Vivian’s Trap

The days following Alexander's revelation about Vivian Kane passed in tense silence. Mia couldn't shake the feeling that something darker was looming. She spent most of her time in the nursery, reorganizing and rearranging things, hoping it would calm her frayed nerves. But the shadow of impending danger clung to her like a second skin.

Alexander had thrown himself into work, rarely leaving his office. His meetings were hushed and intense, his phone ringing endlessly. Mia knew he was doing everything he could to protect them, but the distance between them had begun to grow, and she missed the warmth of his presence.

One evening, she decided to confront him. She found him at his desk, staring at a screen filled with encrypted files and surveillance footage. His tie was loosened, and his usually sharp features were softened by exhaustion.

"Alexander," Mia said softly, stepping into the room.

He glanced up, his expression softening when he saw her. "Mia, you should be resting."

"I can't rest when you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders," she said, walking over to him. "Talk to me. Let me help."

Alexander sighed, leaning back in his chair. "I just want you and the baby to be safe. Wolfe and Vivian are planning something, but I can't figure out what. They've gone quiet, and that's what scares me the most."

Mia placed a hand on his shoulder. "You don't have to do this alone. We're a team, remember?"

He smiled faintly and pulled her into his lap, wrapping his arms around her. "You're right. I've been so focused on protecting you that I forgot how strong you are."

She rested her head on his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. "Whatever comes next, we'll face it together."

In a sleek penthouse on the other side of the city, Vivian Kane sat across from Wolfe, her manicured nails clicking against the glass table.

"It's time," she said, her voice cold and calculated.

Wolfe raised an eyebrow. "Time for what?"

"Time to strike where it hurts the most," Vivian replied. She slid a folder across the table. Inside were detailed plans, photographs, and blueprints of the Blackwood estate.

Wolfe smirked as he flipped through the pages. "Impressive. And you're sure this will work?"

"Of course," Vivian said, leaning back in her chair. "Alexander's empire has always been built on control and precision. But if we strip that away—if we make him feel powerless—he'll crumble. And Mia? She's his Achilles' heel. We'll use her to bring him to his knees."

Wolfe's grin widened. "I like the way you think, Vivian."

The next morning, Mia woke to the faint sensation of fluttering in her belly. At first, she thought it was a dream, but as the feeling grew stronger, a wave of emotion washed over her.

She placed a hand on her stomach, tears springing to her eyes. "You're really here," she whispered.

Unable to contain her excitement, she rushed to find Alexander. She found him in the kitchen, speaking to one of his security advisors.

"Alexander," she interrupted, her voice trembling with emotion.

He turned to her, his brow furrowing in concern. "Mia? What's wrong?"

She shook her head, smiling through her tears. "Nothing's wrong. I felt the baby move."

For a moment, Alexander seemed stunned, his expression softening as the words sank in. Then he crossed the room in two quick strides, pulling her into his arms.

"Are you sure?" he asked, his voice filled with awe.

Mia nodded, laughing through her tears. "Yes. It was so faint, but it was there."

Alexander placed a hand on her belly, his eyes filled with wonder. "Our little warrior," he murmured.

In that moment, the weight of their struggles seemed to fade. For the first time in weeks, they felt a glimmer of hope—a reminder of the life they were fighting to protect.

Later that night, as the couple sat in bed, Alexander's phone buzzed with an urgent notification. He frowned as he checked the message, his expression darkening.

"What is it?" Mia asked, sensing his tension.

Alexander hesitated before answering. "One of my security teams just intercepted a shipment of weapons. Wolfe's name was all over it."

Mia's heart sank. "What does that mean?"

"It means he's preparing for something big," Alexander said grimly. "And we need to be ready."

As Mia lay awake that night, she couldn't shake the feeling that their lives were about to change once again. But this time, she was determined not to be a passive observer. She would fight for her family, no matter what it took.