After the tenderness came a quiet, warm stillness.
Xia Qingyin lay on her side on the soft couch, a lingering, weary gentleness still in her eyes. Her breathing was slightly quick and uneven, her long lashes trembling softly, while a contented, sweet smile played across her cheeks.
Of the black stockings that had covered her legs earlier, only one remained.
As for the other? Naturally, it had been torn to shreds and was beyond wearing.
She reached out a slender, warm hand and gently stroked her lower belly. Her fingertips moved lightly, and her eyes brimmed with longing for the future.
A trace of warm moisture slowly spread beneath her, leaving a mark on the bed that stood out clearly.
Lu Yuan turned to look at her, his voice full of tender concern as he asked softly, "Xiao Yin, how are you feeling?"
Xia Qingyin was the first girl in Lu Yuan's life to go this far with him.
She slowly raised her eyes to meet his and gave a gentle nod, her voice soft. "I feel great."
After a brief silence, a trace of unease surfaced in her eyes. Her little hand clenched slightly as she asked in a quiet voice, "A Yuan, do you think... I can be a good mother?"
Lu Yuan smiled faintly and gently took her hand from her belly, enclosing her cool fingertips in his palm. His voice was firm yet tender. "Of course. You'll definitely be the gentlest mother."
Nearby, Jiang Xuanran, Celicia, Shamirra, and Ye Qingyue all turned their gazes toward Xia Qingyin at the same time, their eyes full of concern and curiosity.
Because next, they were going to be...
But at a glance, the four of them froze, clear surprise spreading across their faces.
What should normally have been a