Lucas POVThen, I began to panic when she started panting in my arms.“What is wrong?”I pulled from our embrace to check and was shocked to see her paper-white face.“Erin!” Immediately, I carried her in my arms and ran toward the exit.“Emergency!” I cried to the people we met, and they would immediately veer off course to give us space.People were staring, probably out of curiosity. Some cleared the way for us to pass through unimpeded.“Medic!” Someone called, but I was already running out of the mall.I was breathing heavily, my heart in my throat, when we reached the mall's entrance and saw one of my assistants waiting.“Get the car!” I shouted, and he radioed for the car.It came a few seconds later. With Erin still in my arms, I climbed in, putting her in my lap. My heart was in my throat whil
Katherine POV“Why didn’t you join them to complete Erin's family?” Veronica teased, but her words struck a chord in me. It was something I had been longing for my daughter. “Don’t get ideas into my head. I don’t want to disappoint my girl again.” I told her, shaking my head. Veronica shrugged. “Have you seen their bond? I wondered if there was something you are not telling me.” Veronica arched her brows, making my heart beat fast. “W-what?” I stammered.I cleared my throat, and Veronica looked pointedly at me. “I don’t know. Did you and the boss have a history together that you were not telling me about? I am sorry, but I can't shake this feeling that he was more like Erin's father than Greg was." Now, my heart’s beat quickened faster at the mere suggestion. No matter how far-fetched the idea was, it managed to shake me to the core.But that would be ridiculous!“You are insane. What past are you talking about? I had only known the boss during those months when he and Greg we
Katherine POVTears formed in my eyes as I stared into Lucas Sanders’s stormy ones. How did he guess that Erin was not Greg’s?Did Greg tell him?I wiped my cheeks with the palms of my hand when I noticed the tears as I tried to regulate my breathing. Also, I needed a break from the piercingly cold of Lucas Sanders’ gaze. My heart started to beat fast, and my breathing slowed. I was panting as I tried to assimilate what Lucas meant. Even the anger emanating from him did not make any sense. “What is wrong with you?” I lashed out, unable to control the cold dread seeping from every pore of my body. Lucas Sanders ignored my question. He was breathing hard like he was trying to control himself.I, too, am biding for time to collect myself when Lucas Sanders speaks again. This time with a quiet determination. “Who is Erin’s father? Is she Greg’s?” He enunciated each word as if he were talking to a dimw*t. I shook my head in frustration. How the h*ll should I know? All I knew w
Katherine POVI gasped as confusion filled me. I really don’t know what is happening. All I know is that the proof is right before my eyes. I had been suspecting it but considered it was too far-fetched. Now that the truth was right in front of me, there is no way I can deny it. Tears blurred my vision as I stared at the man I only knew as my boss. “How? Why?”I asked as I tried to digest what was written in the paternity test. His name stood out, and Erin’s. The number says they were a match. Ninety-nine point nine percent. The tears that welled in my eyes trickled down my cheeks, painting a line down to my chin. “You are Erin’s father?” I almost choked the words out. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that this would happen? It was too incredible. I had my hunch. His extraordinary closeness with my daughter and Erin’s affection toward him. Those clues I tried to brush off because there is no conclusive evidence to fund it. I was going for a gut feeling, a
Lucas POVI fucked up.I rubbed my face with my palms, crumpling it in frustration as I watched Katherine march out of the St. Martin's Hospital Emergency Room, looking like she had a chip on her shoulder."I think you handled it all wrong. What did you say to prompt Katherine Fielding to leave in a huff?"I did not notice Matt’s approach until he reached my side and made the comment that exacerbated what I already felt.I sighed, tousling my head as regret washed over me.I wanted to run after her, but I figured that would only make things worse.Back in high school, whenever she was angry, there was nothing I could say or do to appease her. Katherine needs to cool off before she would be willing to listen calmly to anything I say."I told her about me being Erin's biological father," I admitted to Matt."And..." He prompted, wanting to hear more.But th
Katherine POV“That pompous, arrogant a*s!” I ranted at Veronica when she called me that evening. “What was wrong?” Veronica sounded confused. I get it. She did not expect me to burst into anger about our boss, not when we parted on good terms this morning. I took deep breaths. I wanted to calm myself, but every time I think about Lucas Sanders, blood rushes to my head in anger. “I thought you were getting along well. Lucas Sanders likes Erin, and Erin likes him a lot.” I bit my tongue as another expletive loomed out of my lips if I had not been distracted by a grunt coming from Erin.Automatically, my eyes shifted to the bed to check on my daughter. She was sleeping soundly, which made me heave a sigh.“Sorry, Erin made a sound. I thought I woke her up.”“Okay, what happened to make you this mad?” Veronica pressed. I fussed a little over my little girl while I reported what happened to my girl. “The outing wore Erin out. The boss panicked, and he sent her to St. Martin’s
Katherine POVMs. Fielding?" I nervously looked up to see Dan Burns walking toward me. I sat up from the lounge chair outside Lucas Sanders’ office and offered my hand for a handshake, but I withdrew it when I noticed the tiny tremors shaking it. Pretending nonchalance, I looked pointedly at my wristwatch. It was lunchtime, but the mighty Lucas Sanders ordered me to meet him here. He called me personally, but he routed the order through Lorrie, leaving me no other choice. I could not say no because it would give rise to speculation on Lorrie’s part. And that was something I wanted to avoid as much as possible.I already figured in two office scandals. I do not want to add more to the list. So, despite my aversion to seeing him after our last phone call, I reluctantly agreed, and now here I am. A nervous wreck. Dan pivoted on his heels in the direction of Lucas Sanders’ office. "They are in the conference room." He informed me.I automatically shifted and stepped forward to fo
Katherine POV“Mommy, wake up!” Erin’s childish voice was the first thing I noticed when I gained consciousness. I did not know how long I was out, but it felt nice to hear my little girl’s voice, even if it was just in my dreams. Oh, how I wish to hug and cuddle with Erin. With my eyes closed, I lifted my arms, hoping to close it around her small body. “Ahhh!” Erin exclaimed in surprise. Shocked, I opened my eyes instantly to my daughter’s warm presence. Happiness filled me when I burrowed my face into her downy head to inhale her sweet baby scent. Instantly, I felt relieved. Whatever was bothering me these past few days seemed insignificant with Erin around.Erin pulled away. The tips of her fingers wandered around my face. I closed my eyes to savor the gentle touch.Erin thought I was falling asleep again, so she forced my eyes open. “Mommy! Wake up!” I indulged her. Nothing in this world can make me say no to my little girl. When she saw me open my eyes, Erin grinned
Veronica POVBefore I put the paper I got from John, I tucked it in my memory, safe and secure. “Nanny Miller,” I said her name in my head countless times. I walked from the coffee shop to a nearby cab terminal when I heard a honk behind me. I sidestepped closer to the curb to resume walking when the car honked again. This time, I made sure to stop and let the car drive past me when I noticed that it was the same car Oliver used. The window opened, and Oliver’s face appeared. “Where are you going? Let me take you there.” He offered.I was surprised. I thought he had already left after dropping me off. Did he wait for me to conclude my meeting?I shook my head to thank him for the offer. I would rather go alone. This is a personal business and has nothing to do with our friends. “Thanks, but no,” I replied and resumed walking.I was already a few feet away from the terminal when I noticed the absence of cabs waiting for passengers. Oliver persisted. And the next thing I knew,
Veronica POV“I am okay here. Leave.” I told Oliver Manns after he parked his car outside a popular coffee shop in Berkeley.My eyes became alert as I surveyed the shop from our distance.“Stop being rude. I am not your driver, miss.” His tone brimmed with sarcasm.I decided to disregard it while I got busy unclasping my seatbelt.Despite getting into a frenzy, I hadn’t forgotten my manners. “Thank you,” I said, opening the door to my side to get out.Unfortunately, Oliver Manns opened his side of the door and was about to get out, too.&nb
Oliver POVI followed Veronica toward the makeshift altar. We did not talk, and it worked just fine for me. Pachelbel’s Canon in D wafted in the air, and the processional began. After Lucas walked the beige-colored carpet, the coordinator nodded in my direction to indicate my turn. I squared my shoulders and began walking until I reached Lucas, and I stood beside him. We both face the end of the aisle to watch the rest of the entourage walk toward their seats. Then, it was Erin’s turn. Lucas smiled, watching Erin walk the aisle holding a cute flower basket made from dried rattan. From time to time, she stops to toss flower petals in the air before resuming her walk. When she reached Lucas, she smiled and made an okay sign. Lucas responded by giving her two thumbs up. Then, she lifted her arms to Lucas, wanting to be carried. Lucas indulged her. He grunted when he bent to pick her up, amusing the guests. Erin's arms surrounded Lucas's neck. Now, it was Veronica’s turn.
Veronica POVI watched my friend meet our boss on her bridal walk at that spectacular spread by the beach. The white decorations embellished generously with varied shades of lavender were most appealing to the eyes.With the backdrop of seawater, the color seemed to translate into tranquility - a soothing balm for my soul.“You look maudlin. Aren’t you happy for your friend? Or maybe you are expecting her to suffer until now.” A man asked from the side.The accusation stung.The mocking tone in his voice left a bad taste in my mouth.Why was it
Katherine POVFor a moment, I thought he changed his mind, allowing doubt to creep in. But living in fear for too long makes one realize that there was a moment when she had to seize the moment and take a risk. Right now, I took a risk when I affirmed his question because he had become hesitant after asking the question. The glassy look on his face made me doubt if he was indeed serious with the proposal. But of course, raising your guard for a long time comes with a price -vulnerability. I tried to mask that weakness by pretending to be impatient, but inside, I was freaking out. What if he recalls the proposal?I grabbed his hand - the one with the engagement ring - to prove that the whole thing was not just a figment of my imagination. It was real. Lucas Sanders proposed to me. He had mentioned it previously but always tailed it with words that he would wait for my readiness. I realized no one was ready for anything. You take and accept things because they feel right. When L
Lucas POVMy chest pounded as I waited for Katherine’s reply to my proposal. Still, as the seconds stretched into a minute, I felt a wave of desolation washed over me. Disappointment was all over her features. My fingers closed on the diamond ring I bought with her in mind. "I know I did not prepare a grand proposal. I didn't even think of a good speech. I am also sorry for rushing you." I began to explain. It was different from pitching project proposals for my business because this would change my whole life. It sounded like I was babbling. The truth is, this is my first marriage proposal. I never proposed to anyone because no one came to measure up to this gorgeous woman in front of me. No one came close to how she has affected me that even after five years, she was still the only one I wanted. As I waited for Katherine’s reply, I remembered what Duke told me. “We can’t touch Agatha because JQ Entertainment is protecting her.”Now, the faceless man who dared to antagonize
Katherine POVI woke up alone in bed and felt slightly disappointed when I realized Lucas was gone. I turned to the side to hug the pillow he used on my chest, wishing it was him. It would have been nice to wake up and see him first thing in the morning. I was jolted from my daydreaming when the door to my room opened. Lucas entered the room with Erin in his arms. “Mommy!” Erin called out in a singsong voice. I watched her wiggle from Lucas’s arms. When her feet reached the floor, she began to run toward me. She climbed the bed and sat next to me. “You and Daddy sleep without me.” She complained.My eyes met Lucas above Erin’s head. Then, I turned to my daughter to mumble an apology. Erin shrugged. “It’s okay. Daddy promised we would sleep together tonight. You, me and Daddy.” Erin reported.The idea excited me. I began to caress Erin’s head to hide the pleasure the news brought. “Have you eaten?” I asked She bobbed her head. “Me and Daddy.” Then, she stood on the bed to tu
Katherine POV“I am sorry. I shouldn’t have stooped down to her level,” I told Lucas stiffly as we walked back to the bus.Until now, I could still hear Agatha’s rants and the expected whispers from our onlookers.If truth be known, hitting her and putting her in her place gave me immense satisfaction. Agatha shouldn't have insulted my daughter because that is where I draw the line.I felt a tug on my hand, prompting me to stop.“Agatha had it coming. You shouldn’t feel any regret.” Lucas told me.He held my chin and stared deep into
Katherine POV“Well. Well. Well. The sarcasm in Agatha Richards' tone was keenly comprehensible, especially if one cared enough to listen. Agatha was walking out of the function room at the same time we did. And because all doors lead to the lobby, we sort of ended up meeting in the middle. There is no way I could have avoided her, even if I wanted to. Then, she dropped the bomb that put me in the spotlight. “If it isn’t the fiance stealer.” She looked at me up and down, and her nose wrinkled in distaste as if she did not like what she saw. I know I am not as sophisticated or glamorous as her. I looked down the denim overalls I wore at the tree planting project and knew that compared to Agatha, I looked very ordinary. But Lucas’s hand, when it searched for mine, felt very comforting. I knew Agathaa saw how he held my hand and squeezed it. The action sent a signal that he was trying to silently assure me. This seemed to ignite Agatha’s anger. “How does it feel to be taking my