The hospital room was quiet, save for the soft hum of machines and the occasional cooing of a newborn. Aurora sat propped up against a mountain of pillows, her baby resting peacefully in her arms. Mark sat at the edge of the bed, unable to take his eyes off the two most important people in his life.
The doctor entered, clipboard in hand and a thoughtful look on her face. Aurora and Mark straightened instantly.
"How are you feeling, Mrs. Wilson?" the doctor asked gently. Tired," Aurora replied truthfully, her fingers brushing her baby's cheek. "But good. Grateful."
The doctor smiled softly before clearing her throat. "Aurora… I need to discuss something important. Due to the complications during delivery and your medical history… I'm afraid you won't be able to conceive again." The words landed like a punch in Aurora's chest. Mark sat up straighter, gripping her hand tightly.
"You're saying… I won't be able to carry another child?" Aurora asked, her voice trembling. "I'm afraid so,even this baby you just had was a miracle I believe. Your body has gone through a lot leukemia, the chemotherapy, and now this high-risk pregnancy. Your uterus is too weak to sustain another."
Aurora stared down at her baby, her vision blurring. For a moment, there was silence.
Then she whispered, "It's okay." Mark turned to her, shocked. "Aurora—"
She looked up at him, tears clinging to her lashes. "We have her. She's our miracle. They called me barren… for years. But I have her. And that tag is gone. That's enough for me."
Mark nodded, leaning forward to kiss her hand. "You're right. She's more than enough. She's everything."
Just then, a small knock on the door interrupted the heavy moment. Maxwell walked in, holding his four-year-old son Jaiden by the hand.
"Look who begged to come see his new cousin," Maxwell said with a grin. Jaiden skipped over to the bed, eyes wide with wonder. "She's tiny," he whispered, peeking at the baby in Aurora's arms.
Aurora smiled. "Her name hasn't been announced yet." Mark cleared his throat. "Actually, I've been thinking about that. Aurora, would you be okay if we named her… Arlie Maddison Wilson?" Aurora blinked, surprised. "Arlie?"
"I wanted her name to feel soft and strong at the same time," Mark said. "And Maddison… because it means 'child of a strong warrior.' Like her mother."
Aurora's lips parted in awe. "Mark… I love it. Arlie Maddison Wilson it is."Jaiden suddenly piped up. "I'm going to marry Arlie when I grow up!" The entire room erupted in laughter.
"Oh really?" Maxwell raised an eyebrow. "You want to marry her already?" She's pretty!" Jaiden defended himself, grinning.
As the laughter faded, Mark's phone buzzed. It was a video call from Daisy and Jeffery.
Perfect timing," Mark said, answering the call and turning the phone so they could see Arlie.
"Awwww!" Daisy squealed. "She's gorgeous! Aurora, you did it!" Aurora smiled. "Thanks, Daisy. And congratulations to you too. We heard about little Mia." Jeffery chimed in proudly, "Our four-month-old diva. And now she has a little cousin-sister. Mia and Arlie sounds like trouble already."
Mark laughed. "Family gatherings are going to be wild." We'll visit soon," Daisy promised.
Once the call ended, Aurora leaned back into the pillows, cradling Arlie as if the world outside didn't matter.
A few days later, after careful monitoring, Aurora was discharged from the hospital. But instead of heading straight to her home with Mark, she moved into the Riverson mansion for postpartum recovery.
Gianna took over like a royal general.
"Don't you dare lift a finger, Aurora," she scolded lovingly. "Your job is to breastfeed, sleep, and be pampered." Aurora laughed as her mother practically snatched Arlie out of her arms to rock her. "Yes, ma'am."
William beamed every time he entered the room, already calling Arlie his "Little Heiress."
When the time finally came for her to move in with Mark, the entire Riverson mansion assembled at the gate to see her off. Kim kissed her granddaughter's forehead, whispering blessings. William helped load the baby items himself.
Back at Mark's estate, Richard had prepared a grand welcome. The gates were decorated with white ribbons and flower petals. Staff stood in line, clapping and cheering as the car pulled in.
"Welcome home, Madam Wilson!" they all chanted. Aurora stepped out, stunned.
"Mark," she whispered, her voice cracking. "This is too much…" Mark lifted Arlie from the car seat and held her gently. "You both deserve the world."
Richard opened the front door. "The nursery is ready. Would you like me to take your things upstairs?" Aurora smiled through tears. "Thank you, Richard."
Later that night, as Aurora rocked Arlie to sleep in the nursery, Mark stood at the doorway, watching his wife and daughter
his whole world bathed in moonlight. She turned to him, whispering, "Come here."
He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around both of them. And in that moment, beneath the soft glow of stars and the heartbeat of their new life, there was peace.