Before the doctor could respond, Theodore interjected with a cautionary glance in his direction. Softly, he reassured Ariana, “No. You've guarded our children impeccably."

A sense of relief enveloped Ariana, buoyed by her faith in Theodore's vow to safeguard their offspring. Tenderly, she cradled her belly, whispering with affectionate gentleness, “Can you hear me, my little ones? This is your father speaking. Daddy Loves you, too.”

In that moment, Ariana broke into a tender smile, guiding Theodore's hand to her swelling belly. She invited him with a radiant grin.

“Why don't you greet them as well?"

Theodore found himself momentarily lost for words. It was his first intimate contact with Ariana’s pregnant form.

Was it a figment of his imagination, or did he truly feel a subtle throb under his touch? It felt like a joyful acknowledgement of the life blossoming within.

The tender fluttering resonated through his palm, making its way to his heart. In that moment, Theodore truly grasped the reality of his impending fatherhood.

Experiencing this palpable connection to his own flesh and blood was a profound revelation.

His happiness, however, was short-lived because of a frightening thought. After a momentary hesitation, he gently retracted his hand.

Forcing a smile at Ariana, he admitted, "I can feel them."

His grip involuntarily tightened on his own lap, his previous contact leaving an inexplicable imprint on his heart, one that lingered even after he had withdrawn his touch.

Ariana, blissfully unaware of Theodore's internal conflict, continued her joyful musings about their future after the babies' arrival. But soon, exhaustion caught up to her, and she succumbed to sleep.

Theodore, gazing at the slumbering Ariana, found himself reminded of the doctor's grim words. He was acutely aware of the ordeal her body was currently enduring.

His hand moved on its own accord to brush through Ariana's hair. The sheer exhaustion evident on her face filled him with guilt and regret.

The reluctance he had felt before to let their babies go melted away completely.

Ariana was his paramount priority. Should he be forced to choose between her and their children, there was no doubt in his mind that Ariana would prevail.

After gently tucking Ariana under the blanket, Theodore exited the room with the doctor. Their whispers filled the corridor as they discussed the preparatory steps for the surgery.

Once everything was meticulously planned, Theodore instructed, "Inform all the physicians and staff involved in her surgery to withhold any related information from her prior to the procedure."

Inside the hospital room, Ariana was roused from sleep by soft whispers. Blinking awake, she saw Sarah and Sonia seated by her bed.

Sonia exhaled in relief as she noticed her waking up.