?<strong>Chapter 556:</strong>


    As the appointed day neared, Kallie’s anxiety mounted. Perhaps her strength was ebbing. Morning sickness had gripped her barely a month into her pregnancy, and her weight began to drop.


    Jake, deeply concerned, enlisted top nutritionists from across the country. Yet, the efforts bore no fruit.


    Determined, Jake took to the kitchen himself, learning from the nutritionists and donning an apron each evening upon his return home. Hismitment intensified.


    Together, Jake and Kallie gently coaxed Sophie into epting that Jake was her real father.


    But Sophie was resolute. She clung to the memories of her early years, years when Jake was absent, leaving a void when she needed him most.


    She resisted calling him “Dad,” opting instead for “Jake.”


    Jake, frustrated, realized there wasn’t much he could do. Kallie and Sophie were the only ones who could make him feel so helpless.


    That evening, after the nightly bedtime story, a wave of difort overtook Kallie.


    She winced, pressing a hand to her chest in an attempt to soothe the pain, just as Sophie stirred beside her.


    “Mommy,” Sophie called out softly, waking up with a yawn and lightly patting Kallie’s chest.


    Kallie felt a mix of sympathy and gratitude for Sophie’s thoughtfulness. She gently tucked Sophie back under the covers. “It’s so cold. Make sure you don’t catch a cold.”


    Sophie snuggled closer, with only her fluffy head visible. Herrge eyes blinked sweetly.


    “Mommy, do you think the baby in your tummy is a girl or a boy?” Sophie asked with childlike curiosity.


    Kallie smiled and gave a yful shrug.


    “I’m not sure yet. Would you prefer a little sister or a little brother?”


    Sophie’sughter filled the room. “I want both, a sister and a brother!”


    Kallie chuckled, yfully pinching Sophie’s nose. “My, aren’t you greedy?”


    Sophie moved in closer and whispered to Kallie’s still-t belly, “Little brother or sister, you must be good. Mommy isn’t feeling well. Please don’t make it harder for her.”


    Kallie was about tough at the sweet gesture. A one-month-old embryo was far from understanding Sophie’s tender words, yet Kallie noticed her spirits lift inexplicably.


    She caressed her belly and murmured, “Boy or girl, it seems like you’re already listening to your big sister.”


    Sophie ced her hands on her hips and let out a thoughtful hum. “Of course. If they step out of line, I’ll be right there to straighten them out.”


    The room filled with their heartyughter, casting a warm, inviting glow around them.


    Then, a loud knock abruptly shattered the tranquil moment. Edgar stepped in. His usual calm demeanor had given way to a rare sign of distress, beads of cold sweat dotting his forehead.


    Despite this, his customary smile lingered. Upon spotting Sophie, his voice softened as he addressed Kallie, “Madam, could I have a word? It’s important.”


    .


    .


    .