Ethan Sullivan wrapped his arm around Sophia Laurent, pulling her close.

His palm gently stroked her back. "Don't worry. For you and our child, I will recover."

Sophia's eyes reddened slightly, but a soft smile curved her lips.

Fingers intertwined, they walked out of the hospital.

Ethan's fingertips trembled faintly, as if afraid the slightest movement might disturb the tiny life growing inside her.

He raised his hand, signaling three bodyguards to form a protective triangle around Sophia.

The display drew curious glances from passersby.

Frowning, Ethan removed his suit jacket and draped it over Sophia's head, shielding her completely within his embrace.

The elevator was crowded.

He braced one arm against the wall, using his body to carve out a safe space for her.

Once inside the car, Ethan immediately adjusted the air conditioning to a warmer setting.

"Are you feeling unwell anywhere?" His voice was barely above a whisper.

Sophia chuckled. "It's still early. There's no need to be this nervous."

His gaze settled on her flat abdomen, expression solemn. "This isn't nervousness. It's attentiveness."

Passing a shopping mall, he suddenly instructed the driver to stop.

"I'll get you some essentials."

As Sophia started to rise, he gently pressed her back into the seat.

"Stay here. The supermarket is too crowded."

Twenty minutes later, Ethan returned with multiple shopping bags.

They were filled with pregnancy-safe skincare, stretch mark creams, and an assortment of sweet-and-sour snacks.

Back at the villa, Sophia bent to change her shoes.

Ethan knelt before her, slipping the house slippers onto her feet himself.

"I can do this," she protested, amused.

"You're under special protection now," he stated firmly.

Steam filled the bathroom.

After testing the water temperature, Ethan turned to find Sophia unbuttoning her blouse.

His Adam's apple bobbed as he quickly averted his eyes.

"Let me help."

She arched a brow. "Are you sure you can control yourself?"

"With our child present, I'm more disciplined than a monk." He picked up the loofah with exaggerated seriousness.

Warm water cascaded over them.

Ethan kept track of time, shutting off the shower precisely at eight minutes.

He wrapped Sophia snugly in a large towel.

"Pregnant women mustn't catch a chill." Gently, he dabbed moisture from her hair.

Watching his focused profile, warmth blossomed in Sophia's chest.

"You know more than the parenting manuals."

"I did my research." Ethan switched on the hair dryer. "Victor used to care for Audrey this way."

As warm air tousled her locks, Sophia closed her eyes contentedly.

"Should we tell our parents?"

Ethan shook his head. "We'll wait until after the first trimester."

In the quiet of night, Ethan studied Sophia's sleeping face, fingertips tracing her features.

His palm hovered cautiously over her abdomen—the cradle of their love's creation.

Leaning down, he pressed a featherlight kiss to her forehead, eyes overflowing with tenderness.

"I'll keep you both safe."