THE REAL PROTEGE

Fumbling to hide the printout in her pocket, Pharsa's composure snapped back into focus, irritation blooming within her. "Why are you so loud? And who's your Honey?" she quipped, arching an eyebrow at his overly dramatic entrance.

In just two strides, Chatty closed the distance between them, arms splayed wide in a welcoming embrace. "Of course, you're my only Honey! The sweetest Honey in the world," he proclaimed cheekily, enveloping her in a warm, sweaty hug.

Pharsa wrinkled her nose, trying to suppress a smile. "Why are you here, o' melodramatic one? Aren't you supposed to be in training?"

"Oh, Honey," Chatty whined, clutching his chest theatrically. "Madam sent me home and insisted I should spend time with you because you're leaving in three short days! Why do you need to leave? How am I supposed to live without you?"

Pharsa snorted, unable to resist his charm. "You! How old are you? The Kim Kim and Chin Chin didn't even bat an eye when their Ling Li was away. Look at you — worse than a toddler!"

But Chatty was already shifting gears. "But Honey…" he began pitifully, then paused, recalling Ling Li's words. His eyes suddenly sparkled with a revelation. "Oh! Madam said you have good news for me!"

A mischievous smile tugged at the corners of Pharsa's mouth. The sudden shift from whining to curiosity was so typical of her man. "I'm not telling! Hmph! Find out for yourself," she teased, turning on her heels and striding purposefully toward the main house.

Unfazed, Chatty, stubborn as ever, trotted after his wife, tenacity akin to a puppy chasing after a favorite treat.

He exhausted every tactic in his playful arsenal — puppy eyes wide with remorse, exaggerated sighs, theatrical lamentations, even the most exaggerated of fake tears. "Honey! If you don't tell me, I'll lose sleep! I'll forget my sword skills! I'll cry in front of Fatty!"

Pharsa rolled her eyes but couldn't help giggling. His desperation was ridiculous — and endearing.

Finally, when they reached the sanctuary of their quarters, she handed him the ultrasound printout.

Chatty studied it, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Honey, what is this? Did you go for a check-up? Are you ill? Is everything alright? What did the doctor say?" he bombarded her with a flurry of questions, panic rising as he pulled her into a frantic embrace.

Pharsa narrowed her eyes, her patience waning as she pinched him sharply.

"OW! OW! OUCH!" Chatty yelped, hopping around like a startled bird.

"It's supposed to be good news! How is my becoming unwell good news? You're cursing me!" She wailed, her voice rising in pitch.

"No! No! Honey, listen... I saw in movies they hand out printouts like this and then talk about tumors or cancer," Chatty blurted, his eyes wide with innocent terror.

'Knowing how foolish and ignorant this man is, no wonder that's what's on his mind,' she thought. Pharsa's exasperation turned into a bubbling laugh, partly at his ignorance and partly out of sheer affection.

Her laughter froze him in place.

'Is she actually sick?' An anxious thought lodged itself in his mind. 'But no… she said it's good news. So she surely can't be sick…'

"Honey," he murmured softly, taking a tentative step closer. "Please, can you tell me what this ultrasound is about?"

With a heavy sigh, Pharsa snatched the printout back, pointing decisively at the three dots. "Look there! Can you see those three white dots?"

Chatty squinted, panic starting to creep back in. "Honey, are they tumors? Cease? Can they be removed?"

"Murphy!" Pharsa shouted, genuinely furious now, delivering him a swift kick to his bum.

"AH! Honey! I'm scared and worried about you! Please don't be mad! I love you more than anything! I love you more than myself! I'd trade my life for yours!" Chatty exclaimed, collapsing dramatically to his knees, his face a portrait of agony.

Pharsa froze, his heartfelt words crashing over her like an unexpected wave.

Staring at him, her heart thudded loudly in her chest. "Is what you said really true?"

Chatty rose, pulling her into a fierce embrace, his voice thick with sincerity. "Of course it's true. You're my wife. My only family. I've been alone my whole life. Having you made my life whole."

Pharsa, herself an orphan, felt her chest tighten. She leaned into him, her arms wrapping around his waist.

"I believe you," she whispered.

"So, Honey," Chatty murmured, holding her close, "can you please now tell me about this ultrasound report?"

Pharsa nestled against his chest, warmth blooming inside her. "Um… You're going to be a father."

Chatty blinked, confusion dancing across his features. "Huh? Honey! Honey! Say that again!"

Her gaze met his, a smile spreading across her face.

"I'm going to be a father! YES! I'm going to be a father!" Chatty erupted, his voice bursting forth with joy as he twirled her around the room like a child with a newfound treasure.

"Honey! Let me see again!" he cheered, grinning from ear to ear as he studied the printout.

"Murphy," Pharsa responded gently, "we're having — not one, not two — but three babies."

Chatty froze again, the revelation settling in like a gentle snow.

"Huh?" he whispered, shock painting his features.

Pharsa waved her hand in front of his dazed face. "Hey! Don't scare me like that!"

"Honey… Honey…" Chatty stammered, realization dawning on him. "You mean… we're having triplets too?"

Pharsa nodded, laughter bubbling to the surface.

Chatty puffed out his chest, a look of smug pride washing over him.

Pharsa burst into laughter, the sound light and carefree. "What's this? You look like a proud peacock!"

"Honey, not every man has the ability to produce three babies at once!" Chatty declared, his pride swelling with every word.

"Tsk!" Pharsa snorted playfully, making her way to her study to begin preparations with her team.

Left behind in their room, Chatty treasured the ultrasound printout like a precious gem, his face glowing with pride and joy. He looked so ridiculously proud and funny. The sheer silliness and exuberance of the moment made Pharsa peek back from the doorway, pulling out her phone to capture the memory.

It was a moment worth cherishing — a snapshot of joy amid a whirlwind of life.