"What?! A parallel world?!" Lily's ear-splitting screech echoed through the room, making everyone jump in their seats.
"Yes, you heard that right." Maya said, rolling her eyes fondly.
Over the next hour, Maya and the guardians carefully explained the existence of the Mo Kingdom, breaking down every detail until Lily could fully grasp the reality of it. To erase any lingering doubts, each of the guardians summoned a fraction of their elemental powers, demonstrating their magic right before Lily's wide, astonished eyes.
"Wow!!" Lily gasped, her initial shock turning into pure excitement. "So when do I get to go there?"
"Liora decided it's best for the baby if she stays in the Mo Kingdom." Maya explained. "She's currently three months along. The plan is for you to accompany her there in about two months."
Lily squealed with delight, clapping her hands together.
Ethan leaned forward, his tone turning gentle and caring. "How is the baby doing, Lily? Is everything proceeding safely?"
Lily smiled warmly and gave a reassuring nod. "The baby is completely fine. Perfectly healthy and growing strong."
A collective sigh of relief washed over the room. Hearing that their unborn core power was safe and thriving lifted a massive weight off their shoulders. They could only hold their breath and wait until the day Liora brought a healthy child into the world, the ultimate key to finally defeating the dangerous threat of Darken once and for all.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
It was 2:45 in the morning. A faint, muffled sniffling sound pulled Ronan from his deep sleep. At first, he couldn't quite place the noise, but as his senses cleared, he realized Liora was curled up beside him, weeping softly into the pillows.
"Love?" Ronan gasped, sitting up as terror gripped his chest. "Oh my god, why are you crying?"
Panic seized him. Was something wrong with the baby? Was Liora in pain?
"Lio, please tell me what's wrong, baby! A-Are you in pain? Is the baby coming?!"
"What?!" Liora cried out through her tears, glaring up at him. "Rony, I'm only three months pregnant!" She buried her face back into the sheets, sobbing even harder.
"O-Okay, okay! Then please tell me what's bothering you..." Ronan pleaded, his own eyes welling with helpless tears.
"I... I hate strawberry milk!" Liora whimpered, her shoulders trembling.
Ronan froze, staring at his wife as if she had suddenly lost her mind. "W-What? So?"
"So I can't drink it!!" Liora shouted back, sniffling loudly.
"Okay, baby, then don't drink it! No one is forcing you to." Ronan coaxed gently, reaching out to stroke Liora's soft hair to soothe her. He was still half-asleep, trying to process the logic through her foggy mind.
"B-But I need to drink it!" Liora protested, tears spilling over her cheeks again.
Ronan blinked in utter bewilderment. He realized then and there that any chance of getting more sleep tonight was officially gone. "I don't understand, love..."
"I don't know either!" Liora whined, pouty and distressed. "I hate strawberry milkshakes, but I need to drink one right this second!!"
"Okay, okay, don't yell, my sweet baby." Ronan murmured, a warm, affectionate smile softening his features.
He slid down the mattress and gently lifted the hem of Liora's shirt, leaning in close to her slightly swollen belly.
"Does my little bean like strawberry milkshakes like your dad, hmm?" Ronan cooed softly, pressing a gentle kiss to Liora's bare skin. "But mommy doesn't really like it, baby, but don't worry, I'll go get it for you right now."
The moment the promise left Ronan's lips, Liora's tears magically vanished, replaced by a radiant, eager smile. Ronan let out a quiet chuckle at how rapidly his wife's pregnancy hormones shifted her mood.
Ronan slid out of bed to head downstairs, but Liora reached out, catching his wrist. "Are you really going out like this, Rony?" she asked, eyeing Ronan's bare, muscular chest.
"Ah, don't worry, I already stocked up the fridge with plenty of strawberry milkshakes." Ronan replied with a grin.
Liora let out a happy giggle.
"You really drive me crazy." Ronan teasingly muttered as he headed out the door, making Liora roll her eyes fondly.
Within minutes, Ronan returned carrying a tall, chilled glass of strawberry milkshake. He sat beside the bed, watching with deep adoration as Liora greedily gulped it down as if she hadn't tasted sweetness in years. Ronan rested his ear flat against Liora's lower belly, listening intently.
"Ah, I hear you." Ronan whispered affectionately, gently patting her stomach. "Our little bean is enjoying it too. Drink up, little one~"
Liora let out a bright laugh at Ronan's endearing antics, reaching over with her free hand to run her fingers through Ronan's messy dark hair.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Another month passed in a blur of domestic comfort. Liora was now four months pregnant with Ronan's child.
Although she had spent the initial weeks strictly resting at home, Liora quickly grew restless. Refusing to sit around idly, she announced her intention to return to her executive duties at the corporate office.
Naturally, Ronan refused to even entertain the idea. To make matters worse, Ronan decided to work remotely from home full-time, wanting to be by Liora's side twenty-four hours a day.
"If you're going to stay home all day, then I'm going to the office!" Liora had snapped one morning, slamming the bedroom door right in Ronan's face.
Ronan had been left standing in the hallway, completely stunned. Navigating Liora's intense pregnancy mood swings was proving to be the most exhausting, yet rewarding, challenge of his life.
In the end, Ronan had pulled out every ounce of his romantic charm, showering Liora with endless affection until his wife finally agreed to stay. However, the truce came with a strict condition: if Liora was forced to stay home, Ronan had to go to the office to oversee operations in person.
In truth, Liora secretly loved having Ronan around the house; over the past few weeks, she had grown exceedingly needy, craving Ronan's physical touch constantly. Her hormonal cravings made him want to keep his husband close at all times. But, as always, Liora prioritized Ronan's responsibilities over her own desires, pushing Ronan to maintain his presence at the company.
Still, the moment Ronan returned home from work each evening, there was no escaping Liora's affectionate clinginess, a reality Ronan secretly adored.
On this particular day, Ronan was taking a rare day off, working quietly from his home office upstairs. Meanwhile, Liora sat comfortably on the living room sofa, happily enjoying a bowl of fresh orange slices.
The loud chime of the front doorbell broke the quiet atmosphere.
Setting her bowl aside, Liora rose from the couch and made her way to the foyer. Opening the door, she froze in surprise at the figures standing on the porch.
"Mia?!"
"Liora?!"
Both shouted in unison, caught completely off guard.
Liora's eyes darted to the tall, stern-looking man standing beside Mia, her father, Mr. Daniel, a powerful tycoon who frequently crossed paths with Ronan in the business world.
"What on earth are you doing here?" Mia demanded, judging her from head to toe.
"I should be asking you the exact same thing." Liora retorted, taking a step back.
Before the tension could escalate, heavy footsteps approached from behind, and Ronan stepped into the foyer.
"Love? Who's at the door?" Ronan asked smoothly, wrapping a protective arm around Liora's waist the moment he arrived.
Ronan glanced at the visitors, his expression hardening slightly. "Ah, Mr. Daniel. To what do I owe the unexpected visit?"
"Is this how you greet honored guests, Mr. Brown?" Daniel remarked with a dry, stiff smile. "Conducting business at the front door like a doorman?"
Ronan didn't laugh. "I conduct myself however I see fit in my own home. Regardless... please come in."
Ronan ushered them into the grand living room, guiding Liora down onto the sofa beside him. "Have a seat."
Once they settled, Daniel leaned forward, clearing his throat. "Alright, Mr. Brown, I'll get straight to the point. I came here today with a formal proposal, I want you to marry my daughter."
Liora flinched at the abrupt declaration, a wave of discomfort washing over her. Sensing her distress, Ronan tightened his grip around Liora's waist, his thumb gently stroking her hip to keep her grounded.
Ronan let out a long, irritated sigh. "Mr. Daniel, did your daughter fail to inform you that I am already happily committed to Liora?"
Daniel remained unbothered, crossing his legs. "I am well aware of your arrangement, Mr. Brown. But rejecting this marriage proposal would be a grave strategic mistake. I know Liora is the daughter of the missing Mr. Jhonson, but think of the bigger picture. If you marry my daughter, our two giant conglomerates will merge. Together, we will dominate the entire global market."
Liora felt a heavy lump form in her throat. She bowed her head politely to Daniel and Mia. "R-Rony... I think I'll head upstairs." she whispered softly before Ronan could stop her, quietly excusing herself from the room.
Mia smirked triumphantly out of the corner of her eye as she watched her leave.
Ronan's blood began to simmer, his jaw clenching as he turned back to the older businessman. "Look, Mr. Daniel... I am already married to Liora."
Mia's eyes widened in shock. "What?!"
"Yes," Ronan stated firmly. "We chose not to make our ceremony public knowledge. A married man cannot simply take another spouse. So if you came here hoping for a business alliance through marriage, I suggest you leave immediately. I need to go check on my wife."
Daniel's expression darkened, unwilling to yield so easily. "Now wait just a minute, Mr. Brown. Yes, a married man cannot take a second wife, but why throw away such a lucrative opportunity over sentimental ties? Simply divorce her. Problem solved."
Every drop of warmth drained from Ronan's face, replaced by an icy, lethal fury. "What did you just say to me? Divorce Liora? Ha!"
Ronan slammed his hand on the table, rising to his feet. "Get out of my house!"
Daniel stood up angrily, offended by the dismissal, while Mia gasped in fear at Ronan's towering demeanor. "Mr. Brown, you cannot treat us this way-"
"Yes, I can!" Ronan growled out, his voice dangerously low. "I have shown you endless patience out of respect for your age, but you are pushing me past my limits!!"
"Fine!" Daniel spat, grabbing Mia by the wrist to pull her away. "I will handle this my way, Mr. Brown. Let us see how long your arrogance lasts."
"Wait a moment." Ronan commanded coldly.
Father and daughter halted. Ronan closed his eyes for a brief second. When he reopened them, his pupils burned with an otherworldly, radiant red glow.
Daniel and Mia stood frozen, hypnotized by the crimson light radiating from his eyes. Utilizing his royal Movian powers, Ronan reached into their minds, systematically erasing every memory of their conversation regarding marriage, divorce, and Liora's presence.
As the red glow faded from Ronan's eyes, the father and daughter blinked, stumbling back slightly as their consciousness reset.
"M-Mr. Brown?" Daniel asked, looking around the living room in utter confusion. "Why... why are we standing here?"
Ronan offered a smooth, polite smile, walking over to open the front door for them. "We were just wrapping up our discussion on company stocks. Thank you for dropping by."
Daniel scratched his head, completely bewildered. "Business... right."
They stepped out onto the porch, still trying to piece together why they felt so disoriented.
"In any case, Mr. Brown," Daniel added, offering a hand to shake, "I heard congratulations are in order for your engagement to Mr. Jhonson's daughter. How is Liora doing?"
"Ah, thank you, Mr. Daniel." Ronan replied effortlessly, faking a warm smile. "Liora is resting upstairs."
Without waiting for further small talk, Ronan stepped back and shut the door, leaving the two guests standing outside in total confusion.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ronan entered the master bedroom, finding Liora standing near the large bay window. Her profile was bathed in warm sunlight, one hand resting gently over her four-month baby bump as she gazed outside.
Ronan let out a quiet sigh of relief, realizing Liora wasn't crying or heartbroken.
Approaching quietly from behind, Ronan wrapped his long arms around Liora's waist, resting his chin in the crook of her neck. As Ronan began pressing soft, warm kisses along her jawline, Liora closed her eyes, tilting her head slightly to give him better access.
"What were you thinking about, my love?" Ronan murmured softly.
Liora smiled, covering Ronan's hands over her belly. "I was just reassuring our little one... telling that her or his papa would never leave us or marry someone like Mia. I wasn't upset, but I think the baby got a little defensive on your behalf."
Ronan chuckled softly against her skin. "Is that so? You really don't know your dad yet, little bean. You better hurry up and come out so I can show my little champ what his papa is capable of."
Liora turned her head, raising an amused eyebrow. "Champ? What if the baby is a girl?"
"Nope. It's definitely a boy." Ronan declared confidently.
"Are you sure about that?"
"One hundred percent."
Liora rolled her eyes affectionately, leaning back into Ronan's chest. For a long moment, they stood together in comfortable silence, wrapped in each other's warmth.
"Rony..." Liora whispered softly, her voice suddenly breaking.
"Hmm?"
"I... I'm scared." Liora admitted, a subtle shudder running through her body.
Ronan immediately turned her around, rubbing her back soothingly. "Don't be afraid, baby. I'm right here with you. We're going to take amazing care of our baby-"
"That's not what I'm afraid of, Rony." Liora interrupted, her eyes searching Ronan's with raw vulnerability.
"Then what is it?"
"Darken..." Liora whimpered, a stray tear spilling down her cheek. "If our baby truly holds the main power, Darken must have felt it by now. W-What if he tries to take our baby away from us?"
"Shh... As long as I am breathing, no one will ever touch either of you." Ronan vowed fiercely.
"But Rony... neither of us is strong enough to defeat him yet!" Liora sobbed, clutching Ronan's shirt. "Even if our baby carries the main power, they're just an innocent newborn! How can a baby fight a monster like Darken?"
Ronan stood speechlessly, the harsh reality of Liora's words crashing down upon him. He knew Liora was right. The sheer helplessness of the situation tightened like a vise around his chest, tears welling in his own eyes. He was finally going to be a father, if his child was stolen from them, how could he possibly survive it? How could Liora?
Seeing Ronan's pained silence only amplified Liora's fear.
"L-Love, listen to me," Ronan choked out, pulling Liora tight against his chest and wrapping her in a protective embrace. "We will fight. I won't lose you again. You and our baby are my entire universe, and I swear on my life, I will not let our world be destroyed."
Ronan gently guided Liora over to the bed, tucking her in and stroking her hair while whispering soft, comforting assurances until the exhaustion took over and Liora drifted off to sleep.
Once Liora's breathing leveled out, Ronan leaned down, pressing a tender kiss to his wife's forehead before shifting lower to kiss her soft, four-month belly.
"Don't ever leave Papa, my little one." Ronan whispered quietly into the silence of the room. "We love you more than life itself. Stay strong in there, my little champ... trust your papa. I won't let anyone take you away."
Ronan paused, a quiet tear escaping his eye as he pressed one final kiss to the swell of Liora's belly.
"And if... if we are ever separated, my little champ... promise me you'll take good care of your mommy for me."