I Want Peace

Months passed since Marco's defeat, and Mia and Alexander had settled into a new rhythm. The mansion, once a symbol of fear, had now become a sanctuary, a place where the echoes of the past were slowly being replaced by the sounds of a hopeful future. Despite the relief of knowing that their greatest threat had been vanquished, there was an undeniable weight on their shoulders as they worked to restore balance in their world.

Mia's pregnancy progressed, and the excitement of becoming parents was something both of them cherished. Every day, she felt the baby growing inside her, a reminder of the new life they were building—one that would be free from the chaos of Marco's world.

But as much as they were excited, the responsibility of rebuilding their empire, ensuring the safety of their people, and dismantling Marco's remaining influence still weighed heavily on them. Alexander, though outwardly calm, was still driven by the need to root out every last trace of Marco's legacy. He was committed to ensuring that no one could ever rise to take his place.

One evening, Mia stood by the window in her bedroom, looking out at the sprawling grounds below. Her hand rested gently on her belly, feeling the soft, rhythmic movements of the baby. The sun was setting, casting the world in a warm, golden glow, and for the first time in a long time, she allowed herself to simply breathe, to feel the peace that had finally come.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Alexander's voice broke through her thoughts as he walked into the room, his presence calming and strong.

Mia turned to face him, offering a soft smile. "It is. Sometimes, it's hard to believe how much has changed."

Alexander stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. "I know. It feels like just yesterday we were trapped in the chaos, uncertain of what the future would hold."

She leaned her head against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. "And now… it feels like we can finally breathe."

"We can," he murmured, kissing the top of her head. "We've come a long way, Mia. But there's still more to do. We can't rest until every last piece of Marco's empire is gone."

"I know," she said, her voice thoughtful. "But I think it's time we start thinking about our future. Not just the empire, but the life we want to build. For us… and for the baby."

Alexander pulled back slightly to look at her, his expression softening. "I agree. We've been so focused on what Marco left behind, that we haven't really talked about what we want. What we need."

Mia smiled, a sense of warmth spreading through her chest. "I want peace. I want a life where we can enjoy each other, where we can raise our child without fear. A life where we make our own choices, where we create our own path."

"That's exactly what I want, too," Alexander said, his voice filled with conviction. "I've spent so many years fighting for control, fighting to protect everything I thought mattered. But now, I realize that what matters most is what we build together. Our family. Our future."

She looked up at him, her eyes filled with love and trust. "We'll do it, Alexander. Together, we'll create a world that's safe, that's full of hope."

Alexander kissed her forehead softly. "Yes, we will. And nothing or no one will ever take that away from us."

---

As the months passed, Mia's pregnancy continued to progress, and with each passing day, the bond between her and Alexander grew stronger. They spent countless hours planning for the future, discussing their vision for the life they wanted to build. While Alexander remained steadfast in his mission to ensure Marco's empire was fully dismantled, he also made it clear that his top priority was now their family. He was determined to be the kind of father his child deserved—present, loving, and strong.

One morning, as Mia and Alexander sat down for breakfast in their sunlit dining room, Mia couldn't help but smile as she watched Alexander interact with the staff, ensuring everything was running smoothly. Despite the heavy burden he carried, he had an undeniable ability to inspire loyalty and respect in everyone around him.

As she reached for her coffee, Mia's hand grazed her belly, and a soft smile spread across her face. She couldn't wait to meet their child. Every day, she felt more and more connected to the little one growing inside her, a constant reminder of the love and strength that had carried her through the darkest moments of her life.

"A penny for your thoughts?" Alexander's voice broke her from her reverie, his eyes warm as he sat down across from her.

Mia laughed softly. "Just thinking about how much our lives have changed. How much we've changed."

"Everything has changed," Alexander agreed, taking her hand in his. "But the one thing that hasn't changed is my commitment to you. To our family. No matter what, we'll face it all together."

Mia squeezed his hand, her heart swelling with love. "I know. And that's all I need. As long as we have each other, we can face anything."

---

As the days turned into weeks, Mia's pregnancy continued smoothly. Despite the challenges they had faced, Mia felt a new sense of purpose. She wasn't just a survivor anymore; she was a mother, a partner, and a leader in her own right. And as the time approached for their child's arrival, she felt an overwhelming sense of peace, knowing that their family was about to expand in ways they had only dreamed of.

The future was uncertain, but one thing was clear: Mia and Alexander would face it together, as a family. And no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would remain united, unwavering in their love and commitment to one another. Together, they would rebuild, creating a future full of hope, love, and endless possibilities.