Chapter 5: The First Crack

The private OB-GYN arrived at the mansion at 9:00 a.m. sharp the next morning.

Dr. Elena Reyes was a calm, middle-aged woman with kind eyes and no-nonsense manner. She set up in one of the mansion’s guest suites that had been converted into a temporary exam room—ultrasound machine, blood pressure cuff, everything professional and discreet.

Sienna sat on the edge of the exam table in a soft cotton gown, legs dangling, hands clasped tightly in her lap. Caspian stood by the window, arms crossed, staring out at the lake like he was memorizing every ripple.

Dr. Reyes smiled gently. “First pregnancies are always nerve-wracking. You’re doing great just by being here.”

Sienna managed a small nod.

The doctor began the routine checks—blood pressure, weight, questions about symptoms. Nausea every morning. Fatigue that hit like a truck by 3 p.m. Occasional dizziness. No bleeding. No cramping.

“Good signs,” Dr. Reyes said. “Now let’s see the little one.”

She dimmed the lights and applied cool gel to Sienna’s stomach. Sienna flinched at the cold.

Caspian turned from the window, eyes fixed on the screen.

The wand moved slowly. Static, then a gray blur, then—

A rapid, fluttering heartbeat filled the room.

Thump-thump-thump-thump.

Fast. Strong. Alive.

Sienna’s breath caught. Tears welled instantly.

“There it is,” Dr. Reyes said softly. “About six weeks along. Everything looks perfect so far. Heart rate is excellent—152 beats per minute.”

Caspian stepped closer, gaze locked on the tiny pulsing shape. His throat worked. For the first time since she’d told him, he looked… undone.

Sienna reached out without thinking—her hand found his. His fingers closed around hers immediately, tight, almost bruising.

He didn’t speak. He just stared at the screen like the world had narrowed to that single heartbeat.

Dr. Reyes printed a few images and handed them to Caspian. “Keep these. First photos.”

He took them carefully, thumb brushing the grainy outline of their child.

After the exam, Dr. Reyes gave instructions—prenatal vitamins, rest, small frequent meals, no alcohol, no stress. She promised weekly check-ins and left with a reassuring smile.

The door closed.

Silence.

Sienna slid off the table, pulling the gown tighter around her. “I should get dressed.”

Caspian didn’t move. He was still holding the ultrasound photos like they were made of glass.

“Caspian?”

He looked up. His eyes were darker than usual—raw, unguarded.

“I heard it,” he said quietly. “The heartbeat.”

“Yeah.” Her voice cracked. “Me too.”

He crossed the room in two strides and pulled her into his arms.

She stiffened for half a second—then melted against him, face pressed to his chest. His heartbeat was almost as fast as the one they’d just heard.

“I didn’t think it would feel like this,” he murmured into her hair.

“Like what?”

“Like… everything just shifted. Like nothing else matters as much.”

She closed her eyes, letting his warmth seep into her. “It’s scary.”

“Terrifying.” His arms tightened. “But I’m not running.”

She pulled back slightly to look at him. “You don’t have to do this, you know. I can—”

“Stop.” His voice was low, firm. “You’re not doing this alone. Not anymore.”

She searched his face. “Why? You don’t even know me.”

“I know enough.” He brushed a tear from her cheek with his thumb. “I know you’re strong. I know you’re scared but you’re still here. I know you’re carrying my child. That’s more than enough.”

Her throat tightened. “What if I’m not good at this? What if I mess up?”

“You won’t.” He rested his forehead against hers. “We’ll figure it out together.”

She let out a shaky breath. “Okay.”

He kissed her forehead—soft, lingering. “Okay.”

They stood like that for a long minute, wrapped in each other, the ultrasound photos forgotten on the table.

Later that afternoon, Caspian took her on a walk around the estate grounds.

The air was crisp, the lake glittering under pale winter sun. He kept his pace slow, matching hers.

“You don’t have to stay cooped up inside,” he said. “Fresh air is good. Doctor said so.”

She smiled faintly. “You’re already quoting the doctor?”

“I’m taking notes mentally.”

They walked in comfortable silence for a while.

Then Sienna asked, “What happens when your dad finds out? The engagement party is in two months.”

Caspian’s jaw tightened. “We tell him when we’re ready. Not before.”

“And if he’s angry? If he thinks I’m—”

“He won’t.” Caspian stopped, turning to face her. “Because I won’t let him.”

She looked up at him. “You can’t control everything.”

“I can control this.” His hand found hers again. “You and the baby are mine to protect.”

The possessiveness in his voice should have scared her.

It didn’t.

It made her feel… safe.

That evening, after a quiet dinner in the smaller family dining room, Caspian led her to the library.

Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, leather armchairs, a massive fireplace already crackling.

He pulled a thick blanket from the sofa and draped it over her shoulders.

“Sit,” he said. “Rest.”

She curled up in one of the chairs, blanket tucked around her.

He sat across from her, elbows on his knees, watching her with quiet intensity.

“What?” she asked softly.

“You’re beautiful,” he said simply.

Heat flooded her cheeks. “Stop.”

“I mean it.”

She looked down at her hands. “I don’t feel beautiful. I feel… exhausted. And huge already, even though I’m not.”

He moved to kneel in front of her chair. “You’re carrying our child. That’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

Tears pricked her eyes again. Damn hormones.

He reached up, cupped her face gently.

“I’m going to mess this up sometimes,” he said. “I know I’m not easy. I’m controlling. I’m closed off. But I’m trying, Sienna. For you. For them.”

She covered his hand with hers. “I see you trying.”

He leaned in slowly—giving her time to pull away.

She didn’t.

Their lips met—soft at first, tentative. Then deeper, hungrier, but careful. Reverent.

When they parted, he rested his forehead against hers.

“Stay tonight,” he whispered. “Not for anything else. Just… stay.”

She nodded.

They didn’t make love that night.

They just lay together in his bed—her back to his chest, his arm wrapped protectively around her stomach.

His hand rested over the spot where their baby grew.

“I’ve got you both,” he murmured against her hair.

Sienna closed her eyes, letting herself believe—for the first time—that maybe, just maybe, she wasn’t alone anymore.

But in the quiet darkness, doubt still whispered.

Because secrets this big never stayed buried forever.

And the storm was coming.