Nathaniel didn't return to the boardroom right away.
He spent the next few weeks in the penthouse, slowly letting go of the version of himself he once clung to. The man who lived for meetings, results, headlines.
Now, he woke with Liana's tea beside him. Helped her plant herbs on the balcony. Sat in on one of her online literature classes and watched her eyes light up when she spoke about words.
He didn't lose his business mind—he just redirected it.
He began investing in smaller things: public school libraries. Educational startups. Quiet impact over loud power.
And one night, over leftover pasta, he looked at Liana and said:
"I want to build something that matters. But this time, with you."
Chapter 14: Yellow Rooms and Baby Shoes
They didn't plan it.
It happened on a lazy Saturday morning, sunlight pooling at their feet. Liana held the test in her hand, heart pounding harder than it had since their wedding day.
Positive.
She walked out of the bathroom, eyes wide. Nathaniel was making coffee.
He turned. He froze.
Then—he understood.
"Are you sure?" he asked.
She nodded, eyes glimmering.
He stepped forward, not saying anything—just pulling her gently into his chest. His arms wrapped around her like a promise.
A long silence.
Then he whispered:
"You've already given me peace. Now you're giving me a future."
They painted the spare room yellow—her favorite color. He bought books about fatherhood. She started reading fairy tales again, aloud.
One evening, she fell asleep on the couch, cradling a tiny pair of baby shoes.
Nathaniel covered her with a blanket and kissed her forehead.