Vanessa lay tiredly on the large bed, her hands resting on her swollen stomach. Her legs were heavy, and the dull ache that stretched from her calves to her back was relentless. She had tried to get up earlier, but her body refused to cooperate.
The room was quiet, save for the soft rustling of the curtains as a gentle breeze passed through. She sighed, her frustration bubbling to the surface. Pregnancy, while a blessing, was wearing her down.
She glanced at the clock and frowned. Where is Vincenzo? He hadn't come to check on her that morning, which was unusual. Normally, he'd be the first to bring her breakfast or at least ensure Luca had done so.
"Ugh," she groaned, shifting to sit up, but the effort felt monumental. She fell back against the pillows, her annoyance simmering.
Suddenly, the door creaked open. Vanessa turned her head and froze in disbelief.
"Rocky? Teddy?" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of surprise and amusement.
The wolves padded into the room, their large frames towering over the furniture. Rocky, the black-furred wolf, nudged her hand gently, while Teddy, the white one, jumped onto the edge of the bed, his tail wagging excitedly.
"How... How did you two even get into the main house, let alone my room?" she muttered, her astonishment growing.
Moments later, the vetinary doctor rushed in, his face pale and glistening with sweat. "Ma'am, I deeply apologize! They escaped their territory—"
Vanessa raised a hand to stop him. "It's fine," she said, laughing softly as Teddy licked her cheek. "I don't mind."
Before the doctor could respond, Vincenzo entered, his imposing figure filling the doorway. He stopped short, his gaze narrowing at the sight before him.
"Rocky, Teddy," he commanded, his voice firm yet calm. "Back to your territory. Now."
The wolves hesitated, glancing between Vanessa and their master, but eventually obeyed, trotting out of the room with their tails swaying behind them.
Vincenzo shut the door behind them, shaking his head in exasperation. "Those two are getting far too comfortable," he muttered before turning his attention to Vanessa. His expression softened immediately.
"How are you feeling this morning, my love?" he asked, walking to her side.
Vanessa sighed, her frustration slipping through her words. "Not very well. My legs are swollen, and everything hurts."
Vincenzo frowned and sat on the edge of the bed, his dark eyes scanning her with concern. "Are you still wearing those boots I told you to stop wearing?"
Vanessa glanced away sheepishly, and he sighed. "Don't wear them again," he said firmly, reaching into a nearby drawer and pulling out a small jar of balm.
He rubbed a generous amount between his hands before gently massaging her swollen legs. His touch was both soothing and tender, and Vanessa couldn't help but relax under his care.
"Better?" he asked, his voice low.
She nodded, her eyes fluttering shut.
Vincenzo leaned over, brushing his lips against her forehead. Then, with a soft smile, he placed his hand on her belly, feeling the faint movements beneath his palm.
Luca entered moments later, carrying a tray with scrambled eggs and toast. "Breakfast, boss," she said with a small smile, setting the tray on the bedside table.
"Thanks, Luca," Vincenzo replied before turning his attention back to Vanessa. He picked up the plate and forked a small bite, holding it out to her.
Vanessa raised an eyebrow. "I can feed myself."
"Hush," he said with a smirk. "Let me take care of you."
Reluctantly, she opened her mouth, letting him feed her. Despite her initial resistance, the warmth in his gesture melted her annoyance.
Once she was done, Vincenzo placed the tray aside and tucked her under the covers. "Now, go back to sleep," he instructed softly.
"I want to get up," Vanessa protested, her stubbornness shining through.
"Your legs are swollen. You need rest."
"I'll just wear slippers," she countered, crossing her arms.
"Vanessa," he warned, his tone firm but not unkind.
She sighed in defeat. "Fine."
Satisfied, Vincenzo kissed her temple and stood. "I'll be in the study if you need me. Call Luca if you need anything else."
Vanessa watched him leave, her heart warming at his thoughtfulness despite her frustration.
Downstairs, Vincenzo entered his study, his mind already shifting to the mountain of work awaiting him. His father's visit loomed over him like a storm cloud, and there was much to prepare. As he began sorting through papers, his thoughts lingered on Vanessa.
For her, he would make sure everything was perfect—even if it meant moving mountains.