“Of course, you're the father," Raegan replied.

Upon hearing this, Mitchel felt an unexpected sadness rather than joy, sensing that Raegan was drifting further away from him. Her casual mention of the children hinted that she had already decided.

His deep, ink-black eyes shifted to a softer gray, and his hands moved instinctively to tenderly touch Raegan's stomach.

The babies responded by firmly kicking his hand.

Mitchel was taken aback. This was his first encounter with the miracle of lives. It was truly incredible! Their lineage would live on in this little belly, connecting him and Raegan.

“Raegan, let me stay. I want to be here to see our children born," he implored softly. “I won't disturb you. Please don't send me away.”

Raegan closed her eyes, her heart heavy with pain. She couldn't knowingly let Mitchel risk amputation, knowing he still had so much life ahead of him.

She gazed at him, saying, "Mitchel, you're the father, no doubt about that, but..."

Mitchel braced for the painful words that would follow that “but.”

Raegan continued, “I'm married now. I have my own life. If you stay, it will lead to misunderstandings with my husband. I don't want my love to get the wrong idea."

Raegan pulled the coat around her, seeking comfort in its warmth. Her way of addressing Stefan had shifted from first name to “my love."

It echoed how she once affectionately called Mitchel. She conveyed that everything had shifted, and there was no returning to how things used to be.

Raegan added, "The memories we created together seem to span a lifetime, but since it's not suitable, parting is the right choice. Now, I seek a simple life with Stefan. Can you grasp that?"

Mitchel's Lips tightened, and the sparkle in his eyes gradually faded.

Raegan understood that he grasped the meaning of her words. He would come to terms with it eventually.

"I hope you can see my point." She stood, her gaze falling on the sunlight filtering through the window, and then looked down. “When the celebration of our babies' 100th day comes, I will invite you. Mitchel, return to the Ardlens for your treatment. The climate there will be better for you."

With these words, Raegan stepped toward the door.

“Raegan, please don't leave..." Mitchel called her from behind, the glow in his dark eyes fading.

He tiredly murmured, “Just hear me out. I won't cause trouble. I just want to be there for the birth. I missed it when Janey was born, and I don't want to miss the birth again."

The man who once stood tall was now pleading.