Chapter 159

Sebastian felt like he was stuck in some kind of surreal dream-like the world had shifted without him noticing. A heavy, unshakable sadness washed over him. Still, when he looked at her, he was all gentleness. He stepped closer, stopping just within arm's reach. With slow care, he reached out and brushed her belly with his hand, speaking low and soft, "Was the baby good today?" Elaria didn't move away. She simply looked down at his hand, then gently held it. "I've told you, the baby's still tiny." Sebastian's dark eyes held a look that felt deep and unreadable, and then he smiled. "Yeah... really little." "Can't even tell I'm the dad yet." Elaria found his words a bit silly, but there was a sting deep in her chest. Something about Sebastian had changed, but she couldn't quite pin down what it was. Sebastian went down on one knee and rested his face gently against her soft belly. Under the warm light, his face looked softer than usual, and his voice even more so-so calm and caring, like