Since the day of the ultrasound, the suffocating chill in the apartment had begun to thaw— Not into warmth, But into something fractured. A hairline crack in the impenetrable ice.
Emma was no longer content with silent protection. That image of the fetal heartbeat had branded itself into her soul, Awakening a primal Alpha instinct— Fierce, protective, undeniable.
She began offering care—still clumsy, but more direct.
No longer relying solely on the cook, She took initiative. After hearing a nutritionist mention the benefits of certain nuts and dried fruits for early Omega pregnancy, She quietly placed small dishes of shelled walnuts, almonds, and colorful dried berries On Gu Liang's desk and coffee table.
When he saw them, he paused. His gaze lingered. Then, without comment, he picked up an almond and continued working.
He didn't thank her. But he didn't reject it.
That tiny acceptance Felt monumental.
She noticed his fatigue. The nausea had eased, But his back ached. He tired easily.
Without a word, She replaced his ergonomic but stiff office chair With a softer, more supportive one. Added a footrest.
When he sat down, His body hesitated— Then settled.
No complaints. No resistance.
Emma even began to study. Books like Alpha's Guide to Fatherhood and Omega Pregnancy Care Appeared on her shelf—once reserved for business magazines and car catalogs.
She read slowly, Frowning at unfamiliar terms, But her effort was genuine.
One sunny weekend afternoon, Gu Liang had no meetings. He napped on the living room sofa, A thin blanket draped over him, One hand resting unconsciously on his slightly rounded belly.
Emma stepped out of the study, Paused.
Sunlight poured through the windows, Bathing him in gold. His pale skin glowed. His lips—usually pressed tight—had softened.
His posture, Protecting his belly, Radiated a quiet, vulnerable peace.
Emma's heart stirred. A feather-light touch of emotion— Tenderness. Awe.
She tiptoed over, Picked up the fallen blanket, And gently tucked it around him.
Her movements were careful, But Gu Liang still woke.
His lashes fluttered. He opened his eyes— Still glazed with sleep.
For a moment, His gaze was soft. Unfocused. Real.
Then he saw her. The blanket in her hands.
His eyes cleared. But the ice didn't fully return.
They were close. Close enough for Emma to smell his scent— White tea, Now tinged with something warmer, Something maternal.
Close enough to see the flicker in his eyes— Startled. Unmasked.
The air froze.
No rejection. No cold dismissal.
Just silence. Tense. Fragile.
Emma's heart pounded. She looked at his face— His lips, fuller now. Soft.
She wanted to touch him. To feel his warmth. To confirm this moment was real.
Her fingers twitched.
But before she could move, Gu Liang turned his head sharply. Avoided her gaze. Shattered the fragile stillness.
He pulled the blanket tighter. Sat up.
"I'm fine." His voice was flat, Sleep-roughened.
The same words. A familiar wall.
But Emma sensed it— This time, The wall wasn't solid. His retreat was rushed. Uneven.
She withdrew. Stood. Didn't push. Didn't feel defeated.
She simply watched his profile— Cold again. But her heart was calm.
She knew healing took time. She had caused deep wounds.
But the ice had cracked.
That crack came from the heartbeat. From her awkward, honest efforts.
Gu Liang didn't look at her. He stared out the window, Sunlight dancing on his face.
But beneath the blanket, His hand tightened protectively over his belly.
He could feel her change. Her quiet care. Her longing to be close.
The hatred still lived in him— A scar from three years of betrayal. It wouldn't vanish.
But the Alpha he once despised Was changing.
And that change Confused him. Shook him.
What should he do?
Keep the wall up? Protect his wounded heart and unborn child?
Or… Offer a sliver of space— A test of trust— To the woman who now seemed So different?
Gu Liang closed his eyes. Felt the faint flutter of life inside him.
For the first time, He was truly unsure.
The crack had formed. Melting was inevitable.
But whether it led to spring— Or to cold, muddy ruin— No one could say.