The Royal Contract

When he first married Dani, he knew he was the luckiest man alive because she fell in love with him and decided to spend the rest of her life with him.

But now, looking at the mother and child before him. He felt complete. Like he could die any minute now as the happiest man alive. His wife gave him the greatest treasure he could receive in this world, Ares, his son.

“I am so happy for you,” Alex heard his bestfriend speak behind him. Then, he felt his hand tap him on the shoulder as he joined him in watching their wives play with his child.

“Thanks, Marcus.” He turned to his friend, raising his glass to his friend. “I appreciate that.” He could tell that his friend might be a little envious of him having a child, but he still showed his support despite it.

He could not blame him since he almost had one if not for the accident. But he still hoped they would have one eventually when Jacky recovered from the loss.

“Ares is a great name, and adding Ethan’s name is perfect,” Marcus commented as they continued their conversation.

“I also think so.” Alex agreed, amused at how his son seemed to respond to his name when someone called him.

“I also think it is a great name.” His father seconded as he joined them together with some of their friends and relatives.

.....

Then, he handed them a glass of the best scotch in his collection, giving everyone a toast. “It is a tradition in our country to honor the arrival of our next heir.” His father stated, raising his glass in the air.

“This is to my son for becoming a Dad. I hope he will be a better father than I have been to him.” Duke Frederick clinked his glass with him and then toward all the men gathering around them.

He knew it was his turn to raise his glass and make a toast based on their tradition. “You certainly raised the bar if I had to beat you, Dad.” He said first, raising his glass to him.

“But this is to welcome my son into our family.” He pointed his glass to his son, which Dani proudly showed to their guests. “I only wished for him to follow his dreams wherever it would lead him.”

He looked at his father, thankful that he let him follow his heart rather than their tradition. Then, he raised his glass to everyone and drank its entire content.

Then, everyone congratulated him and his wife for finally having a child and building a family. It was the start for sure because he still intended to have more. But, of course, if that was also what Dani wanted.

Moreover, he also had to consider the difficulty his wife had gone through, not only during the pregnancy but the labor itself. He would not wish for another child if he would risk her life in the process.

The mini-celebration continued as a few more of their friends arrived to join the celebration. But there was something else that bothered him despite the festivity.

“Do you know anything that was happening with David?” He finally asked Marcus when they were alone, remembering the unusual phone call he had received from him. “Or with Rosella?”

Alex knew that his girlfriend was still in a coma. With Dani’s condition, he did not have time to visit his friend more often to show his support. But he believed his friend understood his situation.

Still, he could not help but wonder what made him rush to his party, knowing that he was busy at work and taking care of Rosella. He could not imagine the effort he had made to balance everything between the two and manage to keep himself sane.

He still recalled what it was like when he could not do anything every time Dani was in the hospital fighting for her life. There had been a few times now, and just recently, as she risked her life for their child.

“Nothing new. I know that Rosella still has no changes in her condition.” Marcus informed him, seemingly puzzled by his question. “Why?”

“It could be nothing, but he called earlier and sounded odd.” He could not explain it since he had no clue. “But he is on his way here to tell me more.”

He checked his watch, wondering what was taking him this long. He said an hour, but it was way past that. Still, he was just anxious. His friend was just a few minutes late. Besides, he might be in traffic or had taken long on his other errand.

Otherwise, he had no choice but to wait. He would know more if it was a problem once his friend had arrived. Until then, he would enjoy this moment with his son.

“I am sure it is nothing. Maybe some issue with the business.” Marcus assured him. It might be nothing serious, but some business matters since David handled many of their contracts.

He hoped it was the case. He did not mind losing millions as long as nothing terrible happened to any of his family members, that included his friends.

His eyes quickly shifted to his wife and their child as Dani proudly shared her experience with childbirth with their mothers. It was an experience he believed would forever be ingrained in his mind.

He was slightly surprised to see Jacky looking animated with her stories. It seemed that she was taking Dani’s childbirth quite well. It was not exactly what he had expected.

“Hey, Marcus. I am glad that Jacky seems to be getting better and better.” Alex commented as he watched his wife happily discuss babies with her friend.

“I am, too,” Marcus responded with a wide grin. “‘She is getting better.” He added as he took a sip of his freshly filled drink. “And we are trying again to have a baby.” He raised his glass to him with a satisfied smile.

“So, wipe that smug look on your face because soon, I will have a child of my own.” Marcus seriously said with a satisfied smile on his lips. “And our children will be playing together.”

That was a nice thought, he agreed. “Then, let me be the first to congratulate you. Because I know you will also be a great father.” Alex could not be happier for his friend, raising his glass to him.

Everybody earned the right to bring life to this world, and he believed his friend deserved to have a child. He might start a bit off with his relationships, but he had managed to turn his life around.

His friend changed into a better man, all because of one incredible woman who had managed to tame his heart from his wild womanizing days.

“But if we are not fortunate to have one, I am still lucky to have Jacky in my life.” Marcus clinked his glass with him as they watched their wives’ happy faces.

He could not agree with him more. Fate could be cruel sometimes.

Then, his gaze returned to his wife and his son. He knew he did not want anything to ruin the smile that covered his wife’s face. She looked even more beautiful with a child in her arms.

If only he could always protect her and their child, he would. But sadly, he was just a man. He had no control over fate.