I love you

Mia's due date was fast approaching. The days seemed to blur together as they both navigated their daily routines, but there was an undeniable sense of anticipation hanging in the air. Mia's growing belly was a constant reminder of the life they were about to bring into the world. And every moment, whether it was spent at home, overseeing the estate, or meeting with trusted allies, was filled with the quiet hum of excitement and nervous energy.

Alexander remained as focused as ever on his mission to dismantle the remnants of Marco's empire. There was always something to plan, someone to meet, and a new lead to follow. But Mia, though fiercely supportive of his work, insisted that they needed to slow down a bit, to enjoy these last few days before their world changed forever.

One evening, after dinner, as the two of them relaxed in the living room, Mia felt a sudden shift. A tightening in her stomach that took her by surprise.

"Alexander…" she said softly, her voice tinged with concern. She had been feeling occasional discomfort for the last few days, but this felt different—more intense.

He immediately turned to her, his protective instincts kicking in. "Mia? What's wrong?"

"I don't know," she said, her hand resting on her belly. "It just feels… off."

"Okay, let's get you checked," Alexander said urgently, standing up to help her. But before he could move any further, Mia put a hand on his arm.

"No, not yet," she said, trying to calm him down. "I don't think it's anything serious. Maybe just Braxton Hicks contractions. But let's keep an eye on it, alright?"

Alexander nodded, still visibly concerned but trusting her judgment. "Alright. But if it gets any worse, we're going straight to the hospital."

The tension in the air was palpable as Mia and Alexander sat together, waiting. For a while, the contractions came and went, each one feeling a bit more intense than the last. Mia closed her eyes, trying to focus on her breathing, but it was clear that the time had come. Their child was finally ready to make an entrance into the world.

After a few more hours of restlessness, the contractions grew stronger, and Mia couldn't ignore the urge to get up. "I think it's time," she said, looking up at Alexander with a determined look in her eyes.

Without hesitation, Alexander was on his feet, already gathering the essentials for the trip to the hospital. "I'll get the car ready," he said quickly. "We're going now. No more waiting."

Mia nodded, her heart racing in her chest as she felt the first real pang of excitement mixed with nerves. She could hardly believe this moment was actually here—the moment their lives would change forever.

---

The drive to the hospital felt like an eternity, even though it was only a short distance. Every bump in the road seemed to intensify Mia's contractions, but she remained calm, holding Alexander's hand tightly as they navigated the late-night streets.

Once they arrived at the hospital, everything became a blur of activity. Medical staff rushed to her side, ushering them into a delivery room, and soon Mia was lying on the bed, hooked up to various monitors. Alexander stayed by her side, his hand never leaving hers as they prepared for the arrival of their child.

Hours passed, and with each minute, Mia's strength grew. The pain was intense, but her determination to bring their child into the world, safely and surrounded by love, kept her focused. She looked up at Alexander, her eyes locking with his, and for a moment, everything else in the world disappeared. It was just the two of them.

"Almost there, Mia," Alexander whispered, his voice a comforting presence in the midst of the chaos. "I love you."

"I love you too," she replied, her voice shaky but filled with certainty. "We've got this."

Finally, after hours of labor, a cry pierced the room, sharp and filled with life. The sound of their baby's first breath was the sweetest music to their ears.

"It's a boy," the doctor announced, holding the baby up for them to see.

Tears welled up in Mia's eyes as she gazed at their son, her heart overflowing with love. Alexander leaned down and kissed her forehead, his face beaming with pride.

"He's perfect," Mia whispered, her voice filled with awe. "He's perfect, Alexander."

The baby was placed gently into her arms, and for the first time in her life, Mia felt a sense of completeness, as if every piece of her world had fallen into place. She gazed at their son, his tiny hands curled into fists, his eyes closed in peaceful slumber. He was their future. Their hope. Their reason to fight for something better.

Alexander stood at her side, his gaze fixed on their son with an intensity that matched Mia's. He had never felt such love before—not for anything or anyone. This was his family, his legacy, and he would do anything to protect it.

"Welcome to the world, little one," Mia whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "You're going to change everything."

---

In the days that followed, Mia and Alexander found themselves wrapped up in the joy of parenthood. Their lives, once filled with danger and uncertainty, now revolved around the needs of their newborn son. The world outside seemed a little less daunting, and every moment spent with their child felt like a precious gift.

They named him Noah, a name that symbolized hope and renewal, a fresh start after the darkness they had endured. The name was a perfect reflection of everything they wanted for him—a life filled with love, safety, and possibility.

As they looked out at the world beyond their mansion, Mia and Alexander knew that the journey ahead would be full of challenges. But they were no longer afraid. Together, with their son in their arms, they could face whatever came next.

And so, as the days turned into weeks, Mia and Alexander found their new normal. They took their time to heal, to grow, and to learn how to be the parents they had always dreamed of being. And in the quiet moments, when Noah was asleep in his crib and the world was at peace, they allowed themselves to dream—to imagine the future they would create, not just for themselves, but for their son.

It wasn't just the end of one chapter; it was the beginning of a whole new story. A story of family, of love, and of a future built on the foundation of everything they had overcome.

And this time, they would face it all together.