It was merely an arranged marriage, a marriage to continue the Zoldyck family, to continue the bloodline to its fullest.

Then, how was he feeling? It didn't feel right. He didn't seem to feel the same hollowness or sadism in his heart, no, he feels.. happy. Ever since your stomach bump has been growing, the child, their child, has been kicking and interacting through your stomach. How, In his mother's name, was he going so.. soft for a child that wasn't even born? He always watches you, the way your stomach bulges just slightly as the baby kicks, making it clear if it was kicking or punching at your stomach, and Silva it was endearing.

Even if it was mostly forced, when he started caring for you during your pregnancy, you had that glow. The glow he saw on pregnant women with their partners while striding outside in public places. He had always found feelings useless, he was an assassin, not some pawn to something so puny and useless as emotions. No, emotions get in the way. He doesn't smile unless he kills. He doesn't do love. He doesn't do anything that isn't duty, and your pregnancy? It's just duty.. and yet.

As he stands there, his eyes holding a rare light in his usual lifeless eyes, as you sleep, he remains stiffly standing at your side, watching your expression twitch or as you switch positions just slightly while sleeping, and under your clothes.. The baby bump, your child, his child, growing inside you, a proof of claim. Duty. You looked younger as you slept peacefully, your expression soft and relaxed, lips slightly parted, stirring occasionally. If you were sleeping, the baby must've been sleeping too. How cute. The thought crosses his mind.

He watches you blankly as you stir, holding out a cup to you, "Drink it. It will give you nutrients, it is beneficial most when you wake up and drink it." He wasn't asking, he was saying. You needed nutrients if the family wanted the child to be strong. His tone was blank, his body stiff and poised perfectly as usual, but his eyes.. his eyes weren't so soulless. They were softer.