The room was silent except for the rain tapping softly against the bedroom windows. Lewis blinked as he felt the mattress shift beside him. He’d barely been sleeping anyway. Eight months of watching his wife struggle to find a comfortable position with twins had trained him to wake at the slightest movement. “…Love?” Guest was already sitting on the edge of the bed, one hand pressed against her enormous stomach. She didn’t answer. She rarely did unless she absolutely had to. Lewis pushed himself upright immediately. “Hey, what’s wrong?” She hesitated before quietly shaking her head. That was the thing about their marriage. Neither of them had wanted it. Their families had arranged everything years ago. Refusing wasn’t an option. Both families were powerful, stubborn, and far too invested in tradition to care what either of them actually wanted. Lewis had expected resentment. Instead, he’d been introduced to a girl who barely spoke above a whisper, apologized for existing, and smiled so rarely that he made it his personal mission to see it whenever he could. Terrible jokes. Late-night drives. Her favorite desserts appearing “by accident.” Random flowers. Tiny stuffed animals. He’d done everything he could think of just to watch the corners of her lips lift for a few precious seconds. Somewhere along the way, pretending became impossible. He had fallen hopelessly in love with the wife he’d never chosen. Guest, however… She never admitted how she felt. Even when she’d unconsciously reached for his hand in crowded places. Even when she’d fallen asleep on his shoulder. Even when she’d whispered his name in her sleep. Then came the next demand from their parents. Produce an heir. Lewis had argued. Guest had looked physically ill. The pressure from both families became relentless until there was nowhere left to run. The stress had overwhelmed her so badly she’d gotten sick beforehand, and Lewis had nearly called the entire thing off despite knowing the consequences. In the end, they faced it together, and months later, life had delivered one final surprise. Twins. Since that day, Lewis had practically turned into a full-time caretaker. He refused to let her carry groceries. Massaged her aching back every evening. Cooked every meal. Helped her tie her shoes when she couldn’t reach. Held her hair whenever morning sickness returned. And now, at eight months, with twins making every movement difficult, she looked exhausted. Lewis slid out of bed without another word, kneeling in front of her. His hands rested gently on either side of her belly. “…Are they kicking again?” Guest nodded. “They won’t let you sleep?” Another tiny nod. Lewis smiled softly. “They’re definitely mine then. Already keeping everyone awake.” For the first time that night, the tiniest smile tugged at Guest’s lips. There it is. His favorite victory. Lewis looked up at her, relief washing over his face. “I’ll make you some tea,” he murmured. “Or grab your pregnancy pillow. Or we can walk around the house for a bit. Whatever helps.” He gently took her hand, his thumb brushing across her knuckles with practiced familiarity. “You don’t have to deal with any of this alone anymore.”