Chapter 1040:


    Ellie, not fully asleep, blinked her sleepy eyes open a bit.


    “So tired?” Kaiden chuckled involuntarily.


    “Didn’t nap,” Ellie mumbled back. She had enjoyed her day with Baylee and skipped her usual nap.


    “Do you want me to carry you back to bed?” He lowered his voice yfully, his tone teasing.


    With her eyes closed, Ellie reached out her hands, signaling she wanted to be picked up. Kaiden’s heart melted.


    He leaned down, kissed her, and then scooped Ellie up into his arms. Despite being pregnant, Ellie hadn’t put on much weight, so Kaiden effortlessly carried her. Ellie rested against his chest, her lips moving slightly as if whispering something.


    Kaiden paused, lowering his head to listen carefully.


    “I’m sorry… Kaiden…” she murmured.


    Kaiden felt a rush of profound shock and emotion, building up slowly in his heart like fermenting wine, an overwhelming feeling surfacing.


    “Baby, I should be the one apologizing.”


    Gently, Kaiden ced Ellie on the bed, carefully helping her change into a nightgown and preparing to cover her with a quilt. The thin silk nightgown hugged her rounded belly, which showed a subtle movement.


    Suddenly, Kaiden froze, holding his breath, his eyes wide.


    After a few moments, there was another gentle movement on the left side of her belly.


    It was the baby kicking!


    Their unborn baby had actually moved? Kaiden marveled silently.


    He gently rested his hand on Ellie’s belly.


    An hour passed, but the baby remained still.


    “No respect,” he thought with a hint of amusement. Yet, witnessing the movement firsthand, Kaiden still found it wondrous and miraculous.


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    The news of Ellie’s pregnancy had filled him with joy, but it was the shared creation with Ellie that truly touched him.


    His feelings towards the child had been somewhat distant until this moment.


    It was midsummer. The room was kept at a steady twenty-six degrees, which felt a bit cool. After a shower, Kaiden got back into bed. Ellie, rxed now, snuggled close and rested her head on his shoulder. Kaiden smiled and kissed her head.


    The following day marked the start of the weekend. After lunch, Ellie got changed.


    “Are you heading out?” Kaiden asked.


    “Yeah,” Ellie nodded. “I need to shop for some clothes.”


    Her belly was growing more noticeable. Each time it expanded, she had to switch to bigger pants.


    “I’lle with you,” Kaiden offered.


    “Don’t you have work?” Ellie frowned.


    Kaiden set aside his papers and got up. “Working outside of working hours isn’t good.”


    Ellie wasn’t convinced.


    He did not behave like this when they first got married.


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    Message from Noa: Today we have two new novels, hope you like them dear readers. God loves you and Noa wishes you all the best. (─??O)


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