Chapter 8

Arden walked out of the building and spotted Kate leaning against the car. As she approached, Kate hurried over to her.

“Arden, how did it go?” Kate asked.

“Let's go. I'll tell you everything on the way,” Arden replied as she entered the vehicle. Kate got into the driver's seat, pulled the door shut, and fastened her seatbelt.

“He agreed to help me,” Arden said with a faint smile.

“How did you pull that off?” Kate asked, her face lighting up.

“He refused at first, but just as I was about to leave, he called me back,” Arden said. “And then he told me he had changed his mind—he will help me, but his help comes with conditions.”

“What conditions?” Kate asked, starting the engine and pulling out of the parking space.

“I have to do everything he says.”

“Hmm... wonder what he's planning,” Kate murmured, sparing Arden a quick glance.

“He said the first rule is that I have to live with him so he can protect me.”

“That's actually not a bad idea.”

“Kate, I didn't tell him about the pregnancy—” Arden blurted out.

“Why didn't you tell him?” Kate interrupted sharply.

“I'm scared, Kate. I don't even know what I was thinking—I even told him I was going to marry him.” Arden bit her lower lip.

“Oh my goodness, Arden, what did you do?” Kate groaned.

“Everything happened so fast; I couldn't bring myself to say it. I know it's selfish of me... I'll just call him and tell him now,” Arden said, reaching into her bag for her phone.

“No, don't call him.” Kate reached across and caught Arden's hand, stopping her. Her eyes remained fixed on the road. “This is not the right time. There's too much at stake right now. We'll figure out the best way to tell him later.” Kate released her hand. “For now, don't say anything. The most important thing is protecting you and your unborn child.”

Arden sighed and slipped her phone back into her bag.

They drove in silence until they reached Kate's apartment building. When they stepped out of the car, they found Luke waiting by the entrance.

“Babe, what are you doing here?” Arden asked, furrowing her brow. She could only pray Luke wouldn't complicate her new plan.

“I missed you so much I couldn't wait another minute,” Luke replied, stepping forward and drawing Arden into a tight hug.

“Hi, Luke,” Kate said, keeping her voice steady despite her urge to pull Arden away from him.

“Kate. It's been a while,” Luke replied, his attention already back on Arden.

As Luke held her, Arden noticed an unfamiliar cologne on him. The heavy scent instantly turned her stomach.

“When did you change your perfume?” Arden asked, gently pushing him away.

“Perfume?” Luke blinked, looking momentarily flustered. “I... I didn't. Why are you asking?”

“You smell different, and I don't like it.”

Luke let out a nervous laugh, running a hand through his hair. “I didn't change anything. It must just be your pregnancy affecting your sense of smell.” Arden noticed the gesture and scoffed inwardly.

“Why don't you guys come inside? Luke, would you like a drink?” Kate offered, breaking the tension.

“Oh, thank you, but there's no need,” Luke replied, his arm sliding back around Arden's waist. “I came to pick up my wife.”

“Already using the 'wife' title, huh?” Kate teased lightly.

“Why not? Our wedding is in two days,” Arden chipped in. Kate secretly rolled her eyes.

“Are all of your things here? We need to leave now.”

" I asked the chef to make your favorite,” Luke said, and checked his watch.

“That won't actually be necessary,” Arden replied, stepping a fraction closer to him. A puzzled expression crossed Luke's face. “There's something I need to tell you.”

“Okay, I'll leave you two to talk. I'll be inside if you need anything,” Kate said, excusing herself.

“What is it? Are you feeling sick?” Luke asked, his tone softening with practiced concern.

“No, I'm totally fine. It's just... I won't be coming home until our wedding night,” Arden said, biting her lower lip to feign nervousness.

“Why?” Luke asked, his brow furrowing.

“Because if a couple sees each other right before the wedding, it's bad luck. The marriage won't work.” Luke burst out laughing, but seeing Arden's deadpan, serious expression, he quickly cut himself off.

“When did you start believing in old superstitions like that?”

Arden rolled her eyes. “It's real. You just have to believe it.”

“Fine, if that's what will make you happy,” Luke chuckled.

Arden smiled brightly and pulled him into one last hug. “And don't come looking for me until the wedding day, do you hear me?” She leaned up and kissed him.

“How am I supposed to say no when you kiss me like that?” Luke muttered against her lips, drawing her closer as Arden giggled.

“Okay, that's enough,” she said, breaking away gently. “I'll be coming by tomorrow to grab a few things I need. Once I call you, leave the house immediately so we don't run into each other, okay?”

Luke nodded. “Don't forget to call me if you need anything.”

Arden nodded and waved as he turned toward his car.

“One more thing, babe,” Arden called out. Luke paused before returning to her.

“Yes?”

“The doctor told me I shouldn't travel far.”

“Okay...?” Luke replied cautiously.

“Because of that, the place you picked for our honeymoon won't work.”

“Oh. Well, I've already paid, and they don't do refunds,” Luke said smoothly. His voice remained normal, and Arden didn't notice his hands clenching at his sides.

“I know, but it's for the baby's health. Don't worry, Kate already booked another resort much closer to the city,” Arden said with a sweet smile.

“You've already decided?” Luke asked, his voice tightening slightly.

Arden gave a soft pout, and Luke immediately relented, offering a placating smile as he patted her hair. “What do you say?” she asked.

“I love you, so whatever you decide is fine with me,” Luke replied, his eyes darkening under the streetlight.

“I love you too.”

“Give me the hotel address and room number. I'll have Stephanie check it out,” Luke said.

A slow, knowing smile tugged at the corners of Arden's lips as she nodded. Of course he'd want to check the place out, she sneered inwardly.

Once he drove away, Luke pulled out his phone and called Stephanie.

“Hey, pookie, do you miss me already?” Stephanie purred through the receiver.

“She's not coming home tonight, so I have plenty of time for you. We can continue right where we left off,” Luke replied.

“Mmm,” Stephanie murmured seductively.

“I'm coming over.”

“Perfect.”