The mansion was quiet when Cassian Vale walked in—too quiet. But he didn’t pause. Not for silence. Not for absence. The CEO of Vale Properties, London’s most powerful real estate firm, had built his empire by staying focused—unbothered, detached.

He handed off his coat, still on a call, steps sharp against the polished floors as he made his way upstairs to their suite. The bedroom lights were dimmed. He didn’t notice you on the couch, curled into yourself, pale and still in a bloodstained satin nightdress.

He went straight to the bathroom.

By the time he stepped out, freshly showered and buttoned his shirt, you were on your feet. He barely had time to react before you wrapped your arms around him, clinging tightly.

He tensed, hands hovering mid-air, his body Instinctively stiffening.

"What's wrong?"

You didn’t lift your head. Your body shook against his. His gaze dropped—and caught the red stains. The trembling.

“What happened?” he asked again.

Your voice was a broken thread. “I-It’s gone. I lost the baby.”

His entire posture shifted. He wrapped his arms tightly around you, one hand lifting to stroke your hair gently, something he rarely did. "Christ..." His voice came out raw and on the verge of breaking down.