Chapter Five

Months passed, and everything gradually settled into a peaceful routine.

Stephanie had grown accustomed to living in the villa, although she still found it difficult to believe that this luxurious place was now her home. Everyone treated her with kindness and respect, making sure she never lacked anything. Even before she could ask for something, it was already prepared for her.

After a week of gentle persuasion from Ken, Stephanie finally accepted a personal driver and a luxury car.

"I really don't need all this," she had protested.

Ken smiled patiently.

"Mr. Kai insists, Miss Stephanie. At least allow us to ensure your safety whenever you leave the villa."

Seeing how determined he was, she finally gave in.

"Fine... but only because I don't want to keep arguing with you."

"That's all I was hoping for," Ken replied with a relieved smile.

Even with the car at her disposal, Stephanie rarely went anywhere. Most of her trips were only to two places—the orphanage where she had grown up and the church that had sheltered her during her hardest days.

Whenever she visited, the car would be loaded with bags of rice, cartons of noodles, cooking oil, beverages, toiletries, and other food supplies. She never forgot the people who had once cared for her when she had nothing.

Before making her first donation, however, she felt she should seek permission.

That afternoon, Ken happened to visit the villa.

"Mr. Ken," Stephanie called with a smile. "May I ask you for a favor?"

"Of course," he replied. "Anything."

"I'd like to take some food supplies to the orphanage and the church."

Ken nodded.

"That's wonderful."

"But..." Stephanie hesitated. "Could you ask Mr. Kai for permission first?"

Ken stared at her before letting out a soft chuckle.

"Miss Stephanie..."

"What?"

"Why are you asking for permission?"

She looked puzzled.

"Because none of this belongs to me."

Ken shook his head with a smile.

"You've forgotten something."

"What?"

"Everything in this villa has been placed at your disposal. You don't need anyone's permission."

Stephanie sighed.

"You know that isn't true. This villa belongs to Mr. Kai Ray. The only reason I'm living here is because I'm carrying his child."

Ken's expression softened.

"Miss Stephanie..."

"Please," she interrupted gently. "Just ask him for me."

Ken smiled warmly.

"I'm not going to ask."

She blinked.

"What do you mean?"

"Because I already know his answer."

"And what would that be?"

"He'd tell you to buy twice as much."

Stephanie couldn't help laughing.

"You're serious?"

"Absolutely."

"He would never stop you from helping people."

Stephanie smiled gratefully.

"Thank you."

"My pleasure."

As Ken prepared to leave, Stephanie suddenly remembered something.

"Oh... there's one more thing."

"Yes?"

"For the past two months, a large amount of money has been deposited into my bank account every month."

Ken smiled knowingly.

"I was wondering if..."

"Yes," he interrupted politely. "Mr. Kai arranged that."

Stephanie's eyes widened.

"What?"

"It's your monthly allowance."

"My... what?"

"Since you refused the credit card he gave you, he decided this would be easier."

Stephanie sighed helplessly.

"I told you I don't need any more from him."

"I already have a beautiful place to live. I have everything I need."

Ken smiled gently.

"I know."

"So why does he keep doing this?"

"Because he doesn't want you or the baby to ever lack anything."

Stephanie lowered her eyes.

"I don't know what to do with him."

Ken laughed.

"Neither do I sometimes."

The following day, Stephanie visited the orphanage.

The children screamed with excitement the moment they saw her.

"Big Sister Stephanie!"

They rushed into her arms, surrounding her with warm hugs.

She laughed happily, embracing each of them.

"I missed you all so much."

The staff helped unload the vehicle, carrying inside bags of food, cartons of drinks, toiletries, toys, books, and clothes.

The children couldn't stop smiling.

Aunt Martha looked around in astonishment.

"My goodness... Stephanie."

She turned to her.

"Where did all this come from?"

Stephanie smiled calmly.

"The company I work with provides generous welfare packages for its employees. They also pay very well."

Aunt Martha beamed with pride.

"I always knew you'd make something of yourself."

Stephanie smiled, silently swallowing the truth.

After spending hours playing with the children and giving each of them gifts, she hugged them goodbye.

From there, she headed to the church.

The pastor was equally surprised by the generous donations.

"My child," he said warmly, placing a hand on her head. "May the Lord continue to bless your heart."

Stephanie smiled.

"I wouldn't be where I am today without this church."

The pastor nodded proudly.

"Those who remember where they came from are always blessed."

His words stayed with her throughout the journey back to the villa.

It seemed the more she gave, the more blessings found their way back to her.

Hardly a day passed without another delivery arriving.

Designer dresses.

Luxury handbags.

Shoes.

Jewelry.

Baby clothes.

Books.

Flowers.

Every package came from Kai.

Eventually, Stephanie couldn't take it anymore.

The next time Ken visited, she folded her arms and frowned.

"Mr. Ken..."

"Yes?"

"Please tell your boss to stop sending gifts."

Ken smiled knowingly.

"Which ones?"

She pointed toward a room.

"All of them!"

Ken looked inside and laughed.

The room had practically become a storage space.

"I haven't even worn half of the clothes he already bought."

She sighed dramatically.

"And every week more keep arriving."

"Doesn't he ever get tired of spending money?"

Ken chuckled.

"That's Mr. Kai Ray for you."

"He believes that if something can make another person comfortable, it's worth every penny."

Stephanie shook her head helplessly.

"He's impossible."

Meanwhile, Kai Ray's business empire continued to flourish.

One successful project followed another.

His latest movie shattered box-office records worldwide.

His new music album topped international charts within days of its release.

Luxury brands competed to sign endorsement deals with him.

His company expanded beyond expectations, and his wealth grew at an astonishing rate.

Within just a few months, Kai climbed from being among the world's top ten richest men to ranking fifth.

Business magazines called it a miracle.

Financial analysts couldn't explain his rapid success.

To celebrate the company's achievements, Kai surprised every employee across his global businesses with a fifty percent salary increase.

The announcement left thousands of employees in tears of joy.

Yet despite all the success surrounding him, Kai remained humble.

Deep in his heart, he believed none of it was a coincidence.

Ever since Stephanie entered his life, blessings seemed to follow him everywhere.

Whether it was fate or God's favor, he didn't know.

But one thing he knew for certain was this—

She had become the greatest blessing he had never expected.

Meanwhile, Stephanie continued attending regular prenatal checkups at one of the country's most prestigious hospitals.

The hospital's chief obstetrician happened to be Kai's longtime family doctor and trusted friend, ensuring she received the very best medical care.

Nurse Evelyn also visited the villa regularly to monitor both Stephanie's health and the baby's progress.

With every passing month, the child growing inside her became stronger.

And without realizing it, so did the invisible bond between two people who had promised never to meet again.

---

Kai arrived at the hospital shortly after receiving an urgent call from Dr. Mark.

He walked into the doctor's office, where Mark was already waiting with a file in his hand.

"You sounded serious on the phone," Kai said as he took a seat opposite him. "What's so urgent?"

Mark smiled.

"Relax. It's actually good news."

Kai raised an eyebrow.

"Good news?"

"It's about Stephanie."

The smile disappeared from Kai's face, replaced by concern.

"What happened? Is she alright? Is something wrong with the baby?"

Mark chuckled.

"I told you to relax. She's fine."

Kai let out the breath he had been holding.

"Then what's going on?"

Mark opened the scan report and placed it on the desk.

"I performed her latest ultrasound today."

"And?"

"I discovered she's carrying more than one baby."

Kai frowned.

"What do you mean?"

Mark looked up and smiled broadly.

"Kai... you're going to be the father of quadruplets."

For a few seconds, the room fell completely silent.

Kai blinked.

"...What?"

Mark laughed.

"You heard me."

He turned the ultrasound images toward Kai.

"Four babies".

Kai stared at the scans in disbelief.

His hands trembled as he picked up the images.

"Four..."

A smile slowly spread across his face.

"I... I can't believe this."

He laughed softly, overwhelmed with emotion.

"I'm going to have four children."

Mark leaned back in his chair.

"Congratulations, my friend."

Kai couldn't stop smiling.

"This is... this is unbelievable."

"It certainly is."

Mark's expression then became more serious.

"But quadruplet pregnancies are very rare and considered high-risk."

Kai's smile faded.

"What does that mean?"

"It means Stephanie will need extra care from now on. She'll need frequent checkups, plenty of rest, proper nutrition, and as little stress as possible."

Kai nodded immediately.

"Whatever she needs, she'll have it."

"I know," Mark leaned forward.

"I also believe it would help if you became part of this journey."

Kai frowned.

"You mean... see her?"

"Not forcefully," Mark clarified. "A mother's emotional state plays an important role during pregnancy. When she's calm, supported, and feels secure, it's generally better for both her and the babies."

Kai sighed.

"You know that's impossible."

"Why?"

"She made one condition before moving into the villa."

"What condition?"

"She doesn't want to see me. She doesn't want me calling her, visiting her, or even speaking to her directly. She wants complete privacy."

Mark remained silent for a moment.

"I understand, and you should respect that."

Kai lowered his head.

"I gave her my word."

"But don't disappear completely," Mark said. "Even if it's through Ken, let her know she's not alone. Small gestures matter. A reassuring message, making sure she's receiving the best care, being there when she's comfortable enough—those things can ease her worries."

Kai looked at the ultrasound pictures again.

"I want to be there for them..."

"And one day," Mark said with a reassuring smile, "when she's ready, you'll have that chance."

Kai nodded slowly.

"I'll wait."

Kai looked down at the ultrasound photos once more.

Four tiny lives.

A smile returned to his face.

"They're already the greatest gift I've ever received."

Mark smiled warmly.

"And now your biggest responsibility."

Kai nodded without hesitation.

"I won't fail them."