The room felt as if all the oxygen had been sucked out of it in a single second. The rhythmic, rhythmic thump-thump, thump-thump of the baby's heartbeat on Dr. Miller's ultrasound machine was the only sound echoing through the sterile examination room.

Three months later, at seven months pregnant, I walked down a white marble aisle set up in the private rose gardens of the estate.

It was a small, elegant ceremony. There were no reporters, no rival bosses, and no chaos—just fresh flowers, ocean breezes from the lake, and the people who truly mattered.

I wore an exquisite lace maternity wedding gown that flowed down like liquid pearls. Dominic stood at the altar, looking dangerously handsome in a tailored tuxedo, watching me approach with a look of absolute adoration.

When my father—whom I had reconnected with after leaving Derek—placed my hand in Dominic’s, Dominic squeezed my fingers reassuringly.

"We gather here today," the judge began, "to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony."

When it came time for the vows, Dominic didn't read from a script. He looked directly into my eyes, holding both of my hands.

"Chloe," he said, his voice strong and clear. "My life was lived in the shadows before I met you. I believed power was the only thing worth fighting for. But you showed me that true power is having something precious to protect. I promise to honor you, respect you, and give you a life filled with peace, safety, and endless love. Everything I own, everything I am, belongs to you and our child."

I smiled through my tears as I spoke my vows.

"Dominic," I said softly. "You found me when I felt invisible and broken. You showed me what a real man looks like—not someone who makes promises and runs away, but someone who stands like an iron wall against the storm. I give you my heart, my life, and my eternal love."

"I now pronounce you husband and wife," the judge smiled. "You may kiss the bride."

Dominic pulled me into his arms, kissing me deeply as our guests erupted into applause.

As we pulled back, I felt a sharp, distinct kick beneath my dress. Dominic froze, his eyes widening as he placed his hand over my stomach.