A Frozen Man's Sun

Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Seven months had already passed into Eral's pregnancy. Time had slipped quickly, and life in our new home had settled into a rhythm I never thought I would find myself enjoying. The house wasn't just a structure anymore—it was filled with the presence of my wife, her laughter when her mood swings weren't at their peak, her humming when she walked around touching the walls like she was memorizing the place.

I hired three housemaids. Not because we couldn't manage the house ourselves, but because I didn't want Eral lifting a finger more than necessary. They cleaned, they cooked, they washed-everything. Their most important task, however, was keeping Eral company while I was at work. As much as I wanted to be by her side every hour of the day, I had responsibilities. I was now running half of my father's business. And when you step into that world, there's no such thing as stepping halfway—you either go all in or you lose everything.

Manager Ris had called me once, told me if I wanted to return to modeling, the doors were always open. But I had already made my decision. My hands were full—Eral, our unborn child, the company. And truth be told, I no longer had the fire for posing under studio lights. Life had moved me forward.

When I arrived home from work that night, exhaustion weighed heavy on me. But I had made a promise to Eral earlier in the week-that we'd go out together. She had been waiting for me. I knew it the moment I saw her standing in the veranda, her hands over her growing belly, her eyes scanning the road for my car.

The second I stepped out, she hurried down, lips pressed into a pout. "Why did it take you so long?" she asked, her tone sharp but fragile underneath.

"I had to settle a lot of things before Papa let me go," I replied casually. Then, dropping to one knee in front of her, I pressed my hand against her rounded stomach. "Hi, Frost. Are you happy in Mommy's womb?" I lowered my ear and leaned it lightly on her bump.

And then I felt it. A tiny kick against my ear. My eyes widened. "What the fuck-did you feel that?"

Her face lit up. "Oh my gosh! He kicked! Frost kicked!" The joy on her face turned instantly to a frown. "And don't swear! He can hear you!"

"Oops. Sorry, baby. Daddy got carried away." I rubbed her stomach again, shaking my head with disbelief. That was the first time I felt my son move. His presence was real. Not just an idea, not just a name we threw around. He was there. Alive.

I stood and opened the car door for her. "Let's go."

She slid into the seat, and soon we were driving toward the mall.

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Hand in hand, we walked into the bright chaos of the mall. People's eyes followed us, though not for the same reasons. Some stared at me—I was used to that. Some stared at Eral's belly, others smiled knowingly. Eral, however, noticed only one thing: the women who dared to glance my way.

"Oh my gosh!" she hissed under her breath. "Did you see the way that woman looked at you? I swear, I'll march back and—"

I caught her arm before she spun around. "Eral. Chill. I can't help being an eye-turner. Look at me—I'm too handsome to ignore." I smirked, trying to joke, but her glare could have burned a hole straight through me.

Sighing, I pulled her closer. "We came here to buy things for Frost, not to start a war with every girl who dares look at me, alright?"

She stopped, considered it, then finally nodded. "Fine."

We entered a baby shop. I picked up a blue pacifier decorated with tiny snowflakes. Perfect. My son's first toy from me. I turned-and froze. Eral was holding a pink Hello Kitty pacifier, her eyes shining like she had found treasure.