From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 412

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**TITLE: Her Rise 412**
**Chapter 412 Their Second Baby**

He enveloped her in his arms with an intensity that felt almost primal, as though he were trying to fuse their souls together into one.

His heart raced, a wild drumbeat echoing in his chest, so loud that Athena could hear it even from where she stood. The sheer force of his emotions made his arms tremble, sending a rush of warmth through her entire being.

“Athena… is it really true?” he asked, his voice thick with excitement, each word laced with disbelief. The warmth of his breath brushed against her neck, igniting a spark of joy within her. “We’re going to have our second baby?”

A tidal wave of elation crashed over him, sweeping away any lingering doubts.

In an instant, he released her, as if a sudden thought had struck him with urgency. His hands transformed from passionate to cautious, clumsily resting over her still-flat abdomen, the very place where their new life was beginning to blossom.

“Did I hurt you? Was I too rough just now?” His gaze was filled with the apprehension of a first-time father, a stark contrast to his usual calm demeanor.

Athena’s heart swelled at the sight of him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

“No, I’m fine,” she reassured him, her voice soft and soothing. “I just felt a little sick earlier, but it’s so much better now. I don’t feel nauseous anymore.”

Zaden’s expression shifted to one of determination. “Let’s go to the hospital. We need to get you checked out right now!” His decision was swift, the urgency of his tone underscoring his anxiety.

With great care, he helped her into her coat, treating her as though she were the most delicate treasure in the world.

The news of Athena’s pregnancy spread like wildfire throughout Storm Villa.

Before long, everyone was abuzz with the joyful revelation.

As they made their way to the hospital, Zaden never once released her hand. One hand remained firmly on the steering wheel while the other clutched hers tightly, as if anchoring himself in the midst of a storm.

His palm was slick with sweat, a testament to the nerves churning inside him.

For Zaden, every ticking second felt like an eternity as they waited for the checkup results. Tension coiled within him, his eyes fixated on the exam room door, each creak and shuffle amplifying his anxiety. Finally, the doctor emerged, a smile illuminating his face.

“Athena, you are indeed pregnant,” he announced, the words ringing like a sweet melody in Zaden’s ears. “You’re about six weeks along, and everything looks perfect.”

A wave of elation washed over Zaden, nearly overwhelming him. The news struck him like a bolt of lightning, and he fought back the urge to let tears of joy spill forth. Athena was truly pregnant, carrying another child that symbolized their love and commitment.

He had missed out on her first pregnancy, unable to be there for her when she needed him most.

But this time, he vowed to be present for every moment, every heartbeat.

—

A gentle spring breeze danced through the white picket fence of Storm Villa, coaxing the climbing roses into a vibrant display of budding blooms, each one poised to burst forth in color.