Soft Spot → Sylus

A Name To Remember

Considering the premature birth, the midwife and the doctor have to educate both you and Sylus on the spot regarding the many things to look out for during the early stages of child birth. From the mother prioritizing protein in her diet to the mini period a child might have, you mentally take note with each and every words that the midwife spoke.

During the short break where the midwife takes your baby for a quick measurement, Sylus turns to you with the placid face he always has. "Do you want to hire a nanny?"

"What?" The question catches you off guard as you stare at Sylus with a soft gaze, the fatigue still evident across your face.

"It's a premature birth, both of us aren't prepared. We might need an extra hand from a professional."

You stay quiet for a moment, pondering. While you feel guilty for handing over your child to someone else at such a young age, Sylus has a point. "But, who will be the nanny?"

Sylus turns to the midwife, which just so happened to be finished with measuring the baby. "How is she?" he looks at the baby, all snuggled up in the midwife's cradle.

"She's healthy and currently is sleeping," the midwife gently hands over the baby into your arms.

The baby's pale skin has gained some color, especially the small, puffy red lips. A smile creeps to your lips as you turn to face the midwife. "I know this is sudden, but I'm not exactly experienced with raising a baby. So, if it's not much, can I ask for your help?"

The midwife smiles, "I'd usually say no, but I completely understand your struggle. How much?"

"Five million," Sylus answers before you can. "If you show great performance, I might raise the pay in time."

"Deal," the midwife's smile nearly turn to a grin as she faces you. "I have some appointments today. Is it alright if I start tomorrow?"

"Sure," you smile to reassure the midwife.

"Alright, then. I'll see you tomorrow!" the midwife sounds enthusiastic as she turns on her heels and walks off along with the doctor that has been waiting for her by the doorway.

It's only you, Sylus and the small girl in your arms now. It's been hours since you give birth, but Sylus wouldn't leave your side, even going so far as to mute the phone calls he receives — which he never does, ever.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Sylus looks down at the baby swaddled in pink in your arms. "We have yet to name her," he gently caresses the baby's cheek with a soft smile.

"I have one in mind, but I think it fits more as a surname."

"Really?" Sylus closes his eyes, humming in thought. "Well, how about Theia? It's the name of a Greek goddess that provides radiance to precious minerals and gemstones."

"I like it," you look down at the baby with a smile. "Hello, Theia Josephine."

"Josephine?" Sylus quirks an eyebrow, eyeing you curiously.

"My grandma's name," you ever so lovingly stroke Theia's head.

Sylus merely nods. The bed creaks under his weight as he moves closer to you, stretching his arm out to pull you in for a side hug. "She's beautiful."

"Is it because she looks like you?" shooting a side eye at Sylus, you catch an amused expression on his face.

"Mostly, yes."

You're not sure just how long both you and Sylus fawn over the small girl. It's not until Mephisto, Luke, Kieran as well as the house staff fills the room to congratulate you do you realize that it's nearly evening. The chef has made a feast, with ingredients suggested by the midwife to accelerate your recovery, as well as several pastries, to celebrate the mother—you, personally.

In contrast to the dining room's dark interior and furnishing, the atmosphere is far from solemn. The smell of fragrant pastries wafts around the room, blending in with the umami smell of the dishes lining the dining table. It's very lively, everyone mingling with one another. On the end of the dining table, you sit right by Sylus.

Amidst the chatter, Sylus's phone rings. Sylus glances under the table and slowly, without showing an ounce of expression, stands from the table. "Enjoy dinner, sweetie," he leans down to kiss the top of your head before sauntering off to a more secluded area.

As Sylus steps into the lonely hallway, he stops at a considerable distance from the dining room. Fishing his phone out of his pocket, he presses it against his ear, looking up at the clear night sky, a half moon shining brightly tonight.

"This better be good news," he speaks through the phone.

The other end is silent, a man clearing his throat to break the ice. "I have both good and bad news."

"Tell me," Sylus leans against the wall, his eyes glued to the moon. It almost feels like the moon is staring back at him.

"Words spread like wildfire. Some business partners of yours have sent gifts to congratulate the birth of your daughter. I'll send it from the warehouse tomorrow."

It sounds fine at first. But, the words ring in Sylus's head — he can make a precise guess of what the bad news will very possibly be. "And?"

The defeaning silence is enough to tell Sylus that his assistant is trying to piece the words together in a way that wouldn't get him killed.

"I overheard an auction will take place in Sifnos Hotel," the man pauses briefly. "The main item on auction is your daughter's heart."