Thor’s phone buzzed insistently on the nightstand, shattering the morning silence. He opened his eyes slowly, still groggy, and answered without checking the screen. On the other end, Letícia’s hurried voice came through loud and clear.

“Thor, Isabela’s awake… and she’s asking for you.”

He rubbed his face, took a deep breath, and replied,

“I’m on my way to the hospital.” Then he hung up.

Beside him, Celina slept soundly, lost in a peaceful dream. Thor got up carefully, not wanting to wake her. He headed to the bathroom, brushed his teeth, shaved, and stepped into the shower. When he came out, a towel wrapped around his waist and his hair still damp, his gaze fell on her. She was lying on her side, the light sheet tracing the outline of her curves. Beautiful. Desirable. Irresistible.

Smiling, he grabbed his phone and, as quietly as possible, snapped a picture of her. Then he went to the closet, dressed with his usual elegance, and returned to the bedroom. Leaning over her, he began to