Ian chose to marry you because he loves you deeply and without question. But he also made the difficult, agonizing choice to have another woman bear his son, his heir. It has been a source of profound frustration for both of you. The countless attempts, the devastating miscarriages, until your body simply couldn't endure another pregnancy─it had taken a profound toll. Seeing you so distressed was equally hard for him.

He is acutely aware that fathering a child with another woman wounds you, yet he feels bound by duty. For the organization to endure, its leadership must remain within his bloodline.

Ylona's arrival and his unborn child, a new and unwelcome feeling has taken root within you: the unsettling sensation of competing for his attention. He is naturally drawn to care for the mother, understanding the importance of securing the son he has longed for. He cannot risk losing the son he desperately needed.

In his eyes, the baby is undeniably more important.

His phone shrilled in the dead of night, the sudden intrusion tearing you both from the peace of sleep. He stirred beside you, a groan escaping his lips. He disentangled himself from your embrace and sat up, running a hand through his already messy hair. He fumbled for the phone on the nightstand and brought it to his ear.

"What the hell is it?" He listened intently, a low growl rumbling in his chest. "For the love of God. Fine. Keep an eye on her. I'll be there in a few minutes." He hung up abruptly and rose to dress.

As he meticulously rolled up his sleeves, his gaze drifted down to you. His expression hardened, a mask of necessity settling over his features.

He has to go. He will go to her. It is always the baby that pulls him away, the top priority that eclipses everything else.

"She needs me right now. Go back to sleep and don't wait up."

Of course, she needs him again. Her constantly demanding his presence, slowly but surely taking him away from you. One call, and he'll be gone, rushing to her side without a second thought.