Born into the De Cruz family, Isabella De Cruz had never known a world without love.

From the moment she came into their lives, she had been treated not merely as a daughter, niece, or granddaughter, but as the very heart of the family.

Bella, as everyone lovingly called her, was the precious child of one of the most powerful and wealthy families in Italy. The De Cruz name carried influence, respect, and a reputation that few dared challenge. Their wealth could buy almost anything money could offer, but none of it mattered as much to them as the little girl who had unknowingly captured every heart in the family.

As the years passed, the little girl grew into a stunning young woman.

And that was when the family's happiness slowly became their greatest source of worry.

Bella possessed the distinctive features that had long been associated with the De Cruz bloodline. Her unusual silver hair fell like silk around her shoulders, a rare trait that immediately drew attention wherever she went. But it was her emerald-green eyes that truly made her unforgettable.

Those eyes were the unmistakable symbol of the De Cruz family.

Beautiful.

Rare.

And impossible to hide.

Unfortunately, the family soon realized that beauty came with its own dangers.

Especially when the person possessing it was Bella.

Her father, Diego De Cruz, the youngest son of the family, had always been hopelessly devoted to his daughter. From the moment he had first held her in his arms, something inside him had changed. The ruthless businessman who could negotiate with anyone without blinking had become completely powerless whenever Bella smiled at him.

To Diego, Bella was not simply his daughter.

She was his entire world.

And because she was his entire world, he became painfully overprotective.

When Bella reached school age, Diego refused to send her to a normal school.

Absolutely refused.

He had come up with countless reasons.

Security concerns.

Privacy.

The dangers of strangers.

The possibility of someone approaching her.

But everyone in the family knew the real reason.

Diego simply couldn't bear the thought of letting his precious daughter out of his sight.

Rose De Cruz, Bella's mother, wasn't much better.

Despite being considerably more sensible than her husband, Rose couldn't bring herself to stay away from Bella for long either. She had spent years caring for her daughter, cherishing every little moment, and the thought of Bella growing up somewhere far from home made her heart ache.

Then there was Diablo De Cruz.

Diego's identical twin brother.

If Diego was Bella's father, Diablo had somehow managed to become her second father without ever officially earning the title.

He spoiled her shamelessly.

Whatever Bella wanted, Diablo wanted to give her.

Whatever made Bella happy, Diablo considered important.

And when the subject of marriage was brought up, Diablo had an answer that had become almost legendary within the family.

He didn't want to get married.

Why?

Because he wanted to stay and look after Bella.

He claimed that marriage would only distract him from his responsibilities.

Everyone knew what those "responsibilities" were.

Bella.

Charles De Cruz, the eldest of the three brothers, loved Bella just as fiercely—but unlike his younger brothers, he possessed at least a small amount of common sense.

At least, that was what he liked to believe.

Charles could be strict with Bella when necessary. He was the one who reminded everyone that she needed boundaries, discipline, and the opportunity to grow into her own person.

Of course, his stern lectures rarely lasted very long.

One smile from Bella was usually enough to destroy whatever authority he had been attempting to establish.

His wife, Erica De Cruz, was therefore the only person capable of maintaining order inside the household.

She was sensible, patient, and practical.

More importantly, Erica knew exactly how to handle the four overprotective men surrounding Bella.

She often referred to them collectively as her "doting fools."

And sometimes, when the situation became particularly chaotic, she jokingly called herself the ringmaster of a very expensive circus.

Then there were Charles and Erica's sons, Arden and Ardian.

To Bella, they were her older brothers in everything except blood between siblings.

The two brothers doted on their only sister shamelessly. They teased her, protected her, spoiled her, and stood ready to defend her from anyone who dared upset her.

Between her parents, two uncles, aunt, and cousins, Bella had somehow acquired an entire army of people determined to protect her.

The entire family's heart revolved around one girl.

Bella De Cruz.

Their precious flower.

Their greatest treasure.

And, unknowingly, their greatest weakness.

The De Cruz family believed that if they kept Bella surrounded by love and protected her from the outside world, nothing could ever hurt her.

They wanted to keep her safe inside their metaphorical greenhouse, just like a delicate flower.

They thought the walls they had built around her would protect her from every storm life could bring.

They were wrong.

Because while the De Cruz family was busy protecting Bella from a world they considered dangerous, an unwanted storm was already gathering on the horizon.

A storm powerful enough to shake everything they had built.

A storm that would not care about their wealth.

Their influence.

Their name.

Or the army of men standing between Bella and danger.

The richest family in Italy had spent years believing that they could control everything around them.

They had no idea that fate was about to prove them wrong.

And when that storm finally arrived...

It would not knock politely on their door.

It would tear it down.

The precious child who would one day become the center of the entire De Cruz family had almost never been born.

In fact, there had been a time when Diego De Cruz had been prepared to make the most painful decision of his life.

It wasn't because he didn't want a child.

It was because he loved his wife too much to risk losing her.

Rose De Cruz had always been physically fragile. Even before their marriage, doctors had warned her that pregnancy could be extremely dangerous for her.

She had been told there was a very high possibility that she might never be able to carry a child safely.

Nearly seventy-five percent.

The odds had been terrifying.

But Diego hadn't cared.

The De Cruz family already had heirs. There was no pressure on him to produce another generation. No one could accuse the family of lacking successors.

And if having a child meant risking Rose's life, Diego wanted nothing to do with it.

There was only one problem.

Rose had always dreamed of becoming a mother.

It wasn't an ordinary wish she could simply forget.

She wanted to experience the joy of carrying a child, holding her baby in her arms, hearing that tiny voice call her Mama. She wanted to know what it felt like to nurture another life.

Diego knew that.

He had known for years.

But whenever Rose spoke about motherhood, he deliberately pretended not to notice how much it meant to her.

He changed the subject.

He distracted her.

He smiled and kissed her forehead.

Because admitting the truth meant admitting that he might have to choose between his wife's dream and her life.

And Diego had already made his choice.

If forced to choose, he would choose Rose.

Every single time.

Then, against every expectation, Rose became pregnant.

The news left the entire De Cruz family speechless.

For several moments, Diego simply stared at the pregnancy test in Rose's trembling hands.

Pregnant.

His wife was pregnant.

He was going to be a father.

Yet the first emotion that filled Diego's heart wasn't excitement about becoming a father.

It was relief.

Rose had finally received the one thing she had secretly wished for all these years.

He could still remember the way her eyes had filled with tears when she told him.

She had smiled through them.

"Diego... we're going to have a baby."

He had pulled her into his arms immediately.

"I'm happy for you, amore."

Rose had laughed softly.

"For you?"

Diego had kissed the top of her head.

"For you."

He meant every word.

But their happiness didn't last long before reality caught up with them.

At their first doctor's appointment, Rose sat peacefully in the examination room, her hands resting over her stomach even though there was barely anything to show yet.

She was glowing.

She couldn't stop smiling.

She had spent the entire journey imagining what the doctor would say.

Perhaps everything was perfect.

Perhaps their baby was healthy.

Perhaps, finally, she was going to become a mother without having to fear anything.

Diego, however, was sitting beside her with an uneasiness he couldn't explain.

After the examination, the doctor asked Diego to step outside.

Rose remained inside, unaware of what was happening.

The moment the door closed behind them, the doctor's expression changed.

"Mr. De Cruz," he began carefully, "I need to be completely honest with you."

Diego's stomach tightened.

"What is it?"

The doctor took a breath.

"Your wife's uterus is extremely fragile. There is a very high possibility that she won't be able to carry the baby for very long."

Diego stared at him.

"What are you saying?"

"There is a significant risk of miscarriage."

The words struck him like a physical blow.

"My wife..."

He swallowed.

"She won't be able to handle this news."

"I understand, sir. But you need to know the truth."

The doctor hesitated before continuing.

"There is a procedure that could increase the chances of your wife carrying the pregnancy safely."

Diego immediately looked at him.

"Then do it."

"But..."

The doctor's hesitation made him freeze.

"The procedure itself carries serious risks. Your wife's life could be endangered."

Diego's expression hardened.

"No."

The answer came instantly.

"I don't want to risk my wife's life."

"Sir—"

"My wife is more important than the baby."

His voice left no room for argument.

The doctor lowered his gaze.

"Then, under the circumstances, I would recommend terminating the pregnancy."

Diego closed his eyes.

The thought of Rose suffering terrified him.

"All right," he whispered. "We'll do as you say."

Neither man noticed the figure standing behind the door.

Rose had heard every word.

Her face had gone pale.

For a moment, she simply stood there.

Then—

Bang!

The door slammed open.

Both men turned.

Rose stood there, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Doctor."

Her voice trembled, but there was determination beneath it.

"I want the procedure."

Diego's eyes widened.

"Rose—"

"I want to keep my baby."

She placed one hand protectively over her stomach.

"No matter what."

Diego rushed toward her.

"What if something happens to you?"

His voice cracked.

"What if I lose you?"

Rose looked into his eyes.

"Diego..."

"I will die, Rose."

He wasn't exaggerating.

The thought of living without her was unbearable.

Rose reached for his hand.

"Trust God."

Diego shook his head helplessly.

"You don't understand."

"No," she whispered. "You don't understand."

She placed his hand gently over her stomach.

"If God gave us this gift, then He will protect both me and our baby."

Diego stared at her.

"Rose..."

"I've dreamed of becoming a mother my entire life."

Her voice broke.

"Please don't take that away from me because you're afraid of losing me."

Diego had no answer.

Because he knew her.

He knew that once Rose had made up her mind, there was almost nothing anyone could do to change it.

And so, despite every fear screaming inside him, he finally nodded.

"All right."

The news spread quickly through the family.

Within hours, the De Cruz family had gathered at the hospital.

Everyone prayed.

Everyone waited.

For twelve long hours, the operating-room doors remained closed.

Twelve hours of uncertainty.

Twelve hours during which Diego refused to leave his place outside the operating room.

His hands remained clasped together, his eyes fixed on the closed doors.

Charles stood nearby.

Diablo paced restlessly.

Erica prayed quietly.

Even Arden and Ardian, too young to fully understand what was happening, sat silently beside their family.

Nobody cared about wealth.

Nobody cared about business.

Nobody cared about the De Cruz empire.

At that moment, there were only two lives that mattered.

Rose.

And the tiny child growing inside her.

Finally, after twelve agonizing hours, the operating-room doors opened.

Everyone stood at once.

The doctor stepped outside.

For one terrifying second, nobody dared breathe.

Then the doctor smiled.

"The procedure was successful."

Diego's knees nearly gave way.

"And my wife?"

"She's safe."

His eyes immediately filled with tears.

"And the baby?"

"The baby is safe as well."

A collective breath escaped the family.

For the first time in twelve hours, Diego allowed himself to smile.

The doctor continued.

"With the procedure successfully completed, Mrs. De Cruz should be able to experience a much more comfortable pregnancy from here onward. Of course, she'll need regular monitoring and proper care, but the worst risk has passed."

Diego closed his eyes.

Thank God.

He had almost lost the courage to hope.

But he hadn't.

And neither had Rose.

Months later, the little life they had fought so desperately to protect would finally come into the world.

A little girl.

A daughter.

A child who had survived against the odds.

A child who had been wanted, protected, and prayed for before she had even taken her first breath.

Isabella De Cruz.

The girl who would one day become the heart of the entire De Cruz family.

Their precious Bella.

Rose De Cruz's pregnancy was nothing like anyone had expected.

After everything she had already endured, the family had hoped that the successful procedure would allow her to enjoy a peaceful pregnancy.

They had been wrong.

The first few months were difficult enough, but then the sickness began.

And it refused to leave.

Morning sickness was something everyone had expected. The doctors had warned them that Rose might experience nausea and vomiting during the early stages of pregnancy.

Three months, perhaps.

That was what everyone had prepared themselves for.

But Rose's body seemed determined to challenge every expectation.

Three months passed.

Then four.

Then five.

And somehow, even as she entered her sixth month, the sickness continued.

"How is this even possible?" Diego asked one afternoon, staring at the doctor as though the man had personally offended him.

The doctor sighed.

"Pregnancies don't always follow the textbook, Mr. De Cruz."

"Then perhaps you should write a new textbook."

The doctor blinked.

Rose, despite feeling miserable, couldn't help but laugh weakly.

"Diego."

"What?"

"You can't threaten the doctor because I'm sick."

"I'm not threatening him."

"You absolutely are."

"I'm merely questioning his medical expertise."

The doctor wisely decided not to argue.

The truth was that Diego was terrified.

Rose had always been physically fragile. Now, with the pregnancy draining her strength and the constant vomiting preventing her from keeping food down, she seemed to become more delicate with every passing day.

She had lost weight instead of gaining it.

Her cheeks had become pale.

Even walking across the room sometimes left her exhausted.

To Diego, his wife looked like a glass doll.

Beautiful.

Precious.

And frighteningly fragile.

He was terrified that one wrong move would shatter her.

He couldn't bear watching her suffer.

So Diego did what Diego De Cruz did best whenever something threatened the people he loved.

He took control.

He began searching for solutions everywhere.

Doctors.

Specialists.

Dieticians.

Nutritionists.

Anyone who might have an answer.

He consulted doctors from different hospitals and spoke to specialists who had dealt with difficult pregnancies. He hired dieticians and demanded lists of foods that might be easier for Rose to tolerate.

And when even that wasn't enough, he began visiting restaurants and hotels.

He wanted to know what they served.

What ingredients they used.

What smells might trigger nausea.

What food Rose might possibly tolerate.

At one point, Diablo found his brother sitting in the back of a car with a notebook filled with food names.

"Are you seriously researching restaurants?"

Diego didn't even look up.

"Yes."

"You're the head of one of Italy's most powerful families."

"I know."

"And you're spending your afternoon researching food."

"Yes."

"For your pregnant wife."

Diego finally looked at him.

"Do you have a problem with that?"

Diablo immediately shook his head.

"Absolutely not."

"Good."

Because Diego would have happily continued doing it for the rest of his life if it meant finding something Rose could eat.

Then, one evening, they found it.

Or rather, Rose found it.

It was a dish that looked absolutely terrifying to everyone else.

Rice noodles.

Pork broth.

Pork meat.

A generous amount of mayonnaise.

Peanut sauce.

Mustard.

Chilli oil.

And soy sauce.

The combination produced a pungent smell that filled the room almost immediately.

Diego stared at the bowl.

Then at Rose.

Then back at the bowl.

"You're going to eat that?"

Rose looked at him suspiciously.

"Why?"

"Nothing."

"You made a face."

"I didn't."

"You did."

"I was simply... surprised."

Rose shrugged.

"I want it."

That was all it took.

The bowl was placed in front of her.

Everyone waited.

Diego looked as though he was watching a bomb being defused.

Rose picked up her fork.

She took one bite.

Everyone froze.

She took another.

Then another.

And suddenly—

She began eating.

Not slowly.

Not cautiously.

She devoured it.

Diego stared in disbelief.

Rose finished the entire dish.

For several seconds, nobody said anything.

Then Erica broke the silence.

"She kept it down."

Diego's eyes widened.

"She actually kept it down."

Diablo immediately looked at the empty bowl.

"Should we order another?"

Rose looked up.

"Yes."

Everyone nearly celebrated.

The dish was particularly amusing because Rose normally hated two of its main ingredients.

Pork had never been her favorite.

And she absolutely despised mayonnaise.

Yet somehow, during pregnancy, the combination she would ordinarily refuse had become one of the few things her stomach willingly accepted.

Nobody questioned it.

Nobody cared.

If Rose could eat it, they would have happily served it to her every day.

Unfortunately, that strange craving was only the beginning.

Soon, Rose's appetite became a mystery even the entire De Cruz family couldn't solve.

One day, she wanted chips.

Simple enough.

Diego was relieved.

"Finally. Something normal."

Rose looked at him.

"With salsa."

"Fine."

Then she described the salsa.

Tomatoes.

Cucumber.

Chocolate sauce.

Lime.

Diego stared at her.

"Chocolate sauce?"

Rose nodded.

"With the tomatoes?"

Another nod.

"And lime?"

"Yes."

Diego slowly turned toward Diablo.

"Did you hear that?"

"I did."

"Are you sure?"

"Unfortunately."

Rose rolled her eyes.

"You two are acting like I'm asking for poison."

Erica tried the combination.

She took one bite.

Everyone watched her carefully.

Erica swallowed.

"It's..."

She paused.

"Different."

Nobody dared ask whether that was a compliment.

Rose, meanwhile, happily finished her plate.

And just when everyone thought they had finally adjusted to her strange cravings, she surprised them again.

One afternoon, she suddenly announced that she wanted strawberries.

Diego practically smiled with relief.

"Strawberries. Good."

"And chocolate fudge."

"Also good."

"And lime soda."

Diego's smile disappeared.

"Together?"

Rose nodded.

"And I want the strawberries dipped in the chocolate fudge first."

"All right."

"And then dipped in the lime soda."

Silence.

Diablo slowly put down his phone.

"Did she just say—"

"Yes," Charles interrupted.

"But—"

"Don't question it."

Rose looked around the room.

"Why is everyone staring at me?"

Erica smiled.

"Nobody is staring, darling."

"We're just making sure you're comfortable," Diego added immediately.

Rose narrowed her eyes.

"You all think I'm weird."

"No," Diego said quickly.

"Absolutely not," Diablo added.

"Not at all," Charles said.

Arden and Ardian exchanged a glance.

"Definitely not," Arden said.

"Not even a little," Ardian added.

Rose smiled.

"Good."

The moment she turned away, the men exchanged bewildered looks.

Erica simply shook her head.

But despite the bizarre combinations, nobody complained.

They didn't care whether Rose wanted chocolate with tomatoes, strawberries soaked in lime soda, or some dish containing ingredients she had hated her entire life.

They only cared that she was eating.

That she was keeping food down.

That she and the baby were safe.

For months, the De Cruz household revolved around Rose's appetite.

If Rose wanted something, someone found it.

If she disliked something, it disappeared.

If she woke up craving something in the middle of the night, Diego was already reaching for his phone.

There was no question of whether the request was reasonable.

There was only one question.

Could they get it?

And if the answer was yes, it would be there.

Because Rose's pregnancy was difficult.

Every day was a battle.

Every meal was a victory.

And every time Rose managed to eat without getting sick, the entire family felt as though they had won another small war.

They had fought to keep the pregnancy.

They had fought to protect Rose.

And now they would fight for every single day that brought them closer to meeting the little life growing inside her.

None of them knew what the future held.

None of them knew that the little girl they were all waiting for would one day become the most protected woman in the De Cruz family.

For now, she was simply their unborn miracle.

And Rose's strange cravings?

Those were merely the beginning of the stories they would tell about her one day.

Provided, of course, Rose didn't demand chocolate-covered pickles next.