The first sign of trouble came during Emily's morning ultrasound.
Dr. Yun had set up a complete obstetrics suite in the medical wing—state-of-the-art equipment that rivaled any hospital in the world, all so Alexander could watch their child's development without Emily leaving the estate's fortified walls. He sat beside her now, his hand gripping hers with that devastating gentleness that always undid her, his eyes fixed on the monitor where their baby's heartbeat pulsed like a star.
"Strong," Dr. Yun murmured, moving the transducer. "Heart rate is perfect. Growth measurements right on track. And look—"
The baby moved, a clear kick that made the image blur. Alexander's sharp intake of breath, the way his fingers tightened on Emily's, the raw wonder on his face—these were the moments when she remembered why she'd fallen in love with this dangerous man.
"Fighting spirit," he whispered, leaning close to press a kiss to her temple. "Just like her mother."
