Scarlett averted her gaze and lowered her head before continuing her words, "Xander, I have been taking contraceptive pills without your knowledge. I'm sorry for not telling you..."

Not receiving a response from Xander left Scarlett feeling confused.

'Is he so angry that he can't even speak?' Scarlett wondered. Slowly lifting her head, she was surprised to see Xander's calm and content gaze. And there's a loving smile framed on his face. 

"Why are you smiling?" she asked, perplexed. "Shouldn't you be angry?"

"Why should I be angry with you?" Xander asked, gently holding her chin. He leaned in, capturing her lips in a deep kiss, not giving her a chance to speak.

After their lips parted, Xander kissed her forehead tenderly before continuing, "I knew you were taking those pills. But it doesn't bother me. I understand that we're not ready to have a child. You're busy with your work, and so am I..."

Scarlett was speechless. She never expected that Xander had known all along and was completely fine with it.

"But Xander, I heard from Aunt Martha that Grandpa Riley is pressuring you to have a child," she said, her voice filled with concern.

Scarlett smiled slightly after hearing Xander's words. "Babe, don't mind the old man. If he wants a great-grandson quickly, he can ask his other grandson Carter!"

"Xander, I'm being serious," Scarlett replied, shaking her head slowly.

"I'm serious too. No one can force us to have children. We will have children when we are ready."

"I know," Scarlett said, understanding his concern. "But somehow, I'm afraid that I won't be able to get pregnant..." She feels worried.

"Babe, trust your husband!" Xander placed his hand on her shoulder, and as their eyes met, he continued, "I will make you pregnant!"

Scarlett blushed, feeling a mix of emotions.

****

Scarlett was hit by jet lag on their first day in M Country. She spent the entire day in bed, feeling exhausted and sleepy.

Fortunately, Xander was considerate enough to let her sleep undisturbed.

She finally woke up as night fell and prepared to welcome their first guests in their new home. They had invited Theodor along with Cruz, her assistant. Logan and Xander's assistant would also join them for the family dinner.

The first day they arrived in M Country, jet lag hit Scarlett. She spent all day in bed, feeling tired and sleepy.

Luckily Xander was kind enough to let her sleep all day without disturbing her.

"My beautiful wife, how are you?" Xander entered the room. He happily smiled as he saw Scarlett finally waking up from her sleep. Throughout the afternoon, he had checked her condition several times, but she was sleeping so soundly that he couldn't bring himself to wake her up.

"I feel refreshed now!" Scarlett smiled as she got out of bed and walked into the bathroom. "Are they here yet?" she asked before washing her face.

"Yes, they're already in the backyard." Xander followed her to the bathroom, standing by the door as he watched her freshen up. "We're having a barbecue tonight..."

"Oh, really?" Scarlett's eyes lit up at the thought of grilling some meat.

"Yes! Let's go. We're just waiting for you to start."

Scarlett wasted no time. She quickly put on her warm clothes—a blue tracksuit and a long black coat—and followed Xander to the outdoor backyard.

...

The night was dark, but not pitch black,  thanks to the illuminating glow of the full moon that bestowed a breathtaking beauty upon the surroundings.

Scarlett saw Theodor and the others engrossed in conversation while enjoying their drinks near the lake. A bonfire flickered in front of them, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.

"Sorry if I'm late," Scarlett apologized as she joined them, finding an empty seat. Xander sat down beside her and silently nodded to Theodor and the others.

"Sister-in-law, you're not late. We came too early!" Theodor said, raising his beer can for a toast. 

Scarlett didn't have the urge to drink beer at the moment, especially after her conversation with Xander about starting to have a child. It was clear that from now on her chances of consuming alcohol were zero.

Scarlett grabbed a bottle of mineral water at the table beside her and raised it to toast with Theodor.

"Alright, let's get started," Theodor said, gesturing to a few chefs standing nearby to begin grilling the meat.

Scarlett was surprised. She had expected them to do the grilling themselves, but the chefs and kitchen staff seemed to be handling it instead.

Xander could only smirk at Theodor, who was acting like he owned the place. However, he didn't stop him. He ignored him and glanced at his wife.

"Baby, are you feeling cold?" Xander asked, concerned about the temperature in the area and its possible discomfort.

"No, I'm fine. This is warm enough for me," she reassured him with a smile.

"That's good!" Xander exclaimed, joining the others in discussing the upcoming royal festival to celebrate the king's birthday, which would be held next week.

Scarlett listened attentively, feeling curious. It was the first time she had heard of such a festival, and she couldn't help but feel excited about the opportunity to experience it firsthand instead of just watching it on television.

"Sister-in-law, I will invite you to the King's Birthday dinner party," Theodor said.

Surprised, Scarlett voiced her concern, "Theo, isn't it usually an event for important people and noble families?"

Theodor smiled reassuring her, "You're right. However, to me, both you and Xander are special and important. That's why I want you guys to come."

Scarlett glanced at Xander, seeking his opinion. "Should we go?"

Xander looked at her, knowing that she wasn't particularly fond of parties. "Do you want to go?" he asked, considering her preferences before deciding.

After thinking for a moment, Scarlett shook her head. "I don't think it's necessary. We can simply watch the celebration on television," she answered casually. 

"Huh!? Why, Sister?" There's a disappointment flash through Theodor's eyes.

"Perhaps another time, Theo," Scarlett replied, smiling apologetically.