All Chapters of One pregnancy, two babies : Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

The boardroom of Stone Holdings had never felt colder—or smaller.May Austin stood at the head of the table, fingers lightly resting on the polished oak surface. Behind her, Damien watched every movement, silent and tense. Across the table, Evelyn Royce leaned back in her chair, the picture of poise and confidence, eyes glinting with challenge.“This proposal,” Evelyn began, her tone silk wrapped around steel, “is ambitious—but impractical. My team and I recommend a more traditional approach.”May’s gaze didn’t waver. “Traditional hasn’t worked in five years, Ms. Royce. That’s why we’re innovating.”A faint smile crossed Evelyn’s lips. “Innovation is only impressive if it succeeds. Otherwise, it’s reckless.”Damien felt his pulse quicken. He wanted to defend May—but this wasn’t about defending her. This was about watching her fight, and he knew she could.May’s voice remained calm, deliberate. “Reckless to some, visionary to others. I trust the judgment of my team, and they trust me.”

The first night Aiden stayed over, he didn’t ask when he was going back.That alone told May everything.She stood at the doorway of the guest room—now quietly, instinctively becoming his room—watching as Aria arranged her stuffed animals around him with great seriousness.“You can have Bunny,” Aria said generously. “He protects people when they sleep.”Aiden hesitated, then nodded. “Thank you.”May’s chest tightened.Children always knew where they felt safe.And Aiden had chosen.Downstairs, Lily set tea on the table and glanced toward the staircase.“He hasn’t looked over his shoulder once,” she murmured.May sank into the chair opposite her. “He’s been holding his breath for too long.”Lily reached across the table and squeezed her hand.“Sis… he’s home.”The word home settled deep in May’s bones.Damien arrived just after nine.Not in a rush.Not defensive.Just… quiet.He stood in the living room, hands in his pockets, eyes lifting toward the staircase.“He fell asleep already,”

Stone Holdings looked different after dark.The sharp edges softened.The lights dimmed.The building exhaled.May Austin stood alone in the executive lounge connected to Damien’s private office, heels discarded, jacket draped over one arm as she stared out at the city skyline. The glass reflected a woman who looked composed—but inside, her thoughts were anything but.It had been a long day.A productive one.A victorious one.And yet… unfinished.“You always do that when you’re thinking too hard.”Damien’s voice came from behind her—low, familiar, intimate in the quiet space.She didn’t turn. “Do what?”“Stand like the world owes you answers.”A small smile curved her lips. “It usually does.”She felt him before she saw him—his presence filling the room, steady and magnetic. When she finally turned, he was already close, sleeves rolled up, tie loosened, eyes dark with something unreadable.“You were incredible today,” he said. “You didn’t just command the room. You owned it.”May lif

Change never announced itself loudly.It slipped in quietly—through softened expressions, altered routines, the absence of cold distance where it once lived comfortably.Damien Stone’s company felt it first.The boardroom was unusually calm.Damien sat at the head of the table, listening—actually listening—as department heads presented updates. He asked questions without sharpness. Corrected mistakes without humiliation. When the meeting ended, he stood without his usual dismissive air.“Good work,” he said.The room froze.Daxton, seated two chairs away, lifted his head slowly, eyes narrowing.That was not the Damien Stone he knew.As the others filtered out, Daxton stayed behind.“You’re distracted,” he said flatly.Damien paused at the window overlooking the city. “I’m focused.”“No,” Daxton countered. “You’re… lighter. And I don’t like not knowing why.”Damien turned, gaze steady. “That sounds like a personal problem.”Daxton scoffed. “You don’t just change overnight.”“I didn’t,”

The next day was a beautiful Saturday morning_ The idea began, as most of the best ones did, with the children.“Pleaseeee.”Aria clasped her hands dramatically, lower lip trembling as if she were auditioning for the role of Most Heartbroken Child Alive.“A-amusement park,” Aiden added, voice small but hopeful, eyes shining as he looked between May and Damien. “With rides. And ice cream. And the big wheel.”May bit back a smile.Damien sighed—long, resigned, completely defeated.“You rehearsed this,” he said.Aria gasped. “How dare you accuse me of manipulation.”Aiden nodded solemnly. “We just… planned.”May laughed, the sound light and free. “Looks like we’re outnumbered.”Damien raised his hands. “I surrender.”The cheer that followed could’ve shaken the walls.The amusement park was alive with color.Music floated through the air, mingling with laughter and the distant screams of thrill-seekers. Bright balloons bobbed above stalls, and the scent of sugar and popcorn wrapped around