The beautiful notes of the piano captivated the ears of the audience. It was such a lovely melody. The theater was packed with people, all fans of Mrs. van Zieks and her performances. Everything that had happened with Ernest Villin half a week ago was over. Sophia had quickly rescheduled her performance, eager to enchant her listeners with a new song. In the VIP seats were Barok and Kazuma. Of course her husband was there, he always attended. And Kazuma was a great friend of hers, so after her ordeals, he was happy to see her shining on stage once more. Even the judge was present.

"I won't close my eyes
Can't hold the hands of time
Stop and realize
Just how fast it goes"

Fond memories of her family played through Sophia's head while her enchanting voice sang. She'd been waiting to perform her newest song for an audience, and she was finally given that chance.

"Seems like yesterday
With your mess of paint
Asking me to play
Just how fast you grow

"Every paper heart
Is a work of art
Just like the way you are"

A hopeful future was what really inspired her song. With her past behind her, she was ready to move forward with Barok by her side…and also…

"And I don't want to miss the masterpiece
The beauty that's blooming all around me
The birth of a child and the way they grow
The sun sinking down in the afterglow

"The power of love from the seeds you sow
The trees bending down to the earth below
The beauty that's blooming all around me
I don't want to miss the masterpiece"

Sophia smiled, her fingers perfectly remembering every key of the piano, her lips repeating every word of the lyrics she'd written. That song was her way of expressing her happiness, her hopes, her dreams. And she wanted her audience to feel that joy as well, especially Barok.

"Daylight through the leaves
Singing on the breeze
Shades from red to green
There's a world divine

"On a canvas sky
Colors come to life
Perfectly designed
For my ears and eyes

"Feel the joy and pain
Feel the sun and rain
It's all around me now"

A few tears started leaking from the singer's eyes and sliding down her face. She was unable to contain them. That song made her more emotional than she'd like to admit, and she hoped that her husband too would be able to feel her love and happiness.

"And I don't want to miss the masterpiece
The beauty that's blooming all around me
The birth of a child and the way they grow
The sun sinking down in the afterglow

"The power of love from the seeds you sow
The trees bending down to the earth below
The colors are blooming all around me
This beautiful life is a masterpiece

"This beautiful life is a masterpiece"

Sophia's fingers played the last notes before leaving the keys. The theater erupted with applause, and the lady stood and gave a curtsy to her audience. She then walked backstage while drying her eyes, leaving the spotlight for the next performers. In the waiting room, she found bouquets of flowers from a few fans. The kind gesture warmed her heart, even if it was tough to carry them all with her. Outside the theater, she found her husband and her friend both waiting for her.

"Excellent performance, as always," Barok congratulated, eyeing the multiple bouquets in her arms. "Seems others thought so as well. I feel this song was particularly beautiful and inspiring."

Kazuma smiled and nodded. "I agree. Something about it really touches the heart." He laughed lightly. "Though your angelic voice may have something to do with that."

"Thank you," Sophia replied with a kind smile. "I admit, I was really inspired recently to write that song. Every word of it came straight from my heart and my feelings. And if it moved even a few people in the same way, then I'm satisfied."

Barok politely took a few of the bouquets from her. "Come, dearest. Let us go home and celebrate your wonderful performance."

His wife agreed, and they parted ways with the Nipponese and took a carriage home. As soon as they reached the estate, Barok had a couple of maids take the bouquets. They were to place them in vases so they could be viewed, and so their beauty could brighten up the home. With their hands free, the man wrapped an arm firmly around the waist of his love. He didn't waste time, taking her up to his study immediately. Like a gentleman, he guided her to the sofa to sit, then proceeded to break out one of his vintage wines.

"Um, Barok?" Sophia's voice was unusually soft and sheepish.

"Yes, dear?" he replied, working to uncork the bottle without making a huge mess.

Before she knew it, he had poured her some wine in one of his beautifully crafted chalices, setting it on the table before her. "Barok, I can't drink this."

Her husband arched a brow, taking a sip of his own drink. "Whatever do you mean? We've enjoyed this same vintage on numerous accounts."

Sophia held back an amused giggle. Barok van Zieks was intelligent, perceptive, and one of the greatest prosecutors out there. She could hardly believe he hadn't noticed anything at all. Perhaps it was due to all his recent work, not to mention the stress of that case half a week ago, but he was oblivious. In the past few days, she'd been plagued by abrupt cravings, occasional dizzy spells, and just a few mornings ago she woke up feeling sick to her stomach. Of course, she had done her best to conceal it all, but still, he really hadn't noticed.

Sophia gazed up at him where he stood, her sapphire eyes full of excitement. "I can't have alcohol, Barok. I'm…I'm with child."

Those words were all it took. A loud gasp escaped the man's lips, and he completely froze. He carelessly dropped his chalice, letting it shatter on the floor and spill everywhere. It didn't concern him one bit. He approached the woman and swiftly dropped to his knee in front of her. Grasping her hand, he peered up at her lovely face. His gaze, normally cold as ice, softened to show emotions. Shock, disbelief, joy, love - it all was mixed in his pale eyes.

"Sophia… Are you serious?" He had no reason to doubt, but the question simply slipped out.

The lady nodded, a warm smile on her lips. "Yes. I'm serious." She gripped his hand tight while her free hand caressed the side of his jaw. "We're going to have a baby."

Barok suddenly closed the gap between them and kissed her with as much love and tenderness as he could muster. His other arm moved around her body and rubbed happily up and down her back. While his lips were on hers, Sophia could feel them turning up into a smile. She was quick to pull away to confirm that he was, in fact, smiling.

"I haven't seen you look this elated in so long, my love."

As if to surprise her further, Barok laughed softly. "Well, this is an exception." He hung his head, though his smile remained. "I don't know if I'm fit to be a father. However…" He met her gaze again. "I'll try. This was unexpected news, but I'm happy all the same."

Sophia hummed in content. "I'm glad. I wasn't sure how I wanted to go about revealing it to you. I only confided in…Emily." She shook her head at the depressing thought. "But I couldn't put it off any longer."

Barok leaned forward, embracing her tightly yet gently. "I'm more shocked that you were able to hide it so well."

Sophia nestled into him, her palms resting on his chest. "I've had very mild symptoms. They only started to get worse this week."

"How far along are you?" Barok asked, resting his chin on her shoulder.

"The end of this week will be a month. I'm still very early."

"I see." The man steadily released her and rose to his feet. "I shall be at your disposal should you have need of me during this period of hormonal and bodily changes. We'll need to begin planning for the little one's arrival as well." He hummed, his gaze fixating on the floor where wine soaked into the rug and glass littered it. "I shall resign from the courtroom for the next eight months and then some."

Sophia stood and gently took hold of his arm to earn his attention. "Barok, my love, slow down. You needn't fret over everything at once nor make such drastic decisions. Let's start with a simple cup of tea. After all, we were celebrating, weren't we?"

With a smile, the man calmed at her words. "You're right. Then let us enjoy the moment. Come, dearest."

His wife allowed him to wrap an arm around her waist and walk her out. "Would it be possible to also have pheasant with our tea?"

"Pheasant? At this hour?"

Sophia giggled. "That is a bit much, isn't it? I suppose turkey will do."

Barok could only chuckle. It was only the beginning of her pregnancy, but he could tell it wasn't going to get any easier throughout the next eight months. While they had tea and his ravenous wife stuffed her face, his jubilant thoughts dreamed up what harmonious future he had awaiting him. He never imagined himself with a family - with children. Now that he was receiving such a blessing, he couldn't be more delighted and thrilled.

In bed that night, Sophia awoke to the soft murmurs of her husband. Her tired eyes moved down to where he held her by the waist and the side of his face rested against her stomach. He appeared to be asleep, yet she clearly heard his deep voice.

"I love you…" he repeated several times, his tone quiet and soft as if he were speaking to a child.

Sophia gently combed her fingers through his disheveled locks, listening to him mumble those sweet words. She was unsure whether he was directing his affection at her or his child in her belly, but she didn't care. Knowing him, however, he was probably speaking to both of them. Sophia was simply happy to have finally seen his smile again - his handsome smile. After everything he'd suffered through, he deserved this. And so did she. The past was finally laid to rest, and old wounds were finally mended. Her song came to mind as she began to drift back to sleep. Her life truly was a beautiful masterpiece.

The song used for this chapter is by WAR*HALL and is called "Masterpiece". Check it out if you'd like to listen to it yourself. I thought it went really well with this final chapter.

Also, thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed the story!