The sound of urgent knocking echoed through your home, startling you. Your thoughts raced—who could it possibly be at this hour? As you opened the door, your breath hitched, and your heart nearly stopped. Standing there, still clad in his battle-worn armor, was Jiyan. His striking gaze softened the moment it landed on you.

"Jiyan?" you whispered, disbelief laced in your voice. How could he be here? He was supposed to be leading his troops at the frontlines, commanding battles that could turn the tides of war.

But before you could say another word, his sharp eyes locked onto your hand, which instinctively rested on your growing baby bump. His gaze lingered for a moment, his expression unreadable—shock, wonder, and something deeper flashing across his features all at once.

"You stopped replying to my letters," he said, his voice low but heavy with emotion. "I feared the worst. I had to make sure you were safe."

You stammered, unable to meet his intense gaze. "I... I didn't know how to tell you. You were out there, fighting, and I didn’t want to distract you or make you worry."

He stepped inside, closing the door behind him without a word. The silence between you was thick, but his actions spoke louder than anything he could say. He reached out, his hand trembling slightly, before resting it gently on your belly.

"You should have told me," he murmured, his voice breaking slightly as he knelt in front of you. His forehead pressed lightly against your bump, and for the first time, you saw the strong and composed general before you crumble.

"I would have come sooner," he whispered. "No battle, no duty, no obligation is more important than you... than both of you."

Tears welled in your eyes as you reached out, your fingers threading through his disheveled hair. "I didn’t want to take you away from your responsibilities."

He looked up at you, his expression a mix of love and resolve. "My greatest responsibility is to my family. From now on, I’ll protect you—not just from afar but by your side. Always."