All Chapters of Daddy's Kitten: Chapter 121 - Chapter 129

The dining room glowed under the soft chandelier light, crystal glasses catching prisms as the trio settled around the polished mahogany table. Sophia poured red wine for herself and Vincent, while Katherine sipped sparkling water, her hand subtly resting on her belly under the tablecloth.  Vincent sat at the head, his broad shoulders filling the chair, button-down shirt straining slightly over his chest, exuding that effortless command. Platters steamed with herb-crusted rack of lamb, roasted asparagus glistening with olive oil and garlic mashed potatoes fluffy and inviting. Conversation flowed easily at first, forks clinking against fine china.  "So, Kat, how's the internship shaping up? I’m sure you’re learning things well with Vincent’s help, he must be good to you. I trust him with you about that." So

Sophia's hand hung in the air, frozen, her wrist locked in a grip of iron. She turned, fury blazing in her eyes, ready to lash out at whoever dared to stop her and found herself staring into the red-rimmed eyes of Vincent. His face was unreadable, a mask of cold composure, but his grip was firm, unyielding. Vincent stood in the doorway, his grip iron-tight. His eyes were fierce, his jaw clenched. "That's enough." "Let go of me," Sophia hissed, her voice trembling with rage. Vincent didn't release her. Instead, he slowly lowered her arm, his gaze never leaving hers. "I think you've done enough." "Enough?" Sophia laughed, a bitter, broken sound. "You have no idea what she's done." 

The mansion had fallen into an uneasy silence. The earlier storm of emotions had receded, leaving behind a fragile calm that seemed to tremble at the slightest breath. Katherine had retreated to Vincent's room, her body exhausted, her mind still reeling from the confrontation with her mother.  She lay on his bed, the sheets cool against her skin, her hand resting on her still-flat belly, marveling at the life growing inside her. Vincent had stayed with her until her breathing steadied, until the tremors in her body subsided. Then he excused himself to check on some work.  Katherine had smiled weakly, understanding that he needed space to process everything that had happened. She watched him leave, the door clicking shut behind him and then she turned her gaze to the ceiling, her thoughts drifting. 

When Katherine finally pulled back, her eyes were red, her makeup smudged, but she had never looked more beautiful to him. Vincent smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Come," he said softly. "Let's not waste this night." He led her back to the platform, where the cushions still lay scattered, the fairy lights casting a soft golden glow. He helped her settle onto the pile of pillows, then lowered himself beside her, his arm wrapping around her shoulders, drawing her close. She looked up at him, her eyes shining. "I'm still trying to believe this is real." He pressed a kiss to her temple. "It's real. I'm real. This is real." She turned her face t

It was four in the morning, the world still wrapped in the velvet darkness of pre-dawn. Katherine stirred, a strange heaviness pulling at her lower back. She shifted, trying to find a comfortable position, but the heaviness grew into a dull ache, then a sharp, stabbing cramp that made her gasp. She bit her lip, trying to suppress it. Maybe it was just Braxton Hicks. The books had said false labor could be intense. She breathed through the wave, her fingers gripping the sheets. But the pain didn't recede. It built a crescendo that tightened around her abdomen like a vise. She let out a moan, her hand flying to her belly. Vincent was awake in an instant. His eyes snapped open, his body reacting before his mind fully caught up. He saw her pale and drawn face, her teeth clamped on her lower lip and a cold dread shot through him.