Bits of Love, Lines of Code
Chapter 101 - 96: “New Life, Old Shadows”

Chapter 101: Chapter 96: “New Life, Old Shadows”

The morning sun filtered through gauzy curtains, casting a warm glow over the peaceful bedroom. The countryside was quiet—almost sacred—except for the gentle coos of a newborn baby.

Ren sat at the edge of the bed, his arm around Aoi as she gently rocked Hikari in her arms. Their daughter, now a few days old, yawned with a tiny squeak before falling back asleep against her mother’s chest.

"She has your pout," Aoi whispered, smiling sleepily.

Ren chuckled. "She definitely has your temper. Remember last night’s crying symphony?"

Aoi mock-glared at him. "She was just hungry."

Ren kissed her temple. "And beautiful. Just like her mama."

The past few days had passed in a gentle blur of late-night feedings, diaper changes, sleepy cuddles, and quiet joy. Ren had shut down his AI lab for the foreseeable future. He’d left the company, leaving a final, encrypted note to his team: "My future’s home now."

The house had changed, too. Ren had remodeled it to become a true family haven—soft lighting, padded corners, smart baby monitors synced to Lucia’s system, and a nursery painted in gentle cream and peach tones. Everywhere Aoi walked, Lucia’s voice quietly ensured her safety.

"Pressure on legs detected. Shall I engage relaxation protocol?"

"Sir, Madam Aoi’s heart rate is elevated. Recommend rest and hydration."

Ren had even installed a voice-guided assistant that could sing lullabies. Hikari’s favorite seemed to be the one Aoi hummed while rubbing her belly during pregnancy. It was all calm... too calm.

Elsewhere – A Rooftop Nearby

But peace was never permanent.

Saki stood at the edge of a nearby building—disguised, unnoticed. Her long coat flapped in the breeze, and her eyes, slightly bloodshot, were trained on the house below. She watched through high-tech binoculars as Aoi cradled the baby in the backyard garden.

"Aoi... even now, you’re smiling like you won..."

Her lips curled into a bitter line.

"You stole him. That future should have been mine..."

A soft sound beeped in her coat pocket. A burner phone. A new contact. Just a single message:

"You still want to take it all back?"

– N

Saki’s hand trembled, but her smile turned sickly sweet.

"...Of course I do."

That Night – At Home

Back in the house, Ren sat beside Aoi and Hikari, reading a book about fatherhood. Aoi leaned her head on his shoulder, tired but happy.

"Do you think she’ll grow up to be like us?" she asked.

Ren laughed quietly. "I hope not. Let’s give her a normal life, away from all the madness."

Aoi smiled, but deep down, a chill lingered in her heart—one she couldn’t explain.

Lucia suddenly spoke.

"Sir, unusual signal detected... not far from the perimeter."

Ren’s eyes sharpened. "Save location. Track silently."

He looked over at his wife and daughter.

Nothing would ever harm them again. Not if he could help it.