Part 1 – Hearts Unmasked
The world seemed quieter after the revelation.
Alexander remained by Liana's side, holding her hand, running a calloused thumb over her knuckles as if trying to etch the moment into his soul. She had barely spoken since the doctor left her lips parted in disbelief, her hand resting over her stomach protectively.
He broke the silence. "I've killed men in silence. Negotiated deals in seven languages. But this this is the first time I feel... completely unarmed."
Liana blinked through forming tears. "I didn't plan this, Alex. I didn't even imagine it. But…" She swallowed. "I want this."
He pressed his forehead to hers. "You are my family, now. Both of you."
The next morning brought changes. Alexander suspended all high-risk operations. He brought in a private medical team, secured the estate's defenses with triple-coded protocols, and issued travel blackouts for anyone in his elite circle.
But one thing remained on his mind.
"She has to meet my grandmother," he said. "Before the war escalates again. Before we become more than ghosts and weapons. She needs to know where I come from."
Part 2 – Dinner with a Matriarch
The estate in Provence was older than most countries an ivy-wrapped stone manor surrounded by lavender fields and silence. Within it lived Dame Estelle Wolfe, the last grand pillar of the Wolfe lineage. Sharp-witted, silver-haired, and still capable of silencing heads of state with a single glare.
Liana wore a pearl-gray dress and a brave smile. Alexander's grip was warm but firm.
"She's direct," he said. "But if she pours you tea, she likes you."
As they entered, Dame Estelle stood with a cane but didn't use it. Her eyes stormy and steel moved over Liana, assessing her in seconds.
"You're the girl who stole my grandson's spine," she said. "Sit. Let's see if you're worth the rest of him."
The dinner was a quiet battlefield polite questions laced with calculated sharpness. But Liana held her own. She spoke about her father's research, her work, and why love in chaos made more sense than peace built on lies.
By dessert, Estelle poured tea.
"She's formidable," Estelle whispered to Alexander as Liana stepped away. "You'll need her, when the empire falls and rises again."
Alexander's eyes softened. "I already do."
Part 3 – The Enemy Stirs
Julian sat in his underground command suite, watching footage captured by one of his spies. A satellite-captured still: Alexander and Liana arriving at the estate. A short video: Alexander's hand resting over Liana's stomach protectively.
He paused. Rewound. Watched again.
His smile darkened.
"So, Alexander has found his mate. And she's carrying his child."
He turned to his operative. "Good. Now we know where to strike."
Julian's voice was velvet and venom. "Target her emotions. Target his bloodline. Let's see how strong the Lord of Shadows really is when protecting what he loves most."