Chapter 87 I Want A Baby
Will’s P.O.V.
“Will, your idea of having that classroom setup for roleplay was amazing. We’ve been getting new members since we opened that wing.” Sebastian says, leaning back in his chair and tapping a pen against the table.
“I had to build that. It was a personal necessity,” I reply with a satisfied smile.
“And we all know why.” Isabel chuckles, exchanging a look with Sebastian. “The Professor’s influence is everywhere in this building.”
I don’t deny it. Iva is the heartbeat behind half of my creative decisions.
We’re sitting in the club's conference room, going over numbers, upcoming events, and membership upgrades. Business is booming. The new concept has made people curious, and curiosity brings profit.
I clear my throat, turning toward the man sitting quietly at the end of the table. “By the way, Dominic, thank you for handling the meeting on my behalf yesterday. I hope it didn’t bother you too much.”
As Dominic shrugs, his expression is unreadable behind his usual stoic mask. “Of course not. You know how much I like to do extra work.”
I nod, but I know exactly why he thrives on extra work. For Dominic, a 16-hour workday isn't about ambition like Sebastian, it’s about survival. He keeps himself buried in the club to escape a pain that hasn't dimmed in years. We’ve grown close, closer than I ever expected, and it hurts to see a man of his calibre treating his own life like a burning building he’s refusing to leave.
Before I can say anything else, his phone buzzes. He glances at the screen, and for a split second, his jaw tightens before he masks it with a grin.
He stands up, grabbing his jacket. “Guys, I have to leave. I’ve found someone for my distraction tonight.” He winks at us, a gesture that doesn't reach his eyes, and walks out without another word.
I exhale slowly, staring at the closed door. “I don’t know when he’ll come out of the heartbreak. I can’t stand seeing my best friend spoiling his life and treating women like shit just to feel nothing.”
“Don’t worry, Will.” Isabel reaches across the table to pat my hand. “You know I was hopeless once, too. I was lost in my own darkness until I found someone who changed everything. Love changed my life. The same will happen to him. He just hasn't met the woman who can take him out of the pain.”
“I just hope it isn't too late when she arrives.” I sigh.
“It won’t be,” Isabel reassures me. Then, her eyes light up with a mischievous glint as she turns her gaze toward Sebastian, who is currently buried in his phone, ignoring us. “But I wonder when this workaholic will finally find the love of his life. Someone to pull his focus away from his precious stocks and onto something… warmer.”
Sebastian gives her a side glare, his thumb pausing over the screen. “I’m happy with my work, Isabel. I don’t want any distractions.”
I lean forward slightly. “Love isn’t a distraction. It completes you.”
He scoffs. “Spoken like a married man.”
“Exactly,” I answer without hesitation.
Isabel laughs, shaking her head. “When he finds love, he’ll understand. He won’t get our words right now. He thinks he’s in control, but love doesn't ask for permission. It just wrecks your plans.”
Sebastian doesn't answer, but I see the way his brow furrows as he looks back at his phone. I can only hope that one day, both of my brothers find the kind of peace I find every night when I hold Iva in my arms.
The meeting continues, but my thoughts drift.
I glance at my watch.
Iva must be in the middle of her lecture right now.
I pull out my phone and type quickly.
Will: How are you, Professor?
I hit send.
Almost instantly, I feel restless. I know how much she hates teaching during her period. Standing for hours, smiling through cramps, pretending everything is fine.
Colleges are the worst for her during those days.
I lean back in my chair, half-listening to Sebastian discuss projections while I wait for my phone to light up.
It finally does.
⸻
Iva’s P.O.V.
I sink into my chair after finishing the lecture, pressing my palm gently against my lower abdomen as another cramp rolls through me.
Periods and college are a terrible combination. Standing in heels. Talking nonstop. Smiling at students who have no idea your body feels like it’s fighting you from the inside.
But lately, it hurts more than just physically.
Every time my period comes, it feels heavier. Not because of the cramps. Not because of the exhaustion.
Because I don’t want it.
I don’t want this reminder every month that I’m not pregnant.
I want a baby. I want to carry his child. I want to feel that change in my body for a different reason. And instead, I’m sitting here in a lecture hall, counting another failed month.
I reach for my phone to distract myself.
And there it is. Will’s text.
Will: How are you, Professor?
A smile spreads across my face instantly.
He always knows.
I type back.
Me: After your text, I’m doing great.
Three dots appear immediately.
Will: That means you aren’t fine. I told you to take the day off. You never listen to me.
I roll my eyes, though my heart melts a little at the bossy tone. He’s in protective husband mode, which is just as intense as his ruthless Master mode.
Me: I’m fine. Chill.
His reply comes quickly.
Will: Don’t lie to me. Take your medicine if you’re having cramps.
He knows me too well.
I lean back in my chair, warmth spreading through me that has nothing to do with pain relief.
Me: I’m fine, baby. Don’t worry. Focus on your work.
There’s a pause.
Then—
Will: I’ll pick you up after college. Until then, take care of yourself.
My smile deepens.
He always pretends to be strict.
But he worries like this every single time.
Me: Okay. See you.
I lock my phone and rest it against my chest for a second.
The cramps are still there.
The disappointment is still there.
But somehow… it doesn’t feel as unbearable.
It’s funny how a few words from him can make the pain recede into the background.