Chapter 7

Freya's POV 

I woke up to the most wonderful surprise - breakfast in bed. Brandon stood beside me, a tray laden with fluffy pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit held out in front of him. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted up, making my stomach growl with hunger considering the fact I was now eating for two.

"Good morning," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. "I thought you might like a little pick-me-up after last night."

I sat up, feeling a little self-conscious in my pajamas, but Brandon didn't seem to notice. He set the tray down in front of me and handed me a cup of coffee while he took a seat by the side of my bed.

"Thank you," I said, taking a sip. It was perfect - just the right amount of cream and sugar.

Brandon sat down beside me, his thigh brushing against mine. "I'm sorry about last night," he said, his eyes serious. "I know it wasn't exactly the most pleasant first evening."

I shook my head, feeling a little embarrassed. "I wasn't upset," I said. "It's just...a lot to take in....Your mom actually defending me, Brian, Rachelle, it was just a lot."

Brandon nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. "I know," he said. "But I promise you, Freya, I'm committed to making this work. To making us work, for our child that is."

I felt a flutter in my chest at his words, at the sincerity in his eyes. But I couldn't help but wonder...why had he agreed to marry me? What did he hope to gain from this arrangement?

"Brandon?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Yes?" he replied, his eyes questioning.

"Why did you agree to marry me?" I asked, feeling a little vulnerable.

Brandon's expression turned vague, his eyes clouding over. "I just thought it was the right thing to do, there was no point in playing the fool when we both know what happened that night." he said, his voice noncommittal.

I felt a pang of disappointment, but before I could press him further, he stood up, his eyes glinting with amusement.

"Enough serious talk for now," he said, his voice low and husky. "We have plans for tonight."

I raised an eyebrow, feeling a little intrigued. "What kind of plans?" I asked.

Brandon just smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You'll see," he said. "Just be ready by 7."

I felt a surge of protest, but before I could say anything, Brandon leaned in, his lips brushing against my ear.

"And wear something nice," he whispered, his breath sending warm shivers down my spine.

I felt my heart flutter, my pulse racing with excitement. What did he have planned? And why did I feel like I was melting into his eyes?

I stood in front of the mirror checking my stomach for signs of a bump but I wasn't even showing yet, smoothing out my dress and checking my hair for what felt like the hundredth time. I had no idea what Brandon had planned for tonight, but I wanted to make a good impression.

He sent a stylist to get me ready tonight with a long list of dresses and heels and make-up sets I had never seen all arrayed for me. I choose something simple and elegant in deep blue with matching black heels. 

It was 7 and I was ready.

As I made my way downstairs, I could hear Brandon pacing back and forth in the living room. He stopped as soon as he saw me, his eyes widening in appreciation.

"Wow," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "You look...stunning."

I felt a blush rise to my cheeks as he approached me, his eyes locked on mine. But as he reached me, he seemed to falter, his words getting tangled in his throat.

"Freya, I...I wanted to tell you something," he said, his voice hesitant.

But before he could continue, he seemed to change his mind, his expression smoothing out into a calm smile.

"Never mind," he said. "It can wait. We should get going."

I raised an eyebrow, feeling a little confused, but I followed him out to the car anyway.

As we drove, Brandon seemed nervous, fidgeting with the steering wheel and glancing at me out of the corner of his eye. I tried to make small talk, but he just grunted in response.

I wanted to ask as well but he didn't seem like he would give me an answer until he was ready so I tried to not think about it.

It wasn't until we were pulling up to a large house on the outskirts of town that he finally spoke up.

"Freya, I need to tell you something," he said, his voice low and serious.

I turned to him, feeling a sense of trepidation. "What is it?" I asked.

Brandon took a deep breath before answering. "This is a family gathering," he said. "And I want to introduce you to everyone as my wife."

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. "What?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Brandon's eyes locked on mine, his expression unyielding. "I want to introduce you to my family," he repeated. "As my wife."

I was stunned beyond words. How could he do this to me? How could he spring this on me without even warning me?

I was not ready yet to face an entire room of Lefevre's all at once without being properly prepared.

But before I could say anything, Brandon was already getting out of the car, opening my door and helping me out.

"Shall we?" he asked, his eyes glinting with amusement.

I felt like I was in a daze as I followed him into the house, surrounded by people who knew me as Brian's ex fiancee