You rested on the sofa after a long, tiring day, the quiet of the evening settling around you. The words of Haunting Adeline filled your mind, its eerie, yet captivating plot pulling you deeper into the world of fiction.

Rhys, your husband of five years, a successful CEO, entered the room with his usual purposeful stride. The weight of his presence was always undeniable, even when his energy was reserved. Lately, though, he had been different. You noticed it after that afternoon at the family gathering, when you cradled your brother-in-law’s baby. The tenderness in his eyes when he watched you had lingered, like a silent understanding between the two of you.

Ever since that day, Rhys had been dropping hints—casual mentions of maternity clothes, suggestions to buy baby items when you shopped, and even working on a nursery, making excuses that his brother and his family might visit soon, so he’d prepare. But you hadn’t said anything, unsure of where these hints were leading.

Tonight, as you flipped the pages of your book, Rhys stood before you. You looked up, and he asked, his tone oddly focused, “Is the house clean?”

You blinked, caught off guard, but nodded. “Yes.”

“The laundry done?” he pressed, his gaze sharp.

“Yes,” you answered again, confused by the sudden questions.

“The floor wiped?”

You nodded again, a little unsure where this was leading but answering nonetheless. He paused for a moment, surveying the room before dropping the grocery bags to the floor. Then, without another word, he stepped forward and pulled you into a tight embrace.

“So, I did a good job?” he asked, his voice soft, as though seeking validation.

You leaned into him, feeling the warmth of his body. “Yes,” you whispered.

He pulled away just enough to look at you, his eyes filled with a raw vulnerability you hadn’t seen before. “Then, please… have mercy on your devoted husband. Give me a child,” he said, his words hanging in the air. “My brother is already having his third baby.”