For a month, the days grew longer, and the weather became warmer. As the sun set, and the cool evening breeze started to circulate, the family physician visited Blair’s room. It was the regular check-up scheduled every week.

After receiving permission to enter, the physician entered the room, where Blair, leaning against the bed, and Herdan, were present.

Meeting his cold blue eyes, the physician felt uneasy. Even though he had become accustomed to observing his presence every weekly check-up, he still felt tense when facing him. It was an instinctual emotion.

“Welcome, Sir Ermano.”

Upon hearing Blair’s greeting, the physician, who had momentarily regained his composure, politely approached the duke and duchess.

After finishing the examination, the physician conveyed the news with a rather comfortable expression.

“The sound of the heartbeat has become clearer compared to last week. It seems that the baby is growing healthily. How about your appetite?”

“It seems to have gotten worse.”

“This time is usually the most challenging. However, even if you don’t have an appetite and feel tired, please eat at least a little. The baby will grow well with the nutrients from the mother’s body. However, as the weather gets warmer, the lady’s stamina is likely to weaken.”

“Thank you for your concern.”

Listening to the physician’s talk, Herdan, who had been silently listening, intervened.

“When does the stable period exactly begin?”

“Usually from around the fourth month. The appetite also improves around that time. From then on, some people go on prenatal trips to the nearby areas.”

“What about the baby bump?”

“It varies from person to person, but for first pregnancies…”

Herdan asked several more questions related to pregnancy. At first glance, he appeared to be a loving husband and an exemplary expectant father.

The physician, seeing unexpected aspects of the cold-faced lord, gradually loosened up and smiled.

“With both of you being so happy, the baby inside the lady’s belly must be eager to meet Mom and Dad.”

However, even as the physician spoke, Blair’s face, which had faintly shown a smile, lost its brightness.

After finishing the examination, the physician left, leaving only the two in the room. Herdan pulled the string and called for Meli.

“Prepare dinner in the bedroom.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

After dismissing Meli, as Herdan returned to the bedroom, Blair was lying down with her back turned. Seeing her, Herdan’s gaze sank coldly.

For a month, Blair had been turning away from him.

She responded if he spoke, but that was it. She didn’t initiate conversations or make eye contact.

Still, Herdan did not push, just waited.

It was an event he had already anticipated when he first seated her by his side, and in her position, staying by his side was something to be angry about.

Nevertheless, he could endure it. As long as she remained by his side like this, he could bear anything.

After all, her stubbornness could only go so far. When her belly swells, and her body weakens, a gap will naturally open in her heart, and she will lean on him again.
Herdan approached her, thinking that way.

With a familiar headache, a vivid memory penetrated his mind.

In the memory, it was late at night.

Blair was lying uncomfortably, turned to the side, and asleep. Even looking from above the blanket, her round and bulging belly was clearly visible.

In the memory, he silently watched Blair sleeping and turned away. Simultaneously, emotions from that memory rushed in, squeezing his heart. In that unreachable situation, anguish welled up.

Herdan furrowed his brow and took a step. Then, the memory that had come to mind suddenly shattered like fragments.

“…It’s been quiet for a while.”

But even though the memory had disappeared, emotions that seemed like his yet not entirely his lingered like traces, tormenting his chest.

It was an unpleasant feeling, but he couldn’t suppress it.

Swept away by those emotions, Herdan approached the bed. Blair still had her back turned.

He climbed onto the bed and embraced Blair, firmly pressing his lips against her white shoulders.

The tiny body fitting into his embrace, the sweet scent emanating from her skin, and the soft hair tickling his face gave him a sense of comfort. However, he wasn’t satisfied with just that.

More. He wanted to touch her a little more.

Herdan’s hand naturally moved up her leg. Sensing it, Blair grabbed his hand.

“I don’t want it today.”

“…”

“I want to rest.”

“I won’t.”

Despite her firm rejection, Herdan bit back his desire and obediently withdrew his hand. However, the boiling emotions wouldn’t subside.

I’m burning because I can’t touch you more, and you…

How can you be so indifferent to me?

The reason might be the man she loved and staked her life on.

It was a miserable and bitter unrequited love.

Herdan gently caressed her belly, not noticeably different from before. Recalling the memory that lingered like an afterimage.

Blair didn’t reject his touch and closed her eyes.

‘Anyway, she’ll do as she pleases, even with my opposition.’