The next morning, as sunlight filtered through the curtains, Bella was still in bed when her phone buzzed. Half-asleep, she reached for it, blinking at the caller ID. Lucas.
"Hello?" Her voice was groggy. "You sound like you just woke up. Did I disturbed your sleep," Lucas said, his voice deep yet gentle. "How are you feeling?"
Bella rubbed her forehead. "Better. Just a little sore." "Did you take your medicine?" Bella smiled slightly. "I will after I eat something. Stop acting like my doctor."
"I will when you stop skipping your medicines," he retorted. "I have a meeting this morning, but I'll be back later. Take care of yourself and Rachel."
After they hung up, Bella got up, took her medicine, and went about her day. Rachel had school, and Bella used the afternoon to finish some house chores and sort through wedding-related matters.
Lucas sat at his office desk, his hands resting over his phone. His work was in front of him, yet his focus had been drifting all day.
He had thought about telling Bella the truth—about who he really was, about the world he lived in. About the danger that came with it. It will be better for her to know about this before their marriage but would she understand? Would she hate him? Or worse would she leave him?
His fingers hovered over her contact name, debating whether to call. She deserves to know...the truth.
But just as he was about to press the call button, his thoughts spiraled. What if she left? What if she took Rachel and their unborn baby and never wanted to see him again?
He clenched his jaw and set the phone down. Not yet. For now, he would protect her from the truth.
Pushing the thoughts aside, he picked up his phone again and called Mark, who had just returned from overseeing a shipment.
"Lucas, I heard you're getting married?" Mark sounded surprised. "As if you don't know." Lucas said firmly. "You're officially invited to my wedding, no excuses. I've got to call the planner too for the arrangements. So I'm hanging up."
Mark chuckled. "Someone is excited for his wedding...I see. Wouldn't miss it."
Lucas hesitated before adding, "Renato will be there too. And there is something I need to talk about with you after the wedding." Mark's amusement faded slightly, but he didn't object. "Alright."
Later that evening, Bella and Rachel were finishing dinner when the doorbell rang. Rachel ran to open it and gasped. "Mr. Handsome!" she beamed. "And you brought chocolates!"
Lucas smirked as she eagerly took them. His gaze shifted to Bella, who was setting the dishes aside. "You shouldn't have brought so many. She will get cavities if she eat too much of them," she said, though her lips hinted at a smile.
"It's nothing. I brought them for both of you. You guys can share." Lucas replied, stepping in. His eyes swept over her carefully. "Are you sure you're okay?"
Bella nodded. Rachel happily munched on her chocolates, oblivious to the tension in Lucas's gaze. He was relieved she was fine, but a nagging feeling remained in his chest.
After dinner, he lingered. Once Rachel had gone to her room, Bella returned to the living room, only to find Lucas deep in thought.
"What's wrong?" she asked. Lucas looked at her, contemplating. He wanted to tell her everything—who he really was, the dangers surrounding him—but would she accept it? Would she be afraid?
"Bella…" he started, his voice uncharacteristically hesitant. "There's something I—" But the words never came. Looking at her, standing there, unaware of the world he lived in, he changed his mind.
"Nothing," he finally said. "It's nothing." Bella frowned slightly but didn't press. After a few moments, Lucas got up. "I should go now. You should take a rest too."
She walked him to the door, and as he stepped out, she whispered, "Goodnight, Lucas." He hesitated, looking at her one last time before leaving.