Nancy had planned to work through her pregnancy. She was CEO of Clark Capital, merging with Thorne Enterprises, building an empire. She didn't have time for morning sickness, fatigue, or emotional volatility.
Her body disagreed.
"You're glowing," Maya said at month four, which Nancy knew was code for "you look exhausted and slightly green."
"I'm fine," Nancy insisted, even as she battled nausea between meetings.
"You're not fine. You're pregnant and working eighty-hour weeks." Maya set a cup of ginger tea in front of her. "Adrian's worried. I'm worried. Your doctor's worried."
"Adrian needs to focus on his own health. His check-ups, his stress levels—"
"Adrian needs to focus on being a partner, which includes worrying about you." Maya sat across from her, serious. "Nancy, I watched you rebuild from nothing. I know how strong you are. But strength isn't working yourself to collapse. It's knowing when to rest, when to delegate, when to trust others to carry the load."
Nancy sipped the tea, considering. "I don't know how to slow down. If I stop, even for a moment, everything might fall apart."
"Then let it." Maya shrugged. "Clark Capital survived your imprisonment. It survived your move to Singapore. It will survive maternity leave." She leaned forward. "What's the point of building an empire if you can't enjoy it? If you can't be present for your child, your husband, yourself?"
That evening, Nancy came home early—6 PM, unprecedented—and found Adrian in his study, reviewing her calendar.
"Planning my takeover?" she asked, amused.
"Planning your survival." He didn't look up. "You've got seventeen meetings this week. Three business trips. A conference in Dubai." He looked at her, concern evident. "Nancy, you can't. The doctor said—"
"I know what the doctor said." She sat on his desk, taking the calendar from his hands. "And I know what Maya said. And what I need." She tore the calendar in half, dropping it in the trash. "I'm taking leave. Starting now."
Adrian blinked. "Just like that?"
"Just like that." Nancy smiled, feeling lighter already. "Clark Capital will survive. You will survive. And I..." She took his hand, placed it on her belly, where their child was growing. "I will finally be present for my own life."
Adrian stood, pulling her close. "I love you. Have I mentioned that today?"
"Several times. But feel free to mention it again."
"I love you. Your strength, your wisdom, your terrifying ability to make unilateral decisions that affect thousands of employees." He kissed her forehead. "Now, what would you like to do with your sudden free time?"
Nancy considered. "Learn to cook. Take up painting. Sleep for twelve hours straight."
"All achievable goals."
"And..." She hesitated. "Find out more about my father. The truth, not the shame. You were right—he wasn't all bad. And I want to understand him before I become a parent myself."
Adrian nodded, supportive. "I'll help. Whatever you need."
"Partners?"
"Always."