501: [Bonus chapter] Such a precious life

[Bonus chapter] Such a precious life

Hera never understood her mother's remarks back then. Even when she grew older, she didn't have a deeper understanding of what Felice meant about her thoughts on delivering Hera to life. But the second she heard the baby's vociferous cry echo in the delivery room for the first time, her mind felt clearer than ever.  0

'Ahh...'As her body calmed down, she blinked wearily. 'That's what she meant when she said that.'

Heaven used every bit of energy she had left to move her head. Her weary eyes scanned her surroundings, only to catch a doctor holding a wrapped baby to her side. The doctor placed the child on top of Heaven's chest. Heaven's vision was blurry, but seeing her child up close, this strange and overwhelming love suddenly burst out in her heart.

"There you are," Heaven whispered in a shaky voice, embracing her child for the first time. "Shh... It's okay. Mommy is here."

The baby was still crying, but for her, it was the most beautiful sound in the world. On top of the disbelief she was able to deliver life in this world, she knew at that very second she would love this child more than her own life. 

What a precious life.

"Oh, god..." she whispered again, stroking the small and fragile life in her embrace. "... thank you."

All the pain, stress, and exhaustion felt nothing as she finally held her child. It was almost magical and beautiful. But unlike her mother, at the back of her head, she knew she could go through this again if they were blessed with another one. 

This child was Dominic's and Hera's fruit of love. 

Although they already had a child, Sebastian, this moment still felt magical. Because at the end of the day, this was their first. Both of them. 

"Dom." Heaven felt a little stronger after a second, shifting her eyes to the man on the side of the bed.

Dominic had this wide smile on his face, but his eyes were soft, almost teary. He reached for his wife's head, settling his hand on top of her as he bent over. 

"Hello there, my princess," he whispered, poking his daughter's little fingertips. "I love you."

When Heaven had Sebastian, he wasn't even allowed inside. It was Heaven's request. Therefore, he could only see his son in the nursery. Looking at his wife and child, a tear suddenly rolled out of his eyes. 

"Thank you, my love," he whispered, planting a soft peck on Heaven's forehead. "You did it. I'm so proud of you."

A gentle smile turned up Heaven's face as she closed her eyes. When Dominic drew his head back, both of them gazed at the baby. It stopped crying and seemed to be at peace with her parent's company. 

*

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*

"Wow..." Sebastian's doe eyes twinkled, hands on the transparent glass as he gazed at the baby in the nursery room. "... that's my baby sister? She's so... tiny."

Axel grinned as he glanced at his side. He squatted down a bit, eyes on Sebastian. 

"Little ancestor, do you want me to carry you?" he asked. "You can see her better."

"Mhm!" Sebastian stretched his arm while Axel carefully carried his nephew from his wheelchair. Sebastian was still doing therapies, and thus, he still had to use a wheelchair so as not to aggravate his healing injuries. 

"Here we go!" Axel huffed, straightening his back with Sebastian in his arms. Both of them had their eyes on the glass, staring at the only baby in the nursery.

"She's so pretty like my sister, isn't it?" the corner of Axel's mouth stretched broader, extremely glad that he now had a niece. For sure, this girl would be the sweetest, and Axel would be her favorite uncle. Not that she had a choice, since Axel was her only uncle. 

"Mhm." Sebastian's eyes softened with relief, smiling subtly, excited to play with the baby. "She's so pretty, like my mommy."

Both of them couldn't take their eyes off the baby. Deep in their hearts, they didn't even want to leave her alone. Their overprotectiveness was slowly dominating their hearts as if they took it upon themselves it was their job to protect this little princess. 

"She's not even crying," said Sebastian. "I wonder if she will like me too?"

"Of course!" Axel exclaimed, gazing at Sebastian encouragingly. "I'm sure she will like you so much, like how she will like me!"

The smile on Sebastian's face cracked at the thought. "Uncle, can you please live abroad?"

"Huh??"

This time, Sebastian looked away from his uncle, who already wanted to compete with him with the baby. First, Axel was competing with him and Dominic with Heaven's time. And now, the baby! Although Sebastian was always grateful for his uncle... Sometimes, Axel just crossed the line.

"Oy, Basti. Don't tell me you don't want to share my baby?"

"Your... what?" Slowly, Sebastian looked back at his uncle with a dead expression.

Axel gulped, feeling a little nervous at the pair of eyes mirroring him. 

"What — what?" he stuttered. "Why are you looking at me like that? Little ancestor, the baby should be showered with nothing but love and affection. Let others love her as well, so she'll be blessed!" 

Sebastian narrowed his eyes, but before he could say anything, he caught a figure behind Axel. Deep lines immediately appeared between Sebastian's brows.

"Huh?" a short and soft noise slipped out the little master's lips, making Axel knit his brows as well. 

Seeing that Sebastian was looking behind him, Axel turned on his heel to see who had caught Sebastian's attention. As soon as Axel turned around, his eyes fell on the humongous physique of Bear Cruel. 

Bear was standing just a few steps from them. He was almost at the end of the transparent glass. His eyes, however, were focused on the baby inside the nursery. 

"What a precious child," Bear whispered. His eyes felt hot as a thin layer of tears coated them. Bear sniffed hard, wiping the corner of his eyes, as he couldn't hold back a tear from falling. 'I'm so proud and happy for her.'

As Bear wiped his eyes, he raised his brows upon sensing two pairs of eyes on him. When he turned his head, his brows rose at the glinting eyes of Sebastian and Axel.

"Mr. Cruel, don't tell me you also want to fight us in this?!" Axel exclaimed, almost gasping. "How could you?!"

"..." 

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