Arabella had always thought of pain as something distant—reserved for heartbreaks and broken nails. But now, as her wrists throbbed and her baby kicked wildly in protest, she realized pain could be loud. And cold. And terrifying.
Victor paced the dimly lit warehouse like a predator, his voice coated in twisted satisfaction. "All I want is QuinVale, darling. Just sign the document and this will all be over."
Tied to a metal chair, Arabella lifted her chin despite the ache in her body. "You'll never have it. Cassian will find me."
Victor smirked. "Let him come."
He didn't have to wait long.
The doors burst open.
Cassian Vale entered like a winter storm — all sharp eyes and ruthless silence. Behind him, Leon and security men moved into position. But Cassian didn't need backup.
He only needed her.
Arabella.
"Step away from my wife," he growled, voice edged with death.
Victor pulled a gun, pressing it to Arabella's temple. "One step closer and she dies!"
Cassian raised both hands. "You don't want this, Victor. Let her go, and maybe I'll let you live."
"Your wife cost me everything!" Victor barked. "I want the company—"
"Then take me," Arabella interrupted, eyes blazing. "But leave my child out of this."
The warehouse held its breath.
Victor hesitated.
And that was all Cassian needed.
He dove forward, knocking Victor's arm aside as the gun went off—missing Arabella's head by inches. Leon tackled one of Victor's men, and chaos erupted. Arabella tried to duck, but her legs gave out.
Cassian landed a punch. Another. He fought like a man possessed, fueled by love and fear. He pinned Victor down, panting. "You touch her again, and I swear you'll disappear from this world."
Victor spat blood. "You think love makes you strong, Vale? It makes you weak."
"No," Cassian said, stepping back. "It makes me dangerous."
---
Minutes later, Arabella lay in his arms, shaking. "You came…"
"I always will."
But suddenly, her expression changed. She stiffened. "Cass…"
"What is it?"
Her eyes widened. "My water just broke."
His heart nearly stopped. "No—"
"Yes."
Panic surged through him as he yelled for Leon. "Get the car! She's going into labor!"
---
Hospital – Emergency Room
Arabella gripped Cassian's hand so tightly it turned white.
"It's too soon," she gasped.
"You're strong," he whispered, brushing hair from her damp forehead. "You've got this."
Screams echoed down the hallway as nurses rushed around. Doctors barked orders.
Six months. Too early. But not impossible.
"Keep breathing, Bella. I'm not going anywhere."
She let out a sob. "I'm scared."
"I know. But our daughter is coming. And I need you to fight—for both of us."
---
Three Hours Later
The delivery room fell silent.
Then—
A tiny, fragile cry broke through the stillness.
Arabella collapsed back, tears streaking her face. "Is she—?"
"She's here," the doctor said gently. "She's small. But strong. She's a fighter."
Cassian stared at the tiny infant in the incubator, eyes glistening. "She's beautiful…"
He turned to Arabella, kissed her knuckles. "Just like her mother."
Arabella smiled weakly, tears shining like diamonds in her lashes. "We did it."
He pressed his forehead to hers. "We're a family now. And I swear… no one will ever hurt you again."
---