A LOVE WORTH WAITING FOR
The air inside the Black ancestral house had changed.
It was no longer heavy with secrets or shadowed by danger.
Now… it was filled with life.
Hazel stood before the mirror, her fingers gently tracing the soft curve of her growing belly.
Time had passed quietly, steadily.
Her body had healed.
Her heart had found peace.
And within her—
A new life was growing stronger each day.
"You're smiling again," Mira's voice came from behind her.
Hazel caught her reflection and laughed softly. "Is it that obvious?"
Mira folded her arms, leaning against the wall. "Very. That's the smile of someone who's about to marry the most powerful man in Ravencrest City."
Hazel shook her head, amused. "It's not about power."
"Then what is it about?" Mira asked.
Hazel paused.
Her hand rested over her belly again.
"It's about… peace," she said quietly. "And choosing someone who feels like home."
Preparing for Forever
The days that followed were filled with preparations.
Elegant fabrics.
Handcrafted invitations.
Endless fittings.
Lucian had insisted on perfection.
Not because he cared about appearances—
But because Hazel deserved nothing less than the best.
Designers moved in and out of the house, presenting gowns, sketches, and jewelry that shimmered under soft light.
Hazel tried them on patiently, though each time she looked at herself, she saw not just a bride—
But a woman who had fought her way to happiness.
One evening, she stepped out in a flowing ivory gown, the fabric hugging her gently while accommodating her pregnancy.
Lucian, who had just entered the room, stopped completely.
For a moment—
He forgot how to breathe.
Hazel tilted her head slightly. "Is it too much?"
Lucian walked toward her slowly, his gaze never leaving her face.
"No," he said quietly.
"It's not enough… for how beautiful you are."
Her cheeks warmed.
"You always say things like that."
"Because they're always true."
He reached her, his hand resting carefully on her waist, the other brushing lightly over her belly.
"Our child is lucky," he murmured.
"To have you as a mother."
Hazel's eyes softened.
"And yours?" she asked gently.
Lucian's expression shifted—something deeper, more vulnerable.
"I'm the luckiest man alive."
A Growing Bond
As the weeks passed, Hazel's pregnancy became more visible.
Lucian noticed everything.
The way she moved more carefully.
The way she paused when she felt tired.
The way her hand always found her belly instinctively.
And he adjusted.
Without being asked.
He became even more attentive—
Walking slower beside her.
Making sure she rested.
Preparing meals himself when he didn't trust anyone else to do it right.
One night, Hazel found him kneeling in front of her, his hand resting gently against her stomach.
"What are you doing?" she asked softly.
Lucian didn't look up.
"Listening."
Hazel smiled. "The baby can't hear you yet."
"Then I'll wait until they can," he replied simply.
Her heart melted.
Quiet Promises
That same night, they sat together on the balcony, the city lights glowing softly below them.
Hazel leaned into Lucian, her head resting against his shoulder.
"Are you nervous?" she asked.
Lucian let out a quiet breath.
"Yes."
She looked up, surprised. "You?"
He nodded slightly.
"I've faced boardrooms, enemies, death… none of it compares to this."
Hazel smiled gently. "It's just a wedding."
"No," he said, turning to her.
"It's a promise. One I intend to keep for the rest of my life."
Her chest tightened with emotion.
"I'm not afraid of loving you," he continued quietly.
"I'm afraid of not giving you everything you deserve."
Hazel reached for his face, her fingers brushing his cheek.
"You already do," she whispered.
He leaned into her touch, closing his eyes briefly—something he rarely allowed himself to do.
The Night Before
The house was calm.
Decorations were ready.
Guests had arrived in the city.
Everything was set.
Hazel stood alone in her room, looking out the window.
Tomorrow…
Everything would change.
A soft knock came at the door.
Lucian stepped in.
"I know I'm not supposed to see you," he said quietly.
Hazel smiled. "Then why are you here?"
He walked toward her slowly.
"Because I couldn't sleep without seeing you."
She laughed softly.
"Lucian…"
But her words faded as he reached her, his hand gently cupping her face.
"Tomorrow," he said, his voice low,
"You become my wife."
Hazel's breath caught.
"And tonight," he continued, pressing his forehead lightly against hers,
"I just needed to remind myself… that you're real."
She wrapped her arms around him carefully, holding him close.
"I'm not going anywhere," she whispered.
His arms tightened around her.
"Good," he murmured.
"Because neither am I."