Here's the next chapter following Leon's struggles after the pregnancy reveal. This chapter focuses on Leon coming to terms with his situation, the growing closeness between him and Tristan, and the Mondell family's protective
Scene 1: Leon's Inner Conflict
The morning sun filtered through the curtains, but Leon felt no warmth from its light. He sat in his bedroom, a hand resting gently on his abdomen. The physician's words echoed in his mind: You're pregnant.
It felt surreal. Impossible. And yet, the subtle changes in his body—the exhaustion, the nausea, the unrelenting pull of sleep—now made sense.
"I should be happy," he murmured to himself. "This is his child. Our child."
But the happiness didn't come. All he could think about was Atlas's absence. The silence that had grown between them since the war began. The unanswered letters. The growing fear that Atlas wasn't coming back.
A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. "Come in," he called softly.
Tristan stepped inside, his expression gentle. "Good morning, Leon. Cecily asked me to check on you."
Leon offered a weak smile. "I'm fine."
Tristan raised an eyebrow. "You've been saying that a lot lately."
"I mean it this time," Leon said, though his voice lacked conviction. "I just... I don't know where to start."
Tristan moved closer, pulling a chair beside the bed. "Then don't start alone. Whatever you need, I'm here."
Leon looked at him, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. "Thank you, Tristan. I don't know what I'd do without you."
---
Scene 2: Family Plans
Downstairs, Edwin stood in the study with Bjorn and Cecily, the three of them locked in a tense discussion.
"We can't keep this a secret forever," Bjorn said, his arms crossed. "If the wrong people find out—"
"We'll handle it," Edwin interrupted, his voice sharp. "No one outside this house can know about Leon's pregnancy. Not until we're certain it's safe."
Cecily glanced between them, her expression thoughtful. "What about Atlas? Shouldn't he know?"
Edwin's jaw tightened, and for a moment, his stoic mask cracked. "Atlas isn't here. And until he decides to come back, Leon is our responsibility."
Bjorn frowned, his voice softer. "You're angry at him."
"Of course I'm angry," Edwin snapped. "He left Leon when he needed him most. And now..." He trailed off, his hands clenching into fists. "Now, we clean up his mess."
Cecily placed a hand on his arm, her tone soothing. "Edwin, we're all on the same side here. Let's focus on keeping Leon safe."
Edwin exhaled sharply, nodding. "You're right. First, we need to ensure the estate is secure. Bjorn, you'll oversee that."
Bjorn nodded. "Consider it done."
---
Scene 3: A Quiet Walk
Later that afternoon, Leon ventured into the garden, needing fresh air to clear his mind. Tristan accompanied him, their steps slow and unhurried.
"You don't have to stay with me, you know," Leon said after a moment.
"I don't mind," Tristan replied. "Besides, I like the quiet."
Leon smiled faintly, his gaze drifting to the flowers blooming along the path. "Do you think I'm being selfish?" he asked suddenly.
Tristan frowned. "Selfish? Why would you think that?"
"Because I'm... I'm scared," Leon admitted. "This baby is all I have left of him, but I can't stop wondering if I'm making the wrong choice. What if I can't do this alone?"
Tristan stopped, turning to face him. "You're not alone, Leon. You have your family. You have me."
Leon looked at him, his eyes searching. "Why are you so kind to me, Tristan? What did I do to deserve it?"
Tristan hesitated, then reached out, gently taking Leon's hand. "You don't have to do anything to deserve kindness, Leon. You just... deserve it."
Leon's heart ached at the sincerity in Tristan's voice. He squeezed his hand gently, finding a small measure of comfort in the gesture.
---
Scene 4: Edwin's Warning
As the sun began to set, Edwin found Leon in the parlor, a blanket draped over his shoulders as he stared into the fire. Edwin's stern presence filled the room, and Leon looked up, his expression wary.
"Edwin," Leon said softly. "I know what you're going to say."
"Good," Edwin replied, sitting across from him. "Then you know I'm not going to let you do anything reckless."
Leon sighed, his gaze dropping to his lap. "I'm not trying to be reckless."
"You don't have to try," Edwin said, his tone softer than usual. "You've always put others before yourself, Leon. But now, you need to think about this baby. About your future."
Leon looked at him, tears brimming in his eyes. "I don't even know what that future looks like, Edwin. Not without him."
Edwin's expression darkened. "Then stop waiting for him. If Atlas cared, he wouldn't have left you like this."
"Don't," Leon whispered, his voice breaking. "Don't make me hate him."
"I'm not trying to make you hate him," Edwin said. "I'm trying to make you see that you don't need him. You have us. And we'll protect you, no matter what."
Leon wiped his eyes, nodding. "I know. Thank you, Edwin."
---
Scene 5: A Private Moment
That night, Leon sat in his room, the weight of the day pressing heavily on him. He placed a hand on his stomach, his voice barely above a whisper.
"It's just us now," he said softly. "I'll protect you. I promise."
As he drifted off to sleep, his thoughts lingered on Atlas—on the man who had left without a word, and the hope that refused to fade, no matter how much it hurt.