Chapter Eleven

“I think I’m pregnant.” Diana revealed.

Her mother gasped in surprise. “You’re pregnant? When did you find out?” She had an elated look on her face that Diana couldn’t reciprocate with how queasy she felt.

“A few minutes ago. I took a test and it came out positive.” She answered.

“Oh, this is just perfect! A little Persson baby!” Her mother exclaimed excitedly as she got up from the bed.

Diana swallowed. “Mom, it’s not—” She attempted to tell her mother the real father of her baby but immediately decided against it. Maybe it was better if no one knew the truth.

Besides, she doubted her mother would listen to anything she said, after what she just heard. “Were you saying something, darling?” Her mother asked.

“I was just saying that the test could be wrong though. It’s not uncommon to get a false positive.” Diana swiftly said.

Her mother waved her off. “That hardly ever happens,” Diana could see the wheels turning in her head. “Besides, this is your chance to drive them apart and get Elias back. It doesn’t even matter if you’re actually pregnant or not.” She said with a sly smile.

“Mom!” Diana was astounded.

“Don’t you see? You’ve been handed this golden opportunity and I’m not going to watch you waste it, unless you want your sister to win.”

“Of course not! I can’t even imagine what Elias sees in her.” She sneered. She couldn’t stand the thought of Dakota having access to the things she was supposed to have. She should know her place and remember where she came from. Nothing.

“Even if he plans to marry her, I’m certain his family is not going to approve of their relationship, especially now that you’re carrying his child. She’s going to stick out like a sore thumb,” Her mother stated, smiling coyly. “All you have to do is announce your pregnancy to them and the rest will fall in place.”

Diana smiled weakly. There was no turning back now that her mother was involved. She would just have to find a way to make Elias believe she was carrying his child.

***

Her stomach rumbled loudly, much to the amusement of Elias.

“You should eat something.” He stood up, heading for the kitchen.

Dakota cursed softly under her breath. Her plan had been to retire early to bed so she could fall asleep on time while pretending to have had dinner. Before she could protest, he had already set a plate of steaming hot pasta before her. It’s tantalizing smell wafted through her nose.

“Eat,” He ordered. The look he gave told her it wasn’t a request. He set a plate for himself and sat down.

She glanced at the food warily. “This looks really good, Elias but I can’t eat it. I’m sorry.” She knew she sounded really ungrateful to him but it wasn’t her intention. The sight of the food alone brought up a past she wished she could erase from her mind.

“Then why are you staring at the food like it’s going to attack you?”

“I wasn’t staring at the food like that. I’m just not hungry.” She pushed the food aside.

He gave her a pointed look. “Your stomach disagrees.”

“That only happened because I drank a lot of water today. That’s all.” At this point, she didn’t know where the lies were coming from.

Her stomach rumbled again, even louder than the first time. She groaned, wishing the ground would open up and swallow her.

“Why don’t we eat out then?” Elias suggested. He didn’t mention anything about her stomach’s protests but it was obvious he didn’t believe her lame explanation. She couldn’t deny any longer that she was hungry so she nodded in response.

As they were about to head out, he grabbed her by the wrist and gently placed a cream cashmere scarf around her neck. Her skin felt hot as his hands lightly grazed her neck.

“It’s cold outside.” He explained. Her mind went back to the day she ran into him at her family’s store and he offered her his jacket.

“Thank you.” The scarf was incredibly soft and smelled like him.

It was almost ten o’clock in the night so only a few shops were open. Dakota found the closest convenience store and picked out two cup noodles seeing as Elias didn’t get to eat because of her.

They settled down at a large park with just a handful of couples in sight. The night was cold and the stars were shining bright in the sky.

“We haven’t made our marriage official yet.” Elias pointed out.

She scrunched up her nose. “How official does it have to be?”

He dipped a hand into his pocket and brought out a black velvet box. “I haven’t proposed, have I?”

Her heart was doing that weird thumping thing again. “Elias…you don’t have to do this,” She said with a whisper.

This isn’t a real marriage. She reminded herself.

He opened the box to reveal a princess cut diamond ring. It was the most beautiful ring she had ever seen. “Will you marry me, Miss Stone?” He gave her a lopsided grin that showed two perfect dimples.

She nodded feebly in response, too stunned to speak. He took her hand and slipped the ring on her finger. It fit perfectly.

“It’s beautiful. Thank you.” She finally found her voice.

“I think I’m going to need something other than that, Miss Stone. Something I’ll always remember.” He uttered as his eyes glanced at her lips for a second.

Her eyes widened a fraction in understanding.

Mustering all her courage, she stood on her toes and kissed him gently on the lips.

He stiffened, confusing her. “I’m sorry, I thought you wanted me to—,” She stepped back, feeling stupid. How could she have thought he wanted her to kiss him?

He grabbed her waist to bring her close. “If you’re going to do that, then you should learn to do it right.” And with that, he crashed his lips against hers.