Chapter 128: Silent Promise
Lily and James sat together in the back seat of the car as the chauffeur expertly navigated the quiet streets, the low hum of the engine filling the space between them. James’s watchful gaze never left her, his concern clearly etched into every line of his face. Ever since he had learned of her pregnancy, he had made it his mission to ensure that she wanted for nothing. His focus on her had become unwavering, as though the world around them had shrunk to the two of them, with her well-being at the center of his universe.
From her meals to her comfort, James had taken on the role of a doting husband with unmatched devotion. He arranged for the best foods, always made sure she had what she needed, and constantly reassured her that everything would be fine. His over-pampering, while born from love, sometimes left her feeling a little smothered. Lily knew his intentions were pure, but it sometimes felt like he was treating her like a fragile child, rather than the strong woman she had always been.
Lily glanced over at him now, a soft smile tugging at her lips despite the warmth that bubbled in her chest. "James, I’m fine, you know," she said gently, resting her hand on his arm in an effort to comfort him.
James’s brow furrowed in response, his voice firm yet tender as he replied, "You’re carrying our baby, Lily. I won’t take any risks." His eyes briefly flickered to her stomach, the weight of his words hanging between them.
Her heart swelled at his words, even as she chuckled softly in an attempt to lighten the mood. "I know, but you can relax a little. I’m not made of glass, James." She gave him a playful nudge, hoping to ease his concern, even if she understood it was all out of love.
He met her gaze, a small smile breaking through his otherwise serious expression. "Maybe not, but you’re everything to me. Both of you are," he said, his hand reaching out to rest protectively on her belly. He lingered there for a moment, his fingers brushing gently over her as if reaffirming the life growing inside her.
Lily sighed, leaning into his touch with a soft smile of her own. A mixture of love and exasperation warmed her chest. She knew that James meant well. In truth, his attentiveness made her feel cherished in a way she had never expected. She was grateful for it, even if it did sometimes make her feel overwhelmed.
As the car continued its journey through the dimly lit streets, Lily allowed herself to sink into the moment. For now, she decided to let James fuss over her—just a little longer. She closed her eyes for a moment, thinking back to the many things that had happened in the past few months. Her life had changed so drastically, but in ways that had ultimately made her feel more whole than she ever had before.
Lily finally turned to James, her curiosity evident in her voice as she broke the silence. "Do you think it’s a girl or a boy?"