He Wouldn't Claim Me — Another Man Did

Chapter 185 - 171: The Grand Finale

Isla returned home, still thinking about Silas Lockwood and Luna Langley.

"Honey, I think the way my brother and Luna interact is so sweet. Did you notice?"

"You’re right. They don’t seem like a couple in an arranged marriage at all."

Most arranged marriages, even if the couple doesn’t have a falling-out, are usually limited to maintaining a veneer of polite respect. But with Silas Lockwood and Luna Langley, their love for each other practically spills out of their eyes, even without a word being said.

"Looks like you were right. My brother got really lucky. Even though their marriage started as an arrangement, he found true love."

"He did." Shane Sterling wrapped an arm around Isla’s shoulder. "Alright, let’s not worry about them anymore. I’ve run you a bath. Go on and get ready."

"Okay."

Ever since entering her third trimester, Isla’s legs and feet had started to swell, so Shane would give her a massage every day after her bath.

"What do you want for breakfast tomorrow?" Shane asked as he massaged her legs.

"We just finished dinner, and you’re already asking me about breakfast. I can’t possibly decide right now."

"I’m just worried you’ll be hungry the moment you wake up." Shane’s top priority every day was attending to Isla’s every need. "You mentioned wanting pancakes and a milkshake before. I’ll have those ready for you tomorrow morning, and if you wake up craving something else, I’ll just have the kitchen make it for you then. How does that sound?"

"Okay."

Shane paused the massage to text the chef.

"The studio’s been so busy lately." Isla gently stroked her belly. "I can’t wait for the baby to arrive so I can get back to work."

"Just two more months. We’re almost there. Just hang in a little longer," Shane soothed. "Once the baby is born, I’ll spend more time taking care of them. You can focus on doing what you love without any worries."

"Really?"

"Of course."

"You’d better think about that carefully. I don’t make nearly as much as you."

"I already have." Shane lovingly stroked her hair. "You’re the one who endured the hardship of pregnancy. Let me take care of everything from now on."

"It’s a deal, then. You can’t take it back."

"It’s a deal. I’ll never take it back."

「Two months later.」 Isla had a full-term, natural birth, bringing a daughter into the world. They named her Elena Sterling, with the nickname Felicity.

After Felicity was born, Shane, true to his word, began to reduce his workload and business trips, spending most of his time with his daughter.

With Shane taking care of things at home, Isla was able to focus on pursuing her dreams again. However, a woman’s physical recovery after childbirth is an immense, complex, and challenging process, especially for a dancer like Isla.

Only Isla herself knew the true hardship and heartache she endured during that time.

His heart ached for his wife, so Shane publicly announced that they would not be having a second child.

For the head of a massive enterprise like Sterling Group to have only one daughter inevitably sparked some criticism, but Shane paid no mind to the gossip. He even went so far as to get a vasectomy in secret, without telling Isla.

By the time Isla found out, Felicity was already a year old.

Throughout that year, Shane had continued to use a condom every time they were intimate.

When Isla asked him why, he said he refused to allow even the slightest possibility of her getting pregnant again.

"You really won’t regret this?"

"Why would I regret it?" Shane held Isla in one arm and their precious Felicity in the other. "Everyone’s definition of happiness is different. Some people think it’s about having both sons and daughters, others find peace and freedom in being alone. For me, having you and Felicity is more than enough."

’That’s right,’ Isla thought. ’In this world, everyone has their own recipe for happiness. As long as we feel fulfilled and joyful in our hearts and live our lives freely, we don’t need to measure our happiness against some conventional framework.’

[The End]

They are very happy. I hope that you who are reading this, are as well.