Chapter 85: A Growing Family

As she strolled around the brightly illuminated garden, humming quietly, Sophia ran her fingertips over the petals of the new roses. The lavender aroma from the flower beds Alexander had planted for her filled the cool morning air. She put a hand to her stomach and hesitated. She'd been feeling weird lately, emotional yet joyful, exhausted but restless.

Something had shifted.

She had not yet spoken to Alexander about it. At least until she was certain.

Sophia and Grace sat drinking tea in the kitchen later that morning.

With a keen eye on Sophia's face, Grace observed, "You haven't even touched your breakfast."

Sophia grinned a little bit. "Recently, I haven't felt like myself."

Grace cocked her head. Do you mean emotional when you say that you're not feeling like yourself? Weary? A little queasy, perhaps?

Sophia blinked. Something clicked in her head when she saw Grace's knowing face.

"Grace..." Sophia murmured. “Do you believe—"

Squeezing Sophia's hand, Grace reached across the table. "There's only one way to know."

Staring at the pregnancy test on the counter, Sophia stood in the restroom. As she counted the seconds, her heart raced.

Then there was a second pink line.

Breathing became painful.

expecting a child.

She felt a wave of emotions, including delight, exhilaration, and bewilderment. A faint grin appeared on her lips as she put a hand to her tummy.

She had a second child within her.

Sophia discovered Alexander studying business reports in his study that evening. When she walked in, he glanced up, his hard eyes calming.

He put his papers aside and said, "Sophia." "Is everything OK?"

She approached him, climbed onto his lap, and put her arms around his neck. His hands automatically fell to her waist as he laughed.

She said, "I have something to tell you."

He raised his eyebrows. "What is it,"

She moved his hand to her stomach. "We're expecting another child."

Alexander remained still for a while. Then his eyes widened as he tightened his hold around her waist.

"Do you have a baby?" His voice was low and full of wonder as he inquired.

Sophia nodded while seeing the range of feelings that passed across his face: amazement, joy, and intense love.

With a harsh sigh, Alexander sprang up and carried her in his arms with ease. She laughed as he whirled her around.

“A baby,” he whispered, kissing her forehead. "Just another baby."

Alexander requested a special dinner to be served on their rooftop patio that evening. The distant city lights twinkled and candles flickered. Pouring Sophia a glass of sparkling juice, he drew out a chair for her.

He clinked his glass to hers and added, "To our expanding family."

Sofia grinned. "To our future."

They dreamed about their kid and imagined what life would be like with another child running about as they spoke for hours on end.

Alexander cradled Sophia, murmuring into her hair as the night became darker. "You've provided me with everything I didn't realize I required."

She raised her head and gave him a gentle kiss. "And you've given me a life that I never thought was possible."

A call rang on Alexander's personal phone as they withdrew to their bedroom, surrounded by love and warmth.

His face darkened immediately as he responded.

Sophia straightened her posture. "What is it,"

Alexander's mouth tensed. He let out a long sigh and looked her in the eye.

He said, "There's been a breach." "Someone is attempting to learn more about our past."

Sophia's heart raced. "Who"

Alexander gripped his phone more tightly.

He replied, "I'm not sure." "But I'm going to find out,"

As Sophia saw Alexander's visage darken, her pulse raced. She could feel the strain in his jaw, but he was seldom shaken by anything.

"Who would want to delve into our history?" With a gentle touch on his arm, she inquired.

Alexander combed his hair. "It could be anybody—an old foe, a competitor in the business world, or someone trying to cause trouble." He clenched his hand around the telephone. "But I refuse to allow them to threaten us."

Sophia recognized the tone of his voice. He had used the same one to defend his empire, but now it was for more than just business. It has to do with their household.

After setting the phone aside, Alexander faced Sophia. With a calmer tone, he said, "I don't want this to ruin our moment." "We recently discovered that we are expecting a child."

She put a hand to her tummy and grinned. "Alexander, nothing can ruin our joy. However, we must be ready if someone tries to harm us.

He nodded, albeit his eyes clouded a little. "First thing in the morning, I'll have my security team investigate this." Gently, he tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. "But I just want to think about you tonight."

Sophia felt the warmth of his hand on her face as she leaned into his touch. "So let's have a party."

She was simply lifted into Alexander's arms and carried to her bed. Hovering over her with a kind grin, he placed her down softly.

"You know, I was scared when you told me you were pregnant," he said, running a finger down her arm.

Her laughter was a chuckle. "Remembering,"

"But now." His gaze calmed. "All I can feel is joy."

She lifted her hand and cupped his face. “Haven’t we come a long way?”

His lips were soft and comforting as he gave her a long kiss. "And we'll go even farther."

The gentle morning light coming through the drapes greeted Sophia as she opened her eyes. As she stretched, she could feel Alexander's warmth next to her. He put his arm around her waist in a protective manner.

When she looked around, he was already awake and grinning slightly as he watched her.

He pressed his kisses to her forehead and said, "Good morning."

She returned the whisper, "Good morning."

A knock at the door interrupted her as she was ready to cuddle up to him.

Alexander let out a sigh and his placid face disappeared. "It is most likely related to the security update."

He got out of bed, pulled on a robe, and answered the door, causing Sophia to sit up.

Standing there with a stern expression on his face was one of his security personnel. "We have discovered something, sir."

Alexander's body stiffened. "What is it,"

There was a pause. "Someone has been inquiring about your father's previous business dealings and Sophia's background."

When Alexander's father was brought up, Sophia tensed up. He didn't talk much about that period of his life, which was tainted by corruption, power, and unpleasant memories.

Alexander's mouth tensed. "Who"

"They're looking closely, but we don't know yet."

Sophia and Alexander looked at one another. Despite his best efforts to conceal it, she could see the concern in his eyes.

At last, he said, "We must identify the person." "Before they come too close."

Alexander's face was inscrutable as he turned back to Sophia once the guard had departed.

She grasped his hand. "Alexander, we'll overcome this. Every time, we do.

He let out a breath and squeezed her fingers. "I will not allow anything to happen to you. For our family.

Her grin was a kind one. "Yes, I understand."

Even while she wanted to concentrate on the happiness of their new baby, she was aware that danger was on the horizon. And it could be more significant this time than anything they have ever encountered.