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
Lucas POVI saw her blush, but it made me want to lean in a little closer to do what I had wanted to do since day one. But I was deprived of fulfilling my secret wish when the door opened, and Oliver walked in. My mood soured, especially when my gaze met Oliver’s knowing grin. “Perfect timing, bro.” I greeted, pulling my face away from Katherine, who looked awkward at the interruption. Forcing a smile on my face, I went to meet my best friend halfway.“Uncle Olly!” Erin looked up from the dolls she was playing with.Oliver walked toward Erin and ruffled her hair. “Hello, Erin. How are you?” Erin beamed at him. “I am fine. Mommy’s not, though. Do you think Uncle Matt will make her stay here for a long time?” She asked innocently. Maybe she was thinking about her confinement, which lasted for months. “Of course not. Actually, I came here to tell you that your Mommy will be discharged now.” Then, he looked in my direction. “I already processed the bill per your instructions.
Lucas POV“Aren’t you going to leave?” I was startled when Katherine asked me that question. My eyes instantly riveted to her. I watched when she tried futilely to fight back a yawn and lost the battle when she ended up covering her mouth with her hand. I could tell how she was trying hard to keep her eyes open, but the urge to sleep was strong. The only thing that was preventing her from totally submitting to sweet oblivion was my presence in her home.“I will carry Erin to her bed.” She offered. She stood from the couch to take our daughter from me, but Erin’s hands tightened on my neck. She did not want to let go. Katherine sighed. “You can go to bed,” I told her. “I will take care of Erin.” Despite the assurance, she did not leave the sofa. I watched her valiantly fight sleep, and our talk back at the hospital came to my mind. I understand her misgivings. She lost her memory. She did not know me. But we have a daughter that I would fight tooth and nail to share custody
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
Katherine POV“Put me down, Daddy!” Erin said, and Lucas swung her in his arms before he placed her feet firmly on the ground. “Thank you, Daddy.” She said sweetly before latching onto his hand. She gripped his thumb before she turned around to search the crowd. When she spotted me, she beckoned to me and said, “Come on, Mommy. Let’s go.” There were still some employees in the area, and as much as I would like to clamp a hand on Erin’s mouth, I couldn’t. I have to take everything in stride, just as Lucas had. No flaunting, and certainly no keeping secrets. I was just making things as natural as is. We can not hide forever. And from the looks of it, Lucas had no intention of hiding us either, especially Erin’s existence. I walked up to them. My breath hitched when Lucas snaked his arm around my waist and started gearing me toward the bus. At some point, Erin dropped his hand and ran toward Oliver. “Uncle Ollie. Wait up!” Oliver, who was walking with Veronica, stopped t
Katherine POVI turned around to face Veronica, but she was already walking away. Then, my eyes squinted when Oliver blocked her path. I saw the tension in her body and thought I was not the only one who needed some explanation. Veronica also has to explain the tension with Oliver. From the looks of it, something is brewing between them. “Stare at him longer, and I was an inch from getting jealous, sweetheart.” Lucas' breath fanned my cheeks when he leaned close to murmur in my ears. I stepped to the side to allow distance between us, consciously aware of the people around us. I don’t want to add fuel to our grand entrance. Lucas’ employees already had something to talk about.But my action sent the wrong signal to Lucas. “Why are you avoiding me?” His eyes squinted in suspicion. I rolled my eyes. Here he goes again. “Shh,” I said, trying to hold him back from further incriminating the two of us.“What?” Lucas demanded when he saw me looking from left to right. Then, he sh
Katherine POVWhen we left the apartment building, I was surprised to see a bus with an SF conglomerate logo waiting for us.“Whoa! What’s this?” I asked, not fully comprehending what was happening.Dan Burns got out of the bus to assist us.“Hi, Uncle Dan!” Erin greeted, seemingly unaffected by the sight of the bus.In contrast, Erin looked excited. She was clapping her hands, and her legs danced owing to her undisguised eagerness to jump on the bus.I adjusted the strap of her sun visor before allowing her to hop on the bus. Her laughter rang like a peal of bell as Dan held her hand to help her up.The sounds of her laughter were music to my ears. For the past two years, our lives have been filled with sadness due to Erin’s sickness. I used to ask God why he allowed such a misfortune to come to us, but now, seeing the joy on Erin’s fa
Katherine POVWhen we got tired of our game, Sara called us for dinner. Lucas snagged Erin from the bed, and she climbed on her father’s shoulders.He held her hand, crisscrossing like a plane on their way out. I followed them with my eyes, my lips tugging into a smile when I heard Erin’s giggles. Seeing how happy my Erin had been since Lucas came into our lives made me feel contentment in my heart. Looking at her, you wouldn’t see any trace of a sick child. She was recovering and adjusting to our set-up faster than expected. “Thank you,” I whispered to Lucas’ ear after we put Erin to bed. She was now snoring softly when I tucked the covers below her armpits. I placed bolster pillows on her side. We had a hard time convincing her to lie down. Erin insisted on Lucas reading her a story before bedtime, and he indulged her.I sat on her side, listening to their interaction. She cuddled close to Lucas’ chest, listening intently, and from time to time, she would interrupt him to p