CHAPTER 142: CHAPTER 142 – “A NEW DAWN AT HOME”

The seaplane glided down across the countryside’s morning mist, soft landing gear meeting the private airstrip like a whisper. Aoi, dressed in a warm cardigan, leaned her head against Ren’s shoulder, one hand on her belly. She had barely slept the night before—partly from excitement, partly from subtle contractions that had started to whisper their arrival.

"Home sweet home," Ren murmured.

Lucia’s voice chimed from the cockpit:

"Welcome back. The home is prepared, and guests await inside. Surveillance secure. Nursery room climate adjusted to 23.7 degrees Celsius."

The door hissed open. Sunlight poured in—and so did tiny feet.

"Mama!! Papa!!" Hikari’s voice came first.

The four-year-old came bounding across the grass, pink hoodie half-zipped and arms wide open. Aoi knelt—awkwardly—and gathered her into a warm embrace, her heart swelling.

"You got taller in five days!" Aoi laughed.

"I told Grandpa I was gonna grow faster than the baby," Hikari declared.

Ren ruffled her hair. "Might be close. But your little sister is arriving any moment now."

"Really?! Today?!" Hikari’s eyes sparkled.

Behind her, both sets of grandparents waited with quiet joy—Aoi’s parents standing beside Ren’s, warm smiles on every face. Hugs followed. Words exchanged. Laughter filled the air like music.

Later That Night

The contractions grew stronger. Aoi tried to ignore them as she tucked Hikari into bed.

"Can I sleep next to the baby tomorrow?" Hikari asked.

"If you promise to be gentle," Aoi whispered, brushing her daughter’s bangs aside.

"I will. I promise."

Then came a sharp pull in her abdomen—stronger than before. She gripped the doorframe, and Ren was by her side in an instant.

"Lucia. Ready the birthing suite."

"Acknowledged. Oxygen levels calibrated. All systems green."

Aoi gave a small, brave smile. "I guess she couldn’t wait."

A Few Hours Later

Inside the custom birthing suite Ren had prepared during their first pregnancy—refined now with serene lighting, auto-monitored vitals, and warm towels—Aoi breathed slowly, clutching Ren’s hand.

Her voice was strained, but determined. "She’s close... I can feel her."

Ren wiped her forehead gently, holding back tears.

"You’re doing perfect. She’s almost here."

And then...

A sharp cry echoed through the room.

Aoi collapsed back into the pillows, tears running down her cheeks as a soft, wet bundle was placed gently on her chest.

Their second daughter.

Tiny. Wrinkled. Pink. And already powerful enough to shake their world.

"She’s here..." Aoi whispered. "She’s here."

Ren leaned in close, pressing his lips to both their foreheads. "Welcome home... little light."

An Hour Later

Hikari peeked into the room with Ren’s mother. "Can I see her?"

Aoi smiled, tired but glowing. "Come meet your baby sister."

Hikari tiptoed in, peered at the sleeping infant swaddled in pink, and whispered, "She’s so tiny..."

"You were even tinier," Ren chuckled.

"I’m gonna protect her. Just like you protect us."

"That’s my girl," Aoi said, reaching for her hand.

The family stood together—four now. A quiet, complete moment in the soft glow of night.

Outside, the stars were the same.

But the world inside their home had changed forever.