Whispers of Desires: A Sense of Duty {Book 1}

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 78: 𝕸𝖔𝖔𝖓𝖑𝖎𝖙 𝕽𝖊𝖋𝖑𝖊𝖈𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖘

Moonlight streamed in through the tall, arched windows, casting a soft glow over the newly decorated nursery. The walls were black, trimmed in gold, and the floor was covered in a plush, deep-pile rug. The room was filled with an assortment of toys and books, all carefully arranged and waiting for the arrival of their new owner. Sat in an armchair, Nia gently stroked her 3-month-old belly, feeling the baby move inside her.

In her hand was a storybook, its pages soft and worn from countless readings. The tale within spoke of a young princess who embarked on a grand adventure, facing danger and discovering true love along the way. As she turned the pages, the baby in her womb squirmed and kicked, as if already familiar with the story. Nia smiled down at her belly, feeling an overwhelming sense of love and protection for the child within.

"Do you like that story, little one?" she whispered, kissing her fingertips and pressing them against the curve of her stomach. The baby seemed to respond with another kick, and Nia laughed softly. "I wonder what kind of adventures you will have when you grow up," she said, her voice filled with wonder. "I wonder if you will be as energetic and curious as your father, or if you will take after me and prefer books and quiet days at home."

The sound of the nursery door creaking open made her look up. Kiyoshi stood in the doorway, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. His dark hair was rumpled, and his eyes held a soft, loving gaze as he surveyed the room. Nia felt a rush of love and appreciation wash over her as she took in his handsome features.

He entered the room, his steps silent despite the thick carpet, and crossed to where she sat. "I see you have been reading to our little one," he said, leaning over her shoulder to get a better look at the storybook. "That is wonderful, my love. I am sure they'll enjoy hearing all about the brave princess and her adventures." Nia smiled up at him, her heart swelling with happiness.

Nia took his hand and placed it on her belly, allowing him to feel the baby kick. "I was just wondering what sort of life you'd want for him or her," she said, her voice soft with emotion. "I hope they'll be happy and loved, no matter what they choose to do." Kiyoshi squeezed her hand gently, his thumb rubbing soothing circles on her skin. "They'll have everything they could possibly need, my love," he assured her. "And they'll be loved beyond measure, by both of us."

Then, a sudden flutter, a sensation that sent a jolt of excitement through both of them. Kiyoshi's eyes widened in surprise, and he leaned in closer, pressing his hand against Nia's belly. The baby kicked again, harder this time, and they both laughed in delight. "Well, it seems they're already showing their own adventurous spirit," he said with a grin.

The laughter died away, and their gazes locked. In that moment, they both knew that no matter what path their child chose to take, they would be there to support them, to love them unconditionally. They would create a safe haven for them, filled with books and stories and endless opportunities for growth and discovery.

Later that night, as they laid in bed, the soft glow of candlelight dancing across the walls, Nia felt the weight of Kiyoshi's arm across her belly. It was a comforting, reassuring presence that made her feel safe and loved. She nestled closer to him, enjoying the warmth of his skin against hers. "Do you ever wonder what they'll look like?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kiyoshi's fingers traced gentle circles on her stomach, his touch soothing and calming. "If you are their mother, my love, then they will be beautiful, inside and out," he said, kissing her forehead. "I know that no matter what they look like, we will love them unconditionally." His hand found hers, their fingers intertwining as they drifted off to sleep.