Chapter 290: The Arrival of a New Life ( 290 )

Words : 1138 Updated : Oct 11th, 2025

Chapter 290: The Arrival of a New Life ( 290 ) Several months later. Haruki’s phone rang just as he was leaving the conference room, his notebook still tucked under his arm. The name flashing across the screen made his heart skip—Mrs. Hanako. Kyouko’s mother. He answered in a rush. "Mother?" Her voice was urgent, though tinged with warmth. "Haruki, your wife is now at the hospital~" Haruki froze in the hallway. "The hospital? What happened?!" "Calm down, boy. The baby is coming. It’s time." The words sank in, and Haruki’s chest tightened. Relief. Fear. Overwhelming joy. He had just sent Kyouko to her parents’ house this very morning, worrying she might feel lonely in the seaside home while he was stuck at the Okinawa branch meeting. And now...she was about to give birth. Haruki didn’t waste a second. He turned, bowing quickly to Mr. Yamashita and the branch managers who had followed him into the corridor. "I’m sorry—I need to go. My wife... she’s at the hospital." Yamashita blinked, then his serious face softened. "Go. A meeting can wait. A new life cannot. We’ll handle the rest here." Haruki bowed deeply. "Thank you, sir." He was already running before the words had fully left his lips. His polished shoes echoed through the lobby, his tie loosening as he pushed out into the sunlight. His driver was waiting by the curb. "Hospital. Now," "Yes, sir!" The car move through Okinawa’s roads. Haruki mind raced with images: Kyouko’s smile that morning, the way she rested her hand over her belly protectively as he kissed her cheek before leaving. Once he arrived, Haruki move to the hospital’s glass doors and strode quickly toward the reception counter. His chest was tight, his voice steady but urgent. "Hello... my wife, Nakagawa Kyouko, was just admitted," he said, gripping the edge of the counter. The nurse looked up. "Please wait a moment, sir. I will check." "...Okay." Haruki exhaled, trying to keep calm. The nurse tapped into the computer system, scanning through the records. After a moment, she looked back at him and said calmly, "She’s on the third floor, delivery ward." Haruki’s lips curved into a grateful smile. "Thank you." He turned, walking briskly toward the elevators. The hallway lights reflected off the polished floor, and his steps echoed as he pressed the button and waited. The metal doors slid shut behind another patient, leaving him alone for a moment. He stood tall, trying to steady his breathing, then allowed a small smile to break through. Inside his mind, his thoughts were clear, almost trembling with joy. Kyouko will soon give birth... to my child. Our child. Our first child. When he reached the floor, the elevator doors slid open. Haruki stepped out, his steps quick but hesitant, until his eyes landed on Mrs. Hanako standing in the corridor. Beside her were Mr. Kitayama, Kenji, and Hitomi, all waiting quietly outside the delivery room. "Oh~ here comes the father~" Hanako teased, her lips curling into a knowing smile. "M...mother..." Haruki scratched his cheek, his nerves written all over his face. "She’s inside," Hanako reassured gently. Then, noticing how his eyes flicked worriedly toward the closed doors, she chuckled softly. "Calm down, big boy... this isn’t her first time giving birth. Ah well~ her second time, since her daughter Satomi was once your wife before~" Her voice carried a playful lilt. Haruki let out a small, embarrassed chuckle. "Mother~..." "Well... sit down and chill out. I know this is your first child," Hanako continued, her teasing tone light but comforting. Haruki glanced at the chairs along the corridor, but his legs felt too restless to settle. He stood, fingers tightening around the strap of his watch, his heartbeat loud in his chest. Mr. Kitayama just grunted, folding his arms across his chest. "Hmph. Who would’ve thought I’d be expecting a grandchild from Kyouko at this age..." he muttered, his voice low and calm, though the hint of a smile tugged at his lips. Hanako glanced at him, her eyes softening with amusement. Inside, her thoughts bloomed warmly. Ah, this husband of mine. Always pretending to be strict, serious as usual. But I know... he’s too excited. Getting a grandchild from his eldest daughter, especially at her age, it makes him happier than he’ll ever admit. She reached over, gently patting his arm. Kitayama cleared his throat, looking away as if embarrassed to be caught showing even a sliver of softness. Kenji just smirked from his seat, leaning back with his arms crossed as if he had been expecting this all along. Beside him, Hitomi watched quietly, her expression calm but her lips curving into the faintest smile. Hanako’s gaze shifted back to Haruki. She couldn’t help but smile wider at the sight, her son-in-law, usually so composed and reliable, now nervous and fidgeting like a schoolboy caught waiting outside a classroom. His fingers tapped lightly against his thigh, his weight shifting from one foot to the other. "Ahh... so restless," Hanako teased softly, shaking her head. "He’s more nervous than Kyouko herself must be right now." The door to the delivery ward opened, and a doctor stepped out with a nurse at his side. Both wore calm expressions, but Haruki still felt his chest tighten as he rushed a step forward. "Doctor—my wife, Kyouko... how is she?" Haruki asked, his voice strained with worry. The doctor gave a small nod, his tone professional but reassuring. "She’s doing fine. The delivery went smoothly. Both mother and child are healthy." Haruki’s breath left him in a sharp rush of relief. The nurse beside the doctor smiled warmly. "The baby is being cleaned and checked right now. Once that’s finished, we’ll bring the child to Kyouko, and you may see them both." Hanako clapped her hands together softly, eyes shimmering. "Ahh... wonderful news~" Kitayama gave another quiet grunt, though this time his lips twitched into the faintest smile. Kenji smirked again, elbowing Haruki lightly. "Now the real work begins, Father." Kitayama finally smirked, his usual stern expression cracking just enough to reveal the excitement beneath. "Alright!" he said firmly, his voice echoing in the corridor. "After Kyouko gets out of the hospital...Haruki! Kenji! We’re going to celebrate by drinking the whole night!" Kenji chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Now that, I’ll gladly join." Haruki scratched the back of his neck, still flushed from nerves. "F-father... you’re already planning a drinking party?" Hanako chuckled softly, covering her mouth with one hand. "That’s your father-in-law for you. Always acting so serious... but when he’s happy, he drinks like a young man again." Kitayama gave a proud snort, puffing his chest slightly. "Hmph. And this time, we’re drinking for my eldest daughter, for my new grandchild, and for you, Haruki. So you’d better keep up." ( End Of Chapter )

Chapter 290: The Arrival of a New Life ( 290 )

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