Billionaire's match novel

---- Chapter 683 Ever since that last doctor's visit, Nick had suspected Khloe was. hiding something from him. Today, amid the life-threatening danger, her subtle reactions and nervous tics confirmed his suspicions-he hadn't been wrong. He let out a long sigh, then his eyes softened, swelling with uncontainable joy as they fell on her small belly. "Why did you keep this from me? If | can't protect you and our child, I'd never forgive myself," he said, voice low, edged with worry and tenderness. I'm sorry," Khloe whispered.

Seeing the shadow of sadness on his profile, she immediately pressed herself into him. She knew how perceptive he was, but hadn't imagined that even in moments like this, he could notice something so subtle. And even if he had guessed earlier, he had patiently waited to speak now. "| just didn't want you to worry. | planned to tell you as soon as everything settled down. Once we leave here, the three of us will be together, and I'll take care of you while you recover," she said, voice soft, tinged with the kind of coaxing warmth one uses to soothe a child.

Having just survived such a harrowing ordeal, even she felt the ---- lingering fear and unease. Nick didn't respond verbally. He simply massaged her delicate shoulders more firmly, as though he wanted to pull her completely into his body and shield her from the world, yet hesitated to hold her too tightly. After a long moment, his tension eased slightly. He cupped her face and gently stroked the faint purple bruise blooming on her forehead. "You really scared me just now.

Now that we have a baby, you have to put yourself first, understand?" he said earnestly, his voice steady and serious Khloe quickly nodded, her gaze returning to wide-eyed innocence in a heartbeat. Nick couldn't help but smile, tinged with disbelief. Khloe always played the fragile, pitiful role in front of him, yet every time danger struck, she was braver than anyone, sharper than anyone. He had no idea how to handle her, so he pressed a soft, frustrated kiss to her lips.

"Khloe, what am | supposed to do with you?" She whispered against his ear, nipping him playfully, "Just keep being good to me... and be a good father." A tush of warmth flooded his chest. He cupped the back of her head once more. ---- "How many months now?" he asked gently. "About one month," Khloe murmured. "Once we get back, we'll go to the hospital for a thorough check- up," he said. "Okay, I'll listen to you," she replied obediently. "| heard that after three months, if everything's stable... we could -"His eyes sparkled, but both their faces flushed as the sentence hung in the air.

Khloe cleared her throat. "What are you thinking? You're about to. be a father. "I'm just asking," he said, clearing his throat and quickly shifting the topic. "You've had a rough few days... By the way, has the baby been active?" At the mention of their child, Nick immediately straightened, eyes returning to her belly. He hesitated, hand hovering uncertainly before finally resting it lightly, carefully sensing the tiny life within, "No, the baby's very calm," Khloe said, her voice soft as flowing water, smiling.

"Do we even know if it's a girl or a boy?" he asked, lowering his ---- head to listen gently against her belly. After a moment, he said with mock certainty, "I think it's a girl." "Why?" she asked. "Because she's so calm... so gentle." "You can tell that?" Nick smiled softly, leaning closer. "You feel it with your heart. And anyway, if it's a girl, she'll be as wonderful as you."