Chapter 16

"Let's head out. The welcome party could start any time now," Caspian urged as he walked out of the room.

Dominic followed closely behind as they headed to the car. Caspian, with a happy expression on his face, didn't hesitate to climb into the back seat, the leather cushioning him comfortably.

Soon, Dominic got into the driver's seat. After placing the box Caspian handed him on the seat beside him, he shut the door. He ignited the engine, and they zoomed off, heading to the hospital for one reason: to meet Julia and Liam.

As they drove, Caspian couldn't help but smile the entire way. His thoughts were consumed with Julia. He wanted to see her; he couldn't wait. He wanted to have her; he couldn't wait.

Instinctively, his hand reached for his chin, and as he massaged it, he kept grinning. After what felt like an eternity to Caspian, the car finally came to a screeching halt before the hospital.

At this point, he didn't wait for Dominic. He pushed open the door and climbed out, while Dominic, handing the keys to the security guard, carried the box and followed Caspian. He tried to keep up with Caspian's pace.

With a few turns, they finally arrived at the door to Liam's room. Caspian halted for a brief second, pursing his lips as he braced himself for what was to come.

"You can do this, Caspian. You've never been nervous before. Don't be now," he muttered under his breath.

"I think I can help you..." Dominic began, reaching for the door handle, but Caspian caught his hand mid-air before snapping a glare at him.

"I'm sorry, I was just trying to assist you since it seemed you couldn't summon the courage to do it yourself," Dominic said, wriggling his hand out of Caspian's tight grip.

"I never asked. Don't make it look like I'm scared or something. I'm never scared," Caspian said, trying to convince himself inwardly.

Dominic smiled, knowing his boss was indeed scared.

After letting out a heavy sigh, Caspian finally twisted the handle and pushed the door open. As soon as he did, they were met with Julia's soft, curious gaze fixed on them, and Liam was visibly excited to see him.

"Daddy!" Liam called out as he climbed out of his bed and rushed to where Caspian was standing.

With a swift move, Caspian embraced him tightly. This action warmed Caspian's heart. Now he understood why Liam always called him Daddy. He felt the connection too.

"Hey, Liam... how are you doing, son?" he asked as he lifted Liam into his arms.

"I'm okay, Daddy... just missed you," Liam confessed as he hugged him. This made Julia nervous.

"I... I am sorry, Mr. Caspian..." she stuttered as she stood to her feet. She walked over to take Liam from him, but then he took a step back.

"Don't take my son away from me," Caspian said with a smile.

"Your... your son?" She squinted her eyes, staring at him in confusion.

Caspian didn't want her to misunderstand, so he quickly clarified. "Well, he calls me Daddy, so why can't I be his daddy?"

"I..." she began to say, but Caspian cut her off.

"Get dressed, Julia. We have a party to attend," Caspian demanded as he raised his hand. Immediately, Dominic walked closer to the bed with the box in his grip.

He placed the box on the bed, and when he flipped it open, Julia was met with an expensive red dress adorned with crystal designs.

It was beautiful, and she was tempted to take it, but she just couldn't. If Caspian was going to any fancy party, there was no doubt that a lot of people would be there, including, most likely, Amelia and Logan, her ex-husband.

She reconsidered immediately. "I'm sorry, Mr. Caspian, but I don't think a party is what I need right now. Besides, I can't leave my son alone in the hospital," she explained, making Caspian scoff.

"Don’t use Liam as an excuse," Caspian said firmly. "Besides, I never said he wouldn’t be coming with us. His own suit is already packed inside this box. So why don’t you just get dressed and..."

Caspian stopped speaking as he walked closer to Julia, his presence commanding and intense.

Julia's heart pounded wildly as he closed the distance between them, still holding Liam securely in his arms.

Caspian's gaze was steady and unwavering as he reached out, his fingers brushing gently against her cheek.

He carefully tucked a few stray strands of her hair behind her ear, his touch light but electrifying.

As Julia felt the cool, tender caress of his fingertips, a wave of emotions surged through her; confusion, longing, and an intense, almost overwhelming sense of connection.

The closeness of the moment left her breathless, caught in a whirlwind of feelings she couldn’t fully understand.

But then, she snapped out of her trance and took a step back, her head bowed as she tried to avoid leaving with him.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Caspian, but this can't work out. I can't leave with you," she said, shaking her head.

"Well, too bad because I need you to be there, Julia. Why don't we make a deal?" he suggested, finally capturing her attention.

She lifted her face to meet his tempting blue eyes. "What deal?" she inquired, raising an eyebrow.

"Come with me to my welcome party as my wife, and with Liam as my son, and I promise to cover all medical bills from now into the future. I'll also be responsible for taking care of you. What do you say?"

At this point, Julia froze. Her son's medical bill was so high that she couldn't cover it on her own, and seeing Mr. Caspian willing to do that made her question his motives. ‘Why is he doing this?’ she wondered.

"Just take my hand and come to my welcome party, Julia. I won't be happy going alone..." Caspian added as he set Liam down.

"Let's go with Daddy, Mommy. I'm sure there will be chocolate cake. Please, Mommy. I want to go with Daddy," Liam urged as he held Julia's hand.

Seeing that Liam really wanted to go to this so-called party, and knowing she needed the money, she had to think twice.

Besides, Liam wouldn't forgive her if she didn't accept the offer. Plus, Liam called him Daddy.

"Fine!" Julia finally exclaimed, her voice edged with both determination and resignation. "I'll go with you, but you better keep your part of the deal."

"Of course I will, princess," Caspian replied with a tender, almost romantic tone. As he spoke, he closed the distance between them, his eyes locked onto hers.

He leaned in and placed a soft, lingering kiss on her cheek, his lips barely brushing her skin.

Julia stood motionless, her mind racing. The unexpected, intimate gesture left her stunned.

Her eyes widened in shock, and a deep flush spread across her cheeks, making them feel hot and tingly.

She could hardly process what had just happened, her emotions swirling in a mix of surprise, embarrassment, and a fluttering, undeniable thrill.