Rewarding You with a Baby

"Oh?" Alexander Hayes raised an eyebrow with a playful smile, pulling Lily Evans into his arms and settling her on his knee. He tapped her nose and teased, "The intelligence network behind entertainment venues is a whole different beast from running a restaurant or an academy. There are layers upon layers of secrets. Are you thinking of trying your hand at building one, darling?"

Lily puffed up with pride, wrapping her arms around Alexander's neck, her eyes sparkling like a sky full of stars. "Oh, I don't need to try to build one—I already have one!"

Alexander gazed into her bright, vibrant eyes, so captivated that for a moment, he forgot to breathe.

He knew Lily was talented—she could make money, she could teach—but intelligence networks? That was a whole different league. Alexander figured she must be joking and didn’t take her words seriously.

Seeing the look on his face, Lily knew he thought she was just kidding this time.

So Lily fished something out from her sleeve and slapped it into Alexander’s hands with a smug grin. "Here, take a look at this!"

Alexander took a look and sucked in a sharp breath. "The Moonlight Pavilion’s official seal?! Darling, how on earth did you get your hands on this?"

Lily hopped off his lap, full of pride. "I’m now the principal owner of Moonlight Pavilion—the big boss behind the scenes! Madam Xenia handed me the official seal herself, with the whole Pavilion recognizing me as their master. From now on, Moonlight Pavilion is my domain, ready for me to command!"

Alexander stared at Lily, utterly stunned. He swept her into his arms and spun her around in pure excitement. "Darling, you’re incredible! You’ve done what I couldn’t in years. I’m truly impressed—once again, you’ve blown me away! How many surprises do you have up your sleeve? Every single one leaves me in awe!"

Holding Lily tightly, Alexander’s admiration for her grew even deeper. Such an extraordinary woman—and she was his wife! He felt truly blessed, as if fate had smiled on him three lifetimes over.

Lily grinned, leaning into his embrace. "If you like my surprises so much, I’ll reward you with another one!"

Alexander’s eyes lit up, immediately intrigued. "Oh? What kind of reward?"

Lily winked mischievously. "A doll!"

Alexander was momentarily stunned. "A doll?"

Lily nodded earnestly. "A real one!"

Alexander’s mind raced, his expression growing serious. "Do you mean... a child?"

Lily giggled, her cheeks turning pink. "That’s right! If you keep up your good work, I’ll reward you with a little one!"

Alexander’s heart skipped a beat. He pulled Lily closer, his voice low and full of emotion. "Darling, are you serious?"

Lily nodded shyly, her eyes sparkling. "Of course I’m serious. But you’ll have to earn it!"

Alexander grinned, his gaze burning with determination. "Then I’ll do my very best, every single day!"

Lily burst out laughing, her joy infectious. In that moment, the world outside faded away, leaving only the two of them, wrapped in warmth and laughter.