Sophie Roscente wore an ingratiating smile. "Sis, Ethan, don't blame Vanessa. She didn't mean it. Let me see my little nephew."

Ethan Roscente stood guard beside the bassinet, his wary gaze sweeping over Vanessa Galatea. Jenna Roland needed rest after childbirth—he wouldn't let petty disturbances trouble her.

"He just fell asleep. Keep your voice down," Ethan murmured in warning.

Sophie tiptoed to the bassinet and lifted a corner of the blanket. A pink, cherubic face greeted her. She clapped a hand over her mouth, eyes sparkling.

"Oh my God! He's absolutely precious!" Sophie bounced on her toes. "Ethan, look! He's blowing bubbles!"

Vanessa seized the moment to edge closer, her painted smile brittle. As the infant's features came into focus, her nails dug crescent moons into her palms.

This should have been her child. If not for Jenna's interference, she—Vanessa Galatea—would be standing beside Ethan now.

"You came together?" Jenna's weak voice floated from the hospital bed.

Sophie turned. "I ran into Vanessa at the entrance. Her grandfather's hospitalized here. Since we were heading the same way..."

Jenna gave a faint nod and asked no further.

"Ethan, have you named him yet?" Sophie whispered.

"Shawn Roscente." Ethan's tone was flat, but his eyes never left the bassinet.

"Beautiful name!" Sophie rubbed her hands. "Can I hold him?"

"No." The refusal was absolute.

Sophie pouted. "You're being ridiculous!"

Jenna chuckled. "Your brother barely dares to breathe when holding him. He stayed up all night watching over the baby. Newborns are fragile—he's just being cautious."

"Then...can I at least touch him?" Sophie wheedled.

With permission granted, she extended a single finger and brushed the infant's cheek.

"Wow! Like touching jelly!" Sophie's face flushed with delight.

Jenna's eyes crinkled. "Newborn skin is the softest."

Reluctantly withdrawing her hand, Sophie felt a sudden curiosity about motherhood—until the thought of labor pains made her reconsider instantly.

The door swung open as Stella Laurent entered with a water basin, eyeing the unfamiliar girls.

"This is Ethan's sister Sophie Roscente, and her friend Vanessa Galatea," Jenna introduced.

Stella nodded and went straight to the bedside. "The doctor said no greasy broth. Should I get pigeon soup instead?"

"Yes, please." Jenna smiled gratefully.