One night with the Mafia King

She smiled hearing his words. "And thank you for being in this together with me." She said caressing her flat belly. His anger which was almost going to break a argument between them, fade away after hearing her talk.

"Lucas," Bella broke the silence, her voice soft yet steady.

He glanced at her briefly, his lips curling into a faint smile. "Yes?"

"When are we going to your parents' house?" she asked, her tone casual, though he didn't miss the slight edge of nerves in her voice.

Lucas shifted his focus back to the road, his expression thoughtful. "The day after tomorrow," he said after a pause.

Bella tilted her head in surprise. "Why not tomorrow?"

"You have your doctor's appointment tomorrow," he reminded her gently. "I didn't want to rush you. Meeting my parents is important, but your health... and the baby comes first."

Her cheeks flushed slightly at his thoughtfulness, and she nodded. "Thank you for thinking about that."

He gave her a quick sideways glance. "Always."

The car fell into a comfortable silence again, broken only by the faint rhythm of the tires against the asphalt. Bella leaned back in her seat, her fingers trailing over the edge of the shopping bag that rested on her lap.

"Do you think they'll like me?" she asked quietly, almost as if she were asking herself.

Lucas slowed the car as they approached a red light, turning to face her. "Bella," he said, his tone firm yet reassuring, "my parents are going to love you. You don't have to worry about that."

She let out a soft laugh, though it was laced with uncertainty. "It's just... meeting someone's parents feels like such a big step. And with everything going on, I just hope I don't mess it up."

Lucas reached over, his hand covering hers briefly. "You won't mess it up. Just be yourself....that's all they need to see."

The light turned green, and Lucas returned his hand to the wheel, driving smoothly through the intersection.

As they neared the residential area, Bella glanced at her phone. "We need to pick up Rachel from Hannah's, I mean her friend's house," she reminded him.

"Alright lets pick her up first," Lucas assured her with a small smile.

A few minutes later, the car pulled up outside a quaint suburban house. The front yard was filled with toys, and faint laughter could be heard from inside.

Bella stepped out of the car, straightening her dress as she approached the door. Lucas leaned against the car, watching her with quiet admiration.

Bella rang the doorbell, and moments later, the door swung open to reveal Hannah's mother, a kind-faced woman with warm eyes. "Bella! Come in. Rachel's just finishing up a game with Hannah."

"Thank you, Mrs. Carter," Bella said with a polite smile. She stepped inside and, a few moments later, emerged with Rachel skipping by her side.

"Mommy! Mr. Handsome!" Rachel exclaimed, her face lighting up when she saw Lucas. She ran to him, wrapping her small arms around his leg.

Lucas crouched down, ruffling her hair gently. "Hey, kiddo. Did you have fun?"

Rachel nodded enthusiastically. "Hannah and I played princesses! I was the queen!"

"Well, Your Majesty," Lucas said with a mock bow, "it's time to return to your castle."

Rachel giggled as Bella helped her into the back seat. Lucas held the door open, ensuring Rachel was buckled in before sliding back into the driver's seat.

As they drove home, Rachel's chatter filled the car. She spoke animatedly about her day, her energy infectious. Bella watched her daughter with a soft smile, occasionally glancing at Lucas, who seemed perfectly at ease listening to Rachel's stories.

"Mr. Handsome," Rachel said suddenly, drawing his attention. "Are you coming to our house for dinner?"

Lucas glanced at Bella, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "That depends. What's on the menu?"

"Spaghetti!" Rachel declared triumphantly.

"Well, how can I say no to that?" he replied with a grin.

Bella shook her head, laughing softly. "You don't have to stay if you're busy," she said, though her tone lacked conviction.

"I'm never too busy for spaghetti, besides it is already becoming a habit of me to eat the supper at your place." Lucas said lightly, his eyes briefly meeting hers in the rearview mirror.

By the time they reached Bella's apartment, the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm orange glow over the city. Lucas carried the shopping bag inside while Bella helped Rachel out of the car.

Inside, the familiar coziness of their home greeted them. Rachel ran off to her room to change, leaving Lucas and Bella in the living room.

"Thank you for today," Bella said as she set her purse on the counter.

Lucas placed the bags down and turned to her. "You don't have to thank me," he said softly. "I meant what I said earlier..... your comfort and happiness matter to me."

Bella met his gaze, her heart fluttering at the sincerity in his voice. For a moment, the world seemed to fade, leaving only the two of them.

"Mommy! Mr. Handsome! I'm hungry!" Rachel's voice broke the moment, and Bella laughed, shaking her head.

"I guess we better get started on that spaghetti," she said.

Lucas followed her into the kitchen, rolling up his sleeves. "You're not doing this alone," he said, grabbing an apron.

Together, they prepared dinner, the kitchen filled with laughter and the aroma of freshly cooked pasta. As they sat down to eat, Bella found herself relaxing in Lucas's presence, the unease about meeting his parents slowly fading.

Being together with her family, comforted her. For now, surrounded by warmth and light, everything felt right.