NOVEL NEXT Chapter 83: Do they know?
As Lucas drove back toward Bella's neighborhood, his mind lingered on the upcoming meeting. He didn't trust Renato any further than he could throw him, but he knew he needed to tread carefully. One wrong move could set off a chain reaction with the Russian Don, and that wasn't a risk he was willing to take.
But even as these thoughts swirled in his mind, his focus kept drifting back to Bella. The way her eyes had softened when she looked at him earlier. The warmth of her presence. She had no idea the kind of world he lived in, and part of him wanted to keep it that way for as long as possible.
As he pulled into her driveway, Lucas let out a soft sigh. For now, the chaos of his world could wait. Here, with Bella and Rachel, things felt… different. Simpler. He wasn't ready to let that go.
Lucas parked his car outside Bella's apartment building, the soft hum of the engine fading into silence. He stepped out, his usual composed demeanor masking the whirlpool of thoughts racing through his mind.
Bella was already at the door when he approached, she saw his car from her balcony, her hand resting lightly on the frame as she looked at him. "Back so soon?" she teased lightly, though there was an undertone of curiosity in her voice.
Lucas smirked, his hands casually slipping into his pockets. "Told you I wouldn't be gone too long."
She nodded, stepping aside to let him in. Rachel's toys were scattered across the floor, a reminder of the little girl's boundless energy. Bella quickly moved to tidy up, but Lucas waved her off.
"Don't worry about that," he said, taking a seat on the couch. His gaze softened as he watched her move around, her presence filling the space with a quiet warmth.
"Where is my sweetheart?" He asked once he sensed the quietness in the house. Bella sighed lightly before answering,"Don't ask about your sweetheart. Now she is sleeping to recharge herself. She played with me the entire time she was awake. "
He chuckled softly, finding it amusing that she is whining to him about her own daughter. She made it sound like he is the one who pampered her and spoiled her.
As she voiced her concerns, his heart overflowed with affection. He liked the idea of her venting to him about Rachel and their child in the future.
Bella finally settled into the chair across from him, her hands clasped nervously in her lap. Her previously whiny attitude quickly turned into a tense demeanor. After a moment of silence, she cleared her throat. "Lucas… about tomorrow. When we meet your parents… do they know?"
Lucas tilted his head, his brows knitting together. "Know what?"
"About the baby," she said softly, her gaze dropping to her hands. "Do they know I'm pregnant?"