The epilogue - Part 3

As soon as Martha walked out after showing me our room, I was pulled flush against a hard chest. With one of his fists clutching my hair, my face was inches away from his furious one. Even when he was livid, the arm that wrapped around my waist, gripping me tight, was protective. His hold on my hair was gentle.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" he hissed. Electric blue eyes were dark and flaming.

"What am I doing?" I blinked, licking my lower lip. "I just needed rest."

His gaze followed the action. With a groan reverberating throughout his chest, he cupped my chin. Giving my lower lip a firm brush, he thrust his thumb in my mouth.

My heart raced down my ribcage as I sucked on his finger, with my hooded eyes set on his. The desire came back to life in my veins.

Letting out a grunt, he pressed his mouth against mine. A breathless moan escaped me as I pressed myself against him.

When I was out of air, he pulled away and pressed his forehead against mine. With a sigh, he closed his eyes.

"It's hard for me, Sofia."

The edge of his voice tugged a string of my heart.

I felt his thick stubble against my palms. "I know. But whatever he had done in the past, it hurt him more than anyone else."

With creased brows, he held my gaze.

Taking his hand, I put it on my stomach. And instinctively, he rubbed it gently. Flutters spread across my heart.

"I and our baby are your world. What would happen if you lose us? How would you feel?"

His shoulders tensed. A fury flashed across his features as his grip tightened on me. "What the fuck are you talking about?"

I didn't flinch at his harsh voice. It was expected.

"You can't tolerate it, can you?" I asked. My tone was soft. "Then think how Sinister did it. Even if it killed him, he pushed the love of his life and child away. Because he wanted to keep you guys safe. Safe from his dangerous world. If he didn't love you, he didn't have to keep an eye on you all your life. He didn't have to come here and help us against Monet and Marcus. He didn't have to put his life at risk as well. But he did it even after knowing how much you hated him. He did it because he loved you, Adrian. And he still loves Lilly as much as he did years ago. Can't you see the love in their eyes? The happiness when they are with each other?"

Clenching his jaw, he looked away. His voice was thick with emotions as he spoke. "He could have chosen another way to deal with the situation. Because of him my entire childhood was spent in loneliness. If he was in pain too, it was because of his decision. He left us. No matter why he did it, the pain doesn't go away because of that. Mom wouldn't have to suffer that much if he had made a good decision. I… maybe I would have been a better person if my life wasn't so fucked up. I wouldn't be so difficult to handle. I would be a much better husband for you…"

Cupping his jaw, I made him look at me. The pain that etched in his eyes made my heart clench.

Did he think he wasn't good enough for me?

"Don't you dare say you're not enough. You have given me more than I had ever wanted. You're everything I need, Adrian. I love you. Even your faults. I fell in love with everything you have. Just like you did. So don't think you're not good enough for me," I said, my voice was firm. "And if he had some other way, he wouldn't have pushed his happiness away like that. He chose his pain over his selfishness. He could have just kept you in his life and let his enemies harm you. But he didn't do that. Please, try to understand. Yes, his decision hurt everyone. But it was for everyone's good."

Wrapping my arms around him, I placed my head on his chest.

"Let go of the grudges, Adrian. Not everyone is perfect. Sometimes we have to forget our past to stay happy. Let's start a new beginning. With a family. A perfect and happy family that our baby will come into. He needs it," I whispered. "Try to forgive him for your mom's happiness. If not for her, do it for your son."

The only response I got was silence. But after a moment, his arms snaked around me.

Letting out a sigh, he kissed my head.

My shoulders slumped in relief.

At least he didn't argue. That was a good sign.

Suddenly pulling away, he frowned at me. "He? How do you know it's a he?"

My lips twitched. "Mother's instinct."

"No. It's a baby girl," he grumbled.

A laughter left me. "We will see. So? What did you decide?"

"About what?"

A brow raised.

"About… forgiving Sinister? He craves for his family, you know? He needs your approval even if he doesn't show it."

He pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Please Adrian. Let's attend their wedding. For Lilly's happiness. For our baby? Let's start new."

"I…" Clearing his throat, he turned to me. His features were stoic. "I will try."

A squeal escaped my mouth as I pulled him to me for a hug. "Thank you! Thank you so much! I love you!"

Sighing, he cupped my cheeks before pressing a soft kiss on my lips. "I love you more."

A knock on the door snatched our attention.

Martha stood there with a warm smile.

"The dinner is ready."

I nodded. "We will be there in a minute."

Once she was gone, I turned to Adrian.

"Let's freshen up. I'm famished!"

"Alright. Let me help you."

I raised my brows at his offer. "I can freshen up myself."

Ignoring me, he pulled me up in his arms bridal style, making me gasp.

"No." Was his short and final answer.

Knowing there was no point in arguing, I let out a huff and snuggled his neck as he took me inside the bathroom.

***

Walking down the staircase, I glared at him. Who, with an infuriating smirk, climbed down by my side.

There was a weird sensation in my lower region. And it was because of all his teasing. This man couldn't just keep his hands to himself while changing me into a more comfortable dress. And he dared to keep me hanging and say that everyone was waiting for us downstairs.

And now I was walking with a burning need in my veins. Not to forget the discomfort in my core. Which was odd because I had never felt it before.

Damn this man!

"I will get back at you soon," I mumbled with a frown.

Chuckling, he pressed a kiss on my temple. "I will be waiting, my tigress."

Slapping his arm, as I went to move ahead to leave him behind, I felt something.

Liquid running down my legs.

I looked down.

"What happened? You alright?" he asked.

Glancing up at him, I gulped. My heart started to race. "I- I think my water just broke."

Blue eyes widened in horror. His hands were immediately on my shoulders as he glanced down.

"Fuck! You're bleeding!" His eyes snapped up to me. A panic crossed over his features. "W-what's happening? Why are you bleeding? Are you alright?"

My heart sank. "B-blood?"

Something churned in my stomach. Why was I bleeding?

I couldn't even look down at my legs due to my stomach!

A fear clutched my chest. "A-adrian... I'm scared."

Shaking his head, he kissed my forehead before picking me up again. "Don't worry, nothing will happen to you and our baby. I won't let anything happen to you. We're going to the hospital. John! Guards!"

Rushing down the stairs, he approached the door.

John, along with the other guards were soon to appear. Lilly, Sinister and Dominic followed next. Concern was written all over their faces.

"Boss, what happened?" asked John.

"Get the car ready, now! We need to go to the hospital. Her water broke and she is bleeding!" With a rigid stance, he hissed out. His jaw clenched and unclenched as he rushed out of the door, glancing down at me again and again. "Don't worry, baby. We will get there soon! You will be fine."

I clutched his shirt tight in my fist, placing my head on his shoulder. "I don't feel good, Adrian…"

"Shh, don't worry. Everything will be fine. Just stay strong!"

Once we piled inside the car, he kept me on his lap while Lilly sat beside us, holding my hand tightly. Her presence lessened the need I had for my mom at that moment.

"It's alright, sweetheart. We're going to the hospital. Everything is fine, don't worry. It's just a small amount of blood. It happens sometimes. Don't panic. We are here with you," she said, while Adrian snapped at John to speed up the car.

Nodding at her, I took a deep breath to calm myself down. I had to be strong for our baby. I knew the labor was near. I was prepared for that. But I just hoped this blood didn't mean anything harmful.

***

Adrian's POV

"It's alright, baby! Take a deep breath! Focus on my voice!" I said, clutching my love's hand in a vice-like grip. Her nails were digging in my skin but I didn't care.

"A-adrian! It hurts!" she screamed for the umpteenth time. Her cheeks and nose were crimson while tears rained down her eyes. With her hair disheveled, she let out another whimper of pain.

My heart clenched. Something was clawing inside me to help her, to take the pain away. But my hands were bound. I couldn't do anything but stay there for her.

But my temper didn't understand the situation.

"Some more pushes, Mrs. Larsen! The head is coming out! Use strength!" said the doctor while the nurses were in a rush inside the room.

"Get it done fast! How long will it take? She is in pain!" I snapped.

Her eyes widened.

Of course I didn't allow a male doctor to attend my wife. Even if it was just a delivery, no man had the fucking right to see my wife like that. She was only mine to see.

"I- I understand, Mr. Larsen. But we can't rush anything. It's not in our hands."

Pressing my lips, I turned back to my Sofia. Tears continuously rolled down her beautiful green eyes. The veins of her temple stood out as she pushed.

"That's it, baby! Just some more. You can do it!" I wiped her tears before placing a kiss on her cheek.

"Fuck! Adrian!" Letting out a curse, she tried to get up from the bed not being able to tolerate the pain. But the nurses held her back. "I can't take it anymore! It hurts!"

Her nails scratched my skin, a drop of blood oozed out. But I didn't let her hand go.

"Hey, shh! Just bear it for a few more minutes, love. It will be gone soon. Do it for our baby. Push!" Wrapping my arm around her shoulder, I held her tight.

"Yes! One more push, Mrs. Larsen! Then it will be done!" The doctor encouraged.

Gripping my hand as tightly as she could, with a scream, she did as the doctor said. And then the next moment, they got the baby out.

The cry of the baby rang in my ears like music. My heart stopped as I gazed at the little creature.

"Congratulations, Mr. Larsen! It's a baby boy!"

Before I could react, the grip on my hand went weak before they slipped out my fingers.

Snapping my head to Sofia, I found her immobile. Her eyes were closed.

Panic rose across my chest. My heart rate increased.

"Sofia?" Cupping her cheeks, I called out for her. But she did respond. "Hey! Baby, wake up! See our baby is here."

The baby's crying went past my ears as my whole attention was on the love of my life. But when she didn't respond to me, something clenched inside me. Fear gripped my heart in a vice-like grip.

"Why isn't she responding? What happened to her?" I asked the doctor. "Don't fucking stand there and check her out!"

Flinching at my roar, she gave the baby to the nurse and rushed to the love of my life. After checking her nerves and eyes, she flashed me a small hesitant smile.

"Don't worry, Mr. Larsen. She is fine. She is just tired. Maybe she went into a state of unconsciousness, but she will wake up soon. It doesn't happen usually, but it's not something to worry about."

"Are you sure?" At my glare, she nodded her head.

"Yes, don't worry. She is fine."

A sigh of relief left me.

As she scurried away to the baby, I leaned in and kissed my love's forehead.

"Mr. Larsen?" A hesitant voice spoke.

Turning to my right, I found a nurse holding the baby wrapped around a huge white towel.

"Your son." She placed the baby forward for me to hold.

I stared at the extremely tiny human for a moment. Never had I ever held a baby in my arms.

He seemed so delicate. What If I hurt him?

Clearing my throat, I glanced at her. "You can hold him until my wife wakes up. But don't you dare take him out of this room without my permission."

She looked down at the baby and then me. Surprised at my unusual reaction. Well, I should have grabbed my child and cuddled him. But I didn't.

Well, I didn't know how to hold him.

My gaze went back to him again. He looked like a little red human.

A movement in my hand made my head snap to my Sofia.

Her hooded green eyes met mine. A small smile danced at the corner of her lips.

"Love? You're awake?" Brushing the strands away from her forehead, I leaned closer. "Are you alright, baby?"

She gave a weak nod. Then her gaze went to the baby.

"Hold him. It's okay, you won't hurt him."

Surprised, I watched her. She knew?

Of course, she knew. She knew me more than I did myself.

"I…"

Damn it! This situation was really uncomfortable.

"Hold our son, Adrian. Come on," she said, smiling at me.

At my nod, the nurse handed the baby in my arms. I held him with utmost care, afraid not to hurt him. And the moment she moved away, his big green eyes met mine. A gaze that directly hit my heart. He tried to move in the towel, opening his teethless mouth.

Something bloomed inside me. A warm sensation.

My son.

The sign of our love.

Slowly, a smile spread across my face as I watched our son.

"A carbon copy of yours."

At her whisper, I looked up at her. Her green eyes were shining with happy tears.

Sitting next to her, I gave him in her arms. Unlike me, she took him in her chest before kissing his forehead. My own eyes burned at the odd happiness that bloomed in my chest.

"But he got your eyes."

I was thankful for that. I was madly in love with that pair of beautiful green eyes. Now our son had them too.

Pressing our foreheads together, I kissed her lips softly. Her lower lip quivered as a tear fell. Wiping it away, I met her gaze.

"Thank you for him, Sofia. I- I…"

She shook her head and pecked my cheek. "We both made him. He is a part of us." Looking down, she gazed at the still awake baby in awe. "I can't believe it. Look, he is so tiny and beautiful!"

Smiling, I nodded. "Yes, he is."

Pulling her to my chest, I watched him as he gawked at us with utmost curiosity in his eyes.

***

Once they shifted Sofia to a different room, Mom, Sinister, John, Dominic and that girl crowded around her to see her and the baby. Though I didn't like that girl, whatever her name was, around my wife and son, I chose to stay quiet about it. I didn't want to upset my tigress at that moment. She seemed to be quite fond of that girl.

I knew Dominic wouldn't keep anyone around who was not trustable. But I couldn't help it. After what happened, I didn't trust anyone around my Sofia. Not to forget her family and Sinister were still into the mafia world.

So the danger was always there even if Monet was gone.

"Mom, stop crying now," Sofia said, giggling.

I couldn't help but stare at my wife. She was glowing.

"I can't help it. My grandson is adorable." Sniffing, Mom kissed the baby's cheeks again.

"Alright, stop kissing him that much. He is sleeping. And you guys are disturbing my son's sleep," I said. Walking to her, I took him in my arms gently.

Sofia shook her head at me while John rolled his eyes. Mom flashed an apologetic smile and that girl stood by her, staring at my son in awe.

My lips pressed.

"They aren't disturbing him, Adrian. He won't wake up easily. He is deep in sleep," Sofia said. When my gaze met her, she jutted her chin towards Sinister subtly.

That old man stood beside Dominic with a straight face. But the way his eyes were glued to my son, anyone could tell he wanted to hold him.

And now my wife wanted him to hold our son too.

At my frown, she watched me with her puppy eyes.

Damn this woman!

Her words from earlier the day echoed in my mind. Even if I wanted to disagree, she was right. Whatever that old man did in the past, he did it with good intention. But I couldn't help but feel the grudges I held for him for years. And it was valid. Because of him, I had to suffer my whole life. I was like a lone wolf until my tigress entered my life.

But I couldn't hold onto those grudges forever, as she said. At least for our son, I had to start fresh. He didn't deserve a broken family.

When a silent 'please' left her lips, I let out a sigh.

Turning to him, I slowly approached him. And when I held the baby for him to hold, surprise and shock crossed over his features.

A gasp came from Mom.

At my nod, he soon got over it and took my son in his arms. Different emotions flashed over his aged eyes as they watched his grandson. Then a serene smile tugged on his lips.

And oddly, I didn't hate the sight before me.

Meeting my gaze, he nodded. "Thank you."

His voice was thick with emotions.

I didn't say anything. I didn't have anything to say.

When our son was back in my wife's arms, I sat beside her.

"So? You guys decided any names?" asked John.

Sofia looked up at me with a grin.

Well, I expected a baby girl. So I didn't think of any names for a boy.

It's not that I wasn't happy that I got a son though. I was more than happy. I didn't care if it was a boy or a girl as long as they were healthy.

"You already have one, don't you?" My lips twitched in amusement.

Her nod was enthusiastic. Her enthusiasm raised a curiosity in me.

"What is it?"

With a wide grin, she glanced around at everyone before looking down at our son.

"Michael. Michael Larsen Petrosyan."

"Oh my! That's amazing, honey! It's such a beautiful name!" Mom gushed while Sinister had a small smile on his face.

He was definitely happy. After all, his grandson got his last name.

My wife's unsure eyes peeked at me, waiting for my reaction. So did John.

I didn't keep Sinister's last name because I hated him. I changed my name from Petrosyan to Larsen once I got to know about him. But now it seemed like my wife wanted my son to have his grandfather's name.

I wanted to say no. But I decided against it.

Well, her wish was my command.

Wrapping my arm around her as I kissed her temple, she let out a sigh of relief.

"Thank you!" she whispered.

I muzzled her hair. "Anything for you."

A smile spread across her beautiful features. Her eyes sparkled with unconditional love.

"I love you."

"I love you too." Kissing her lips, I glanced down at our son who was sound asleep. "I love you both."