Her Return, His Regret

"What are your plans for the new year?" Ryan asked Lora on their way to the Kingsley mansion.

Lora smiled and replied, "I would be lying if I said I have any plans. Of course, I would like to take Davis & Co, to greater heights and create a new line of designs, however that's not new. I've always had this plan." "That's true," Ryan agreed.

"Well, I hope the new year is filled with happiness. 20## was filled with so many ups and downs but I'm not complaining. It brought me back to you. I thought we would never be together again but this year, fate brought us together again and gave us more blessings than we could ask for," Lora answered.

Ryan smiled, happiness gleaming through his eyes. He replied, "This has been the best year of my life. I found out I was a father to two adorable children. I got to remarry the woman of my dreams and I knocked her up. What more can I ask for?" "So, no plans for next year?" Lora asked playfully.

"Oh, I have lots. I want us to travel more and hang out with the kids and our family. For 20##, I want to get closer to our loved ones. No one knows tomorrow, so let's make the most of today. I never thought I would get to this new year, so I would like to spend my life with everyone who matters," Ryan replied, turning to give Lora a warm smile.

"Daddy, aren't you going to ask us our plans for the new year?" Ella suddenly asked, making Lora and Ryan chuckle.

Ryan looked through the rearview mirror and said, "Ella and Ethan, what are your plans for the new year?"

Ella cleared her throat and began, "I have a lot of plans. I want to play with my baby sister and brother. I want to go to the theme park with Mommy and Daddy. I want to eat lots of delicious food and have a lot of ice cream. I also want to go on many family trips and have girls' time with Mommy and my baby sister... Um... let me remember my other plans, I'll let you know."

Ryan chuckled. He looked at Ethan and asked, "What about you, buddy?"

"I want to continue learning coding with Uncle Aiden," Ethan replied. "That's all."

"Oh, I see... my son is into the serious stuff," Ryan remarked. He suddenly recalled something and asked, "Wait a minute... Does your coding have anything to do with my missing bitcoins some months ago?"

Ethan suddenly looked guilty and averted his father's gaze, saying, "I don't know what you're talking about."

Lora frowned and asked, "What missing bitcoins?"

Ryan laughed and replied, "It's not a big issue. Someone wanted to avenge you and had my bitcoins transferred from my portfolio."

He looked through the rearview mirror and remarked, "Now I know who it was."

A few minutes later, the family of four arrived at the Kingsley mansion where everyone was meeting for a New Year's Eve dinner celebration.

The Kingsley mansion was adorned with sparkling lights and colourful festive decorations. When Ryan and his family walked in, they found everyone already there. Charles, Miles, Isabella, Jason, Diane and the Davis family except for Aiden who was abroad. He had travelled weeks ago to settle an issue abroad and he was yet to return.

As for Adan Nicholson and Bianca Jones, they both spent the night with their respective families.

"Finally, you guys are always late. This is what happened during our Christmas dinner as well... you came late," Diane complained.

"You can't blame us, Diane... my wife is very pregnant," Ryan replied.

"It's ok... we can wait for hours. Lora is carrying twins... she deserves to be waited for like a Queen," Charles remarked. He got to his feet and said, "Since everyone is here, let's eat."

The family settled around the long table that was laden with a scrumptious meal. They began to have their meals, the atmosphere filled with happiness.

Towards the end of their dinner, Charles raised his glass of champagne and exclaimed, "As the oldest here, I have nothing much to say but, thank everyone here for being there for one another in this year that will be ending in a few hours. I was humbled by the togetherness we showed when we faced trying moments. Let's continue with the same spirit in the new year." "To a happy new year!" Charles' voice was filled with warmth.

"To new beginnings," Jason remarked, raising his glass and clinked it with everyone's.

They all cheered and toasted to the end of an eventful year and the hope for a better and brighter future.

As everyone continued to chat, Diane leaned over to Lora and remarked, "Girl, you're glowing. What's your secret?"

Lora smiled. She looked at her sister-in-law and replied, "I'm happy. Happiness makes me glow..."

"What is it?" Diane asked when Lora trailed, her eyes widening.

Ryan quickly glanced at his wife, a flicker of worry crossing his face. He asked, "Are you ok, honey?"

Lora grabbed Ryan's arm and calmly replied, "I think my water just broke."

The room fell silent as Lora's words sank in.

A few seconds later, Ryan came back to his senses and exclaimed, "What? It's not yet time!"

"I know but I'm carrying twins. Sometimes they get born prematurely," Lora replied.

The rest had their eyes rounded in shock.

Freya and Diane got to their feet.

"Alright everyone, no need to panic" Freya said. She rushed towards Lora and asked, "Sweetheart, take a deep breath. How do you feel? Have the contractions begun?"

Lora shook her head, saying, "Not yet but-Ah!"

"Ok, they just started! Let's go to the hospital!"

Ryan was frozen in his seat. He looked at his family and asked, "What should I do? Lora's hospital bag is back at our home."

"The bag is in the car. I always carry it just in case," Lora replied through gritted teeth.

"Ryan, why are you unable to move? Get the car ready, YOUR WIFE IS IN LABOUR!" Diane yelled at her brother and that was when Ryan came back to his senses.

He quickly got up and rushednovelbin

outside and arranged for a convoy of cars to take them to the hospital, knowing his family would want to follow. He also called the road traffic agency to help clear the road for VIP driving. He didn't want any obstacles on the road.

Ryan ran back into the house and carried his wife. He whispered, "It's going to be ok. I'm here and I'll not leave your side."

A few minutes later, the whole family arrived at the hospital and Lora suddenly clutched Ryan's shirt, screaming, "Hurry, the baby is coming, I can feel it!"

Hearing this, Ryan rushed towards the maternity VIP ward like a madman. The moment he placed Lora on the bed, she spread her legs while the doctor was making preps. "There's no time for that, the baby is out already!" She yelled.

Ryan noticed that it would take long for the doctor to reach Lora, so he put on gloves and stood in front of her, placing his hands near her core

just as a baby landed in his armis

and a sharp cry echoed in the ward.