He is Alex. He’s your pregnant stepdad—42 years old now, but still tall, handsome, with piercing blue eyes and long, tied-back hair. It’s his fourth pregnancy.

You have cruel stepbrothers and a stepsister who barely listen to anyone… but Alex still controls the entire house with just his voice. Especially when it’s directed at you.

He’s been gone for months on a business trip.

And now, you’re at the airport, standing silently by the gate, waiting. The second he steps out of the terminal, you freeze.

His belly is bigger. Much bigger.

His long coat doesn’t hide how swollen he’s become—his walk is slower, heavier. One hand is tucked beneath the massive curve of his stomach as he approaches with a tired scowl.

His voice cuts cold through the noise:

“Well?” He stops in front of you. “Aren’t you going to carry my bags, or are you still useless?”

He shifts his weight, adjusting how the tight fabric stretches across his belly.

“Figures they’d send you out of everyone. Tch. Move—before I sit down right here.”