The first light of the day filtered through the curtains, soft and diffused, painting gold across the marble floor of the presidential suite. Mira stirred beneath the heavy covers, her eyelids fluttering open reluctantly. The day was quiet—too quiet after the chaos of the wedding—but it carried weight all the same, pressing gently against her chest as though to remind her that nothing about her life had returned to normal.
She shifted slightly, fingers brushing the sheets, and realized she was awake after Cassian.
The thought brought a strange, grounding sense of reality. She was a Draymond now, even if it was still part performance.
Her gaze drifted across the room. Cassian was already up, seated at the edge of the couch, tie loosened and sleeves rolled up, the morning light catching the sharp angles of his face.
He hadn't looked over yet, busy meticulously arranging a plate of fresh fruits, oats, and green tea—a breakfast that screamed efficiency and health. Mira blinked slowly, taking it in.
He was thinking of the baby, of her, of both of them in a way she couldn't yet fully understand.
And then she realized her lips were curling into a smile she hadn't noticed forming, a smile birthed from his kiss last night that lingered far longer than she expected.
Her hand drifted instinctively to her stomach, grazing the small swell beneath the sheet, a protective gesture that felt entirely her own. Whatever happens, I'll protect you, she whispered quietly, echoing the promise she had made to herself.
The thought made her chest tighten with a mix of fear and warmth. Cassian's presence, steady and calm, was a strangely comforting anchor, even in the midst of the uncertainty that hovered over every waking thought.
"Breakfast is ready," Cassian said, his voice low but teasing, catching her off guard.
"I can see that," Mira replied, voice still heavy with sleep. "Are you sure it's necessary? Or are you secretly trying to make me eat green things on my first day as a Draymond?"
"I'm very persuasive when necessary," he said lightly, smirk tugging at his lips. "And it's mandatory for both you and the baby. I won't allow you to ruin your first day with a cake or… croissant."
Mira rolled her eyes but smiled, pushing herself up from the bed, suddenly aware of the silk of her sheets and the unfamiliarity of the luxury surrounding her.
She walked over to the breakfast tray, appreciating the small care taken to include her favorite fruit. "Fine," she said, mock sighing. "I'll let you win this one. But only because… well, you insist like a tyrant."
"I take my tyranny seriously," he replied, voice low and amused. "Especially when it concerns the people I care about. And don't worry, breakfast will make you strong, smart, and mildly more obedient."
She laughed softly, a sound that seemed to surprise her. "Mildly more obedient?"
"You heard me," he said, eyes sparkling. "It's all part of the Draymond charm program."
Mira shook her head, smirking, but the weight in her chest lightened slightly. The morning was quiet, comfortable in its own odd way, but it carried unspoken truths—their marriage, the baby, the fragile new bond that was forming. She ate slowly, stealing glances at him across the table, noting how carefully he watched her, noting how he seemed to notice the smallest shifts in her demeanor.
Once breakfast was done, she excused herself for a shower, the warm water washing over her like a reminder that she existed outside of everyone else's expectations. As she dressed, pulling on a simple silk dress for the hospital visit, she felt the familiar tug of nerves and anticipation.
Cassian was waiting outside the bathroom, hands in pockets, observing with a quiet intensity.
"You look ready," he said softly, leaning against the doorframe. "Do you feel ready?"
"I… am," she replied, brushing a hand across her stomach unconsciously. "I mean, I'm a Draymond now. Even if it's still… fake. But this…" Her voice faltered for a moment. "It doesn't change the fact that I'm carrying your baby."
He stepped closer, lowering his voice to a whisper that seemed to echo just for her. "And I won't let anything happen to you. Or to our baby."
She exhaled slowly, heart skipping, comforted and slightly embarrassed by the sudden surge of emotion. "Good," she murmured, smiling faintly. "Because I think I'd punch you if you didn't."
He laughed softly, a deep, genuine sound that made the air feel warmer. "You wouldn't really," he teased. "But I'd allow the thought—it suits you."
Minutes later, they were driving through the quiet city streets, the world gradually waking around them. The car smelled faintly of leather and polished cedar, Cassian's cologne subtle but distinct. His hand brushed against hers once, almost accidentally, but they both noticed. Mira's stomach fluttered, a gentle, unpredictable reminder of the tiny life growing within her.
The hospital appeared unassuming from the outside, sterile and familiar, yet Mira felt the old tension coil in her stomach. The lobby smelled of antiseptic and coffee.
Receptionists were polite, efficient, unaware of the chaos that her name might ignite in less-than-public circles. Cassian guided her to the elevators, his hand resting lightly near her elbow. She noticed, though she didn't comment, how careful he was, how every gesture seemed to carry silent reassurances.
The doctor's office was quiet, softly lit, the kind of room that encouraged reflection and anticipation. Mira sat down, fingers brushing her thighs nervously, Cassian beside her, posture perfectly controlled yet leaning in just enough to offer her a subtle shield from her own anxiety.
"Good morning," Dr. Albright said cheerfully, flipping through her tablet. "Congratulations on… everything."
"Thank you," Cassian replied smoothly, voice low, casual but firm, like a shield. "We're… looking forward to your guidance."
Mira exhaled slowly. "Guidance," she echoed, smiling faintly at his formality.
The doctor looked from him to her, then back again. "Well, let's see what we have. Early pregnancy tests show positive—definitely pregnant, both of you healthy. HCG levels are consistent with about two weeks along."
Mira's hand immediately drifted to her stomach, brushing it gently. "Two weeks… that's really early," she murmured.
"Yes," the doctor confirmed. "And at this stage, it's almost impossible to determine whether there are twins. Sometimes ultrasounds can hint, but at two weeks, it's all too early to say definitively."
Cassian's eyes softened as he watched her. "Twins?" he asked lightly, though a subtle tension ran beneath his calm.
"Maybe," the doctor said with a half-smile. "We'll know more in a few weeks. But either way, both mother and child are healthy so far. And that's what matters right now."
Mira exhaled again, a mixture of relief and disbelief curling in her chest. She leaned slightly toward Cassian, who instinctively brushed his thumb across her hand. "See?" he murmured. "Nothing we can't handle. I promise."
She smiled faintly, head resting against his shoulder. "I know," she whispered. "But it's all… so real now."
"Real is fine," he said, kissing the top of her head lightly. "We'll be fine. And maybe we'll find out in a few weeks if we're doubling the trouble—or doubling the joy."
Mira laughed softly, the sound a little breathless. "Doubling the trouble," she repeated, teasing. "I like that."
As they left the hospital, sunlight filtering around them, Mira's thoughts swirled. They were rich, they were powerful, and yet… she was carrying his child, and despite the contract, despite the world watching, she felt a quiet intimacy with the man beside her. Something genuine, fragile, and entirely theirs.
Cassian's hand found hers again, firm and warm. "You okay?" he asked.
"Yes," she said, smiling faintly, leaning into him. "I think… I'm okay."
The car started, and the city rushed by. Mira's hand rested over her stomach once more.
The future was uncertain, maybe even frightening, but in this moment, she felt a quiet thrill of anticipation—and something unspoken between them that made her heart skip.
And then her phone buzzed.
She looked down, reading the message from the hospital: "We'd like to schedule a follow-up. Something interesting showed up on the chart. Call us ASAP."
Mira looked at Cassian, a mixture of curiosity and dread lighting her eyes.
"Interesting?" he asked, raising a brow. "That sounds ominous."
"Exactly what I was thinking," she said, gripping his hand. "Do you… do you want to come in with me?"
He squeezed her hand gently, smirk tugging at his lips. "Always. If it's interesting… we'll handle it together."
And with that, the car sped toward uncertainty, leaving the world behind, he decided to eat out in the restaurant, but.. still They're carrying something far heavier, far more important: their child—and whatever twist awaited them next.