Nicole had really filled out.
Her oval face was gone, replaced by a round one with a double chin.
Her once slender figure had become "sturdy."
Later, when Martin held her.
Nicole suddenly said with a hint of insecurity, "Am I really that fat?"
Martin didn't hesitate. "Of course."
As Nicole started to get angry, he quickly added, "But what I said during the day is true—you look beautiful even when you're plumper."
He reached out to caress her face, pinching it gently. "This feels like a peach."
Then his hand moved lower, stopping at her boobs, pinching again. "These feel like two peaches too."
He slid down further, to her ass, pinching once more. "And this is still like a peach."
"You know, peaches are my favorite fruit."
They laughed and teased each other, but nothing more substantial happened.
Well, Martin didn't want to risk harming his own child.
[TL/N: Bro didn't want to tickle his child.]
…
Another week passed, and Nicole's due date arrived.
She planned for a natural birth, opting for the increasingly popular water birth method.
Two top-tier medical teams were on hand, and the delivery wasn't at a hospital but right in Martin's estate.
Every member of both teams had signed strict confidentiality agreements, forbidding them from leaking any details about Nicole's labor or the child.
In the room outside the specially converted birthing suite, Martin paced anxiously back and forth.
Naomi Watts and Charlize Theron sat on the sofa, their eyes following his movements.
"Stop walking—you're making me dizzy…"
Charlize Theron finally couldn't take it, jumping up from the sofa and pointing at the birthing room door. "Darling, if you're really worried, just go in."
"I want to," Martin stopped and said, "but Nicole won't let me! She kicked me out ten minutes ago."
Naomi Watts said, "Understandable—Nicole doesn't want you seeing her like that."
Martin's eyes widened. "I wouldn't think she looks bad right now. Women are at their most beautiful in moments like this!"
With that, he stomped his foot decisively. "Screw it, I'm going in. I want to see my child being born with my own eyes."
Martin pushed the door open and entered.
Inside was a large circular tub filled with warm water.
Nicole was in it, hands gripping the edge, bottom raised, straining with all her might under the female doctor's guidance.
Seeing Martin come in, Nicole glared. "Damn it, who told you to come in? Get out!"
This time, Martin didn't obey. He strode quickly to the tub, lifted Nicole's sweat-drenched face, and kissed her deeply.
Then he said, "Darling, I'm not leaving. I want to see our child born."
Nicole's tone softened, but she still protested out of habit. "No, you don't!"
"Yes, I do," Martin insisted.
Just then, the doctor shouted, "Push!"
Nicole instinctively bore down.
Splash!
Splatter!
A series of unpleasant sounds echoed.
Nicole's face flushed, then she felt a drop in her abdomen, followed by sudden relief—her whole body lightened.
The doctor cried out joyfully, "It's out, it's out—a boy!"
"Get it out quick," Nicole said, blushing.
Martin glanced at the tub and smirked. "No big deal. This little one probably didn't mind a bit of that while in your belly."
"Shut up!" Nicole snapped fiercely.
By now, the baby had been lifted out and wiped clean with a towel.
Nicole frowned. "Why isn't he crying?"
As soon as she spoke, the little guy let out a loud "Wah!"
His cry was strong and full of vigor.
Outside, Naomi Watts and Charlize Theron heard the baby's wail from the room. They exchanged glances for a moment before blurting out almost in unison:
"I want to be this baby's godmother."
"No, I said it first."
"Haha, you're too slow—I talked to Nicole about it six months ago."
"Ugh, that's not fair."
Inside, Nicole had cleaned up and was lying in bed, covered with a blanket.
Martin sat beside her, whispering praises for her efforts.
"Oh, Nicole, you're incredible. We have a child."
The female doctor brought the baby over, placing him in Nicole's arms. "We've checked him—he's perfectly healthy. Congratulations, Mr. Meyers, Ms. Kidman."
Nicole held the little one carefully, overflowing with maternal love, her face full of affection. "Look at this little guy—he's so beautiful. He'll grow up to be as handsome as his father."
Martin craned his neck to see, spotting a wrinkled little face. He couldn't see any handsomeness at all.
"So ugly!" he blurted instinctively, only to get smacked by Nicole.
"You looked the same as a baby. This little one just hasn't filled out yet," Nicole said irritably.
Martin rubbed his shoulder, grumbling, "I feel like my status has dropped."
"Ha, you're jealous of your own son!" Nicole teased with a laugh.
Just then, the door opened, and two beautiful heads peeked in.
"Hello, can we come in?"
"Come on in."
Nicole waved them over.
The two women bounced to the bedside.
"Wow, this little guy is adorable."
"Look at that tiny nose and eyes."
"He's yawning—haha, so cute."
"Nicole, let me hold my little godson," Naomi Watts said.
Nicole refused outright. "No way. Do you even know how to hold a baby? Have you practiced? I'm not handing my precious one over to you."
"So stingy," Naomi Watts muttered.
Charlize Theron laughed. "No worries, Naomi. Just have one with Martin soon, and hold your own."
Martin gazed at the baby in Nicole's arms, thinking: Coming from the Demon Continent to this world, I've left so much behind. Now I even have a child—it ties me deeper to this place.
Father!
A role he'd never experienced in either life, but now—
His son!
His bloodline, his legacy, lying in his woman's arms.
"So…" Charlize Theron said, "Have you thought of a name for the baby?"
"Of course." Martin couldn't help but smile. "I've got one ready."
"Really? What is it?"
Three pairs of beautiful eyes turned to him.
Martin grinned. "Let's call him Connor—Connor Meyers."
Connor—that pronunciation meant "fortunate" back on the Demon Continent. To Martin, he was lucky to leave his bloodline in this world, lucky to have met Nicole and the others.
---
TL/N: Its not the end yet, take it easy.