Chapter 99
Carmen sat in Marco’s study, her legs tucked neatly under her as she pored over the thick folder of business plans in front of her. The sun streamed through the tall windows, casting a warm glow over the room. Marco sat across from her, reviewing financial reports, his pen tapping lightly against the desk.
Her focus was steady until a strange queasiness hit her out of nowhere. It wasn’t sharp or overwhelming, but it was enough to make her stop mid-sentence. She placed a hand on her stomach, waiting for it to pass.
“Are you alright?” Marco’s voice broke through her thoughts. He hadn’t looked up, but his sharp instincts had noticed her shift.
“I’m fine,” Carmen said quickly, though her voice wavered slightly. She tried to push the feeling aside and focus again, but the queasiness intensified. Her stomach churned, and a sudden wave of nausea had her bolting from her chair.
“Carmen?” Marco was on his feet instantly, his reports forgotten as he followed her out of the room.
She barely made it to the powder room, shutting the door behind her. Leaning over the sink, she took slow, deep breaths, trying to calm her unsettled stomach. The nausea ebbed slightly but left her feeling drained.
Marco’s knock came moments later, gentle but insistent. “Carmen, open the door.”
“I’m okay,” she called back, splashing cool water on her face.
“Open the door,” he repeated, his tone firmer now.
With a sigh, she unlocked the door, meeting his concerned gaze. He stepped inside without hesitation, his hands immediately framing her face.
“You don’t look okay,” Marco said, his dark eyes scanning her face.
“It’s nothing,” Carmen insisted, though her voice was soft. “Just a little nausea. Probably something I ate.”
Marco frowned, his worry evident. “You’ve been tired for weeks, and now this? I’m calling the doctor.”
“Marco—”
“No arguments,” he interrupted, his tone brooking no refusal. “Please, Carmen. I need to know you’re alright.”
She relented, her hand brushing his arm. “Fine. Call the doctor. But I promise you, it’s nothing serious.”
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The doctor arrived within the hour, his leather bag in hand and a calm demeanor that helped settle Carmen’s nerves. Marco hovered nearby as the doctor performed a thorough examination, his jaw tight with worry.
When the doctor finished, he smiled at them both. “Congratulations, Mrs. Venetti,” he said warmly. “You’re pregnant.”
Carmen froze, her mind racing to catch up with his words. “Pregnant?” she echoed, her hand instinctively moving to her stomach.
Marco’s reaction was immediate. His face broke into a wide grin, his tension melting away as he turned to her. “Pregnant,” he repeated, his voice filled with awe.
Carmen blinked, and then a slow smile spread across her face. “We’re having another baby,” she whispered, more to herself than anyone else.
Marco pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly as if he never wanted to let go. “Carmen, this is incredible. Another baby. Another chance to grow our family.”
She laughed softly against his chest, her emotions bubbling over. “I didn’t expect this, but… I’m happy, Marco. Really happy.”
He pulled back just enough to look at her, his hands framing her face. “You’ve just made me the happiest man in the world. Again.”
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That afternoon, they sat in the nursery, their baby son gurgling happily in his crib. The soft pastel walls and the faint scent of baby powder made the space feel warm and safe.
Marco leaned over the crib, gently lifting their son into his arms. The baby cooed, his tiny fingers curling around Marco’s thumb.
“Do you know what’s happening, little man?” Marco asked, his voice soft and full of love. “You’re going to be a big brother. Can you believe it?”
Carmen sat beside him, watching the two of them with a smile. “I don’t think he quite understands yet, but he’ll figure it out soon enough.”
Marco turned to her, his expression tender. “He’s going to be the best big brother. And we’re going to give him the best sibling. Someone to share everything with.”
Carmen laughed softly. “Already planning their future, are you?”
“Always,” Marco said, his voice playful but sincere.
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That evening, Carmen and Marco sat on the terrace under the soft glow of lanterns. The stars above were bright, and the faint sound of the ocean waves filled the quiet moments between them.
Carmen rested her hand lightly on her stomach, her thoughts turning to the tiny life growing within her. “Do you think it’ll be a boy or a girl?” she asked, her voice thoughtful.
Marco reached across the small table, covering her hand with his. “It doesn’t matter to me,” he said honestly. “As long as they’re healthy and have your strength.”
“And your heart,” Carmen added softly.
He smiled, leaning closer. “Together, they’ll have the best of us.”
They fell into a comfortable silence, the love between them filling the space. Marco took her hand and kissed her knuckles, his gaze lingering on her.
“You know,” he said, his voice low, “when I think about the future, it’s always you. You and our children. That’s all I need.”
Carmen leaned forward, her free hand resting on his cheek. “And you’re all I need, Marco. You, our son, and now this new life. We’ve built something beautiful together.”
Marco kissed her then, slow and full of emotion, his hands resting gently on her waist. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only their love and the promises they shared.
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The next morning, they gathered in the sitting room, where their son lay on a soft blanket surrounded by toys. Carmen watched him with a smile, her hand absently resting on her stomach.
Marco joined her, sitting close and slipping his arm around her shoulders. “Our family is growing,” he said softly, his gaze on their son.
“It is,” Carmen agreed, leaning into him.
“And our future,” Marco continued, turning to look at her, “is brighter than I ever imagined.”
She smiled, her eyes shining with love. “It’s everything I ever dreamed of, Marco. And it’s only the beginning.”
As their son let out a delighted squeal, reaching for a colorful rattle, Marco and Carmen exchanged a look, their hearts full. Together, they embraced the journey ahead, ready to face whatever life had in store with love, hope, and unwavering strength.
