Veiled in Rivalry | The Dark Tale of Passion and Power| [18+]

Bonus Scene: The Arrival of Our World

"In the embrace of love, every moment becomes a treasure, and every heartbeat sings the promise of forever."

------
Lara Volkov Giovanni
------

The sun rises over the Island, casting golden rays that dance upon the waves, a symphony of light and warmth. As the days transform into months, each moment feels like a heartbeat-a countdown to the day when my life changes forever. I am seven months pregnant now, and my due date looms closer with each passing hour. It feels surreal to carry life within me, a boy and a girl who will inherit the world Viktor and I are creating together.

I stand on the balcony of our private villa, my fingers tracing the intricate carvings of the wooden railing, breathing in the salty breeze that mingles with the scent of blooming hibiscus. Behind me, the laughter of my brothers-Ivan, Maxim, and Denis-fills the air, their playful banter a welcome distraction. They visit often, providing a sense of stability that keeps me grounded. But it is Viktor who remains my unwavering anchor. He is ever-present, his shadow a comforting veil that envelops me.

"Lara," he calls, his voice a deep, soothing rumble that draws me back into the moment. "What do you want to eat? I'm ready to indulge your cravings."

My stomach flutters at the thought. "Well, I could really go for some bread with ice cream, garlic, and mayonnaise... oh, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup," I reply, the combination sounding absurd even to my own ears, but pregnancy has made me bold in my cravings.

He grins, that mischievous smile spreading across his lips, revealing the deep dimples that send my heart racing. "Only the finest for my queen. I'll make sure you get exactly what you desire, even if it means raiding the pantry for ice cream at midnight."

The days blend together in a haze of laughter, love, and indulgence. Viktor caters to every whim, anticipating my needs with an attentiveness that makes me feel cherished. He even brought Judy, the humanoid male robot, into our home to assist with the procedures of childbirth. "I don't want anyone else touching you," he'd insisted, a fire igniting in his dark eyes that made me shiver. "I will be the one to bring our children into this world."

As the weeks pass, I grow heavier with anticipation, and the villa buzzes with activity. I spend afternoons reminiscing with my brothers, their teasing jokes and shared memories weaving a tapestry of warmth that envelops us. Yet, I can't help but feel the weight of impending responsibility pressing down on me.

And then, the day arrives-the moment I've been both eagerly awaiting and dreading. My body aches with the knowledge that life is about to change forever. It's time.

"Lara, are you ready?" Viktor's voice is calm yet laced with an intensity that electrifies the air around us. He takes my hand, his grip steady and reassuring, grounding me as I feel the first wave of contractions ripple through my body.

"I... I think so. Can we do this?" I ask, my voice trembling as excitement and fear coil within me.

"Together, always," he assures me, and I can see the determination etched across his features. "Let's get you to the hospital."

As we arrive at the elite hospital he built for me, the familiar scent of antiseptic mingles with the warmth of his hand in mine. The sterile walls are a stark contrast to the love we've created, yet I feel safe here-safe in Viktor's presence, safe in our love.

Once inside, Viktor guides me to the private birthing suite. The room is luxurious, draped in soft, pastel colors, the kind that whispers serenity and peace. "Judy, assist her with the monitoring," he commands, the authority in his voice silencing any doubts. But as Judy begins to prepare, Viktor turns to him, his expression fierce. "Out. I'll handle this myself."