Building a Conglomerate in Another World

January 1, 1897

The White House, Washington D.C.

The first morning of the new year arrived with a quiet stillness. The celebrations of the night before had long faded, replaced by the soft hush of snowfall blanketing the city. The White House, usually a place of political scheming and restless activity, felt strangely peaceful.

President Matthew Hesh sat in the private dining room, still dressed in his white undershirt and suspenders, a hot cup of coffee in his hands. The scent of roasted beans mixed with the lingering pine of the Christmas decorations that still adorned the residence. It was the rare kind of morning where time seemed to slow, if only for a moment.

Across from him, Amber sat with her own cup of tea, her hair slightly tousled from sleep. She was still in her robe, a stark contrast to the polished First Lady the world saw in public. But here, in the privacy of their home, she was simply Amber.

Matthew watched her, a soft smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Happy New Year," he murmured.

Amber met his gaze, her lips curving into a warm smile. "Happy New Year, Matt."

The warmth of the exchange settled between them, a quiet reprieve from the political storms that had defined the past months. But even in the stillness of the moment, Matthew could sense that something was on Amber’s mind.

She was fidgeting, her fingers lightly tracing the edge of her teacup.

He set his coffee down, leaning forward slightly. "Amber?"

She blinked up at him, her expression unreadable for a brief second before softening. "There’s something I need to tell you."

His heart immediately skipped a beat. He had seen that look before—the hesitation, the careful way she measured her words. Was she unwell? Had something happened?

Matthew reached across the table, gently taking her hand. "What is it?"

Amber took a deep breath, her fingers tightening slightly around his. Then, she spoke, her voice soft but steady.

"I’m pregnant."

For a moment, the world stood still.

Matthew stared at her, his mind struggling to catch up with what she had just said. The words echoed in his head, almost too impossible to believe.

Then, warmth spread through his chest, a mixture of joy, shock, and something deeper.

He swallowed, searching her face. "You’re serious?"

Amber let out a small laugh, tears glistening in her eyes. "Yes, Matt. We’re having another child."

Matthew let out a breathless chuckle. He pushed his chair back, standing quickly as he made his way to her side. Gently, carefully, he pulled her to her feet.

"You’re serious?" he repeated, as if saying it again would make it more real.

Amber laughed again, her hand resting over his. "I wouldn’t joke about this."

Matthew exhaled deeply. Then, he broke into a wide smile. "Amber…" His voice caught in his throat. He didn’t have words—just pure, overwhelming emotion.

He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly, protectively. His heart hammered against his ribs, not with fear, not with anxiety—but with something beautiful.

A second child.

A new beginning.

After everything they had been through—the conspiracies, the arrests, the war that almost happened—this was real. This was theirs.

He pulled back slightly, pressing a firm kiss to her forehead before looking down at her stomach. Slowly, he placed his hand over it, his thumb gently brushing against the fabric of her robe.

"How long have you known?" he asked, his voice quieter now.

Amber bit her lip, glancing away for a second. "A little over a week. I wanted to wait until after the New Year before telling you."

Matthew laughed softly, shaking his head. "I can’t believe it."

Amber smirked. "Believe it."

He cupped her face, his eyes filled with unfiltered love. "Are you feeling okay? Any sickness? Pain?"

Amber chuckled. "Just a little morning nausea, but nothing I can’t handle."

Matthew pressed another kiss to her forehead, his hands never leaving her. "We’re having another baby," he murmured, almost in awe.

Amber leaned into him. "Yes, we are."

They stayed like that for a while, just holding each other, letting the moment settle in.

The soft laughter of their three-year-old son, Arthur, echoed through the halls as he ran through the sitting room. The child had boundless energy, his small feet pattering against the floor as he chased after his wooden toy horse.

Amber and Matthew sat together on the couch, watching their son with amused smiles.

"Arthur," Amber called gently.

The boy paused mid-run, turning to face them, his green eyes wide with curiosity. "Yes, Mama?"

Amber patted the seat next to her. "Come here, sweetheart."

Arthur trotted over, climbing onto the couch with clumsy excitement. He was still small, still innocent to the weight of the world his father carried. Enjoy exclusive content from Freewebnovel

Matthew took a deep breath, exchanging a glance with Amber. "Arthur, how would you feel about being a big brother?"

Arthur blinked. His little hands clenched into fists of excitement. "A big brother?"

Amber smiled, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. "Yes, sweetheart. Mama is going to have a baby."

Arthur gasped, his tiny hands flying to his cheeks. "A baby? Like a little me?"

Matthew chuckled. "Something like that."

Arthur jumped up excitedly, bouncing on the couch. "I want to teach them how to build towers! And how to run really fast!"

Amber laughed, pulling him into her lap. "You’re going to be the best big brother."

Arthur beamed, his joy infectious. "Where’s the baby? Can I see them?"

Amber smiled softly, taking his small hand and placing it on her stomach. "The baby is in Mama’s tummy right now, growing."

Arthur furrowed his brows, his tiny fingers pressing lightly. "Is it sleeping?"

Matthew smirked. "Probably."

Arthur leaned in, whispering. "Hello, baby. I’m Arthur!"

Amber felt her heart swell. She looked up at Matthew, who had the same warmth in his eyes.

This—this was what mattered.

No matter what challenges lay ahead, no matter the political storms, the conspiracies, the enemies lurking in the shadows—this was their moment. Their family.

Matthew reached out, placing his hand over Amber’s, over Arthur’ tiny fingers.

A new year. A new beginning.

And for the first time in a long time, he truly let himself believe that everything would be okay.