A storm.

SHIMMA’S POV

While sitting at the dining table, I noticed Lucas constantly locking eye contact with me. Which made me feel uneasy; because if Mattias caught on, I knew he wouldn’t take it lightly.

Yet, Lucas seemed indifferent. He barely touched his food.

“So, Shimma, I just heard you’re expecting a baby soon. A big congratulations!” Lucas said, breaking the awkward silence, and I smiled, glancing at Mattias, who also smile warmly.

“Thank you so much,” I replied, taking a sip of water.

“I really can’t wait to be an uncle you know, I really love kids!” Lucas added, and we all shared a laugh.

———

After dinner, I decided to wash the dishes while Mattias took a shower upstairs. Lucas stayed in the living room, watching TV. Doing the dishes was my only escape.

As I was scrubbing the plates, I felt a presence behind me. I turned to find Lucas leaning against the door, hands in his pockets.

“Mind if I come help you?” he asked casually.

“No, don’t worry. I’m almost done,” I said, smiling at him, but he had moved closer, just inches away from behind me.

“Shimma, Why did you push me away after our conversation?” he asked, breathing heavily.

I grabbed a hand towel to dry my hands before turning back to him, but he took another step closer.

“What are you doing?” I exclaimed, eyes wide with shock. Didn’t he know Mattias would come see him here?

He didn’t answer. Instead, he leaned in even more. Without thinking, I slapped him, pushing him back. In that moment, I seized the chance to escape—I needed him out of this house!

As I hurried into the living room, I spotted Mattias coming down the stairs. He frowned, clearly noticing my distress.

“Baby, are you okay?” he asked. I turned to see Lucas leaning casually against the wall, as if nothing had happened.

“I’m fine,” I said, glancing back at Lucas. “I’m sure you’re going to be taking your leave, right?” I asked, but then thunder boomed, followed by heavy rain.

It had been drizzling when we were eating dinner, but of all times, it had to rain heavily right when I wanted him gone. Seriously?

Mattias studied me skeptically, as if he sensed something was off but had no idea what was really going on.

---

MR. MATTIAS’S POV

While I was in the bathroom, I realized leaving Lucas downstairs might have been a mistake. After all, he had once been interested in Shimma. Who wouldn’t be?

But he seemed cool now. Surely, he wouldn’t be foolish enough to engage in a romantic conversation with her, knowing she was my fiancée and the mother of my child.

As I made my way downstairs, I saw Shimma approaching, a frown etched on her face.

“Baby, are you okay?” I asked, concerned by her fury. She replied shortly, “I’m fine,” before turning back to Lucas.

Something was definitely wrong. Lucas must have said something to upset her. And at that moment, I regretted leaving them alone.

“I’m sure you’re going to be taking your leave, right?” Shimma asked Lucas, who nodded with a smile.

But then thunder crashed, and the rain poured down heavily.

There was no way he could leave in this storm. We’d have to wait and see if it stopped.

---

LUCAS’S POV

Gosh, she smelled incredible. I wanted to breathe in more of her scent.

Even though I had felt the softness of her skin for just a moment, her slap had pushed me away, making it seem like I had forced myself on her.

I would never do that. What we had was a pure connection—she just didn’t see it that way.

As the rain poured down heavily, I realized this was the universe at work.

She could still be mine. I felt it deep in my gut. And all I needed was time…

---

Hours passed, and the rain showed no signs of stopping. There was no way I could leave now.

I had to stay…