next time will be even better."

Once Alexander left to shower, Natalie tiptoed to the study.

"Sophia!" she whispered into the phone. "Tell me—what does it really feel like?"

Sophia Laurent laughed softly on the other end. "It's like... floating among clouds, your soul about to take flight."

Natalie's eyes gleamed. "I want that too!"

That night, she murmured in her sleep: "Soul-stirring passion..."

The next morning, Alexander gazed at her intently. "What were you dreaming about?"

Blushing, she stammered, "Just... you know..."

He pulled her closer. "I'll make it happen."

Three months later, as spring's chill lingered...

Sophia gripped Ethan Sullivan's hand in the hospital corridor.

"Don't be nervous," she reassured him softly.

Ethan's brow furrowed. "Making you go through this—I..."

"For our baby, it's worth it." She leaned against his shoulder. "It will work."

Gazing at the budding trees outside, she silently prayed.