Filed To Story: Finding the Secret Daddy for My Baby Novel
“I’m a little swamped today, Scarlet. I’ll let Elijah handle the arrangements.”
“Alright. Come home for dinner once you’re done with work. Mom and Dad are here too.”
Ren’s heart tightened. “Scarlet, make sure Dad doesn’t find out about my relationship with Ruka.”
“Relax. Everyone’s on high alert right now. No one will inform Dad about it before the elections. We know what his temper’s like,” Scarlet assured him before adding a reminder. “Don’t work too late. You need to take care of your health too.”
“Yes, I got it.” Ren smiled warmly. His family’s love for him was his source of strength.
Meanwhile, at a hillside villa near the city center, a grand feast was laid out on the dining table, and the woman who stood at the French window waiting for her husband to come home was dressed in a beige dress designed for pregnant women. From behind, she still looked like a young lady, but if one walked around her, they would see her beautiful belly, She caressed it while waiting patiently.
Just then, she saw the flashing car lights drawing near. Her lips curved into a smile. He was home at last.
Near the dining table, an old man sat down for a game of chess with his grandson. The young heir of the Presgraves was already showing all the makings of a highly intelligent soul. He carefully considered his every move, so much so that Francis was beginning to feel the pressure!
After all, the six–year–old had won several times now.
“Jared, haven’t you figured out your next move yet?” Francis asked with a smile.
“Hang on, Grandpa. I’ve almost figured it out.” Jared looked up. His handsome face looked more and more like his father’s every day.
Jared made his move and Francis couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise at how much of an expert he was at chess already. His move had been the best one possible.
“Your turn, Grandpa!” Jared grinned. “My, my. You’re nearly as good as me now. Let me think.” Francis studied the chessboard as if he had finally met his match.
Jared rested his head on his hands to wait. He looked like a proper little gentleman in his black sweater. When he heard the sounds outside, he smiled and said, “My father’s home.”
Francis nodded. “Yeah! Just in time for Christmas Eve dinner.”
“Mommy needs to go to the hospital once we’re done with dinner. I’ll get to see my sister in a few days,” Jared enthused.
“That’s right! We’ll have a new member of the family soon.” Francis was just as excited about it. In his old age, nothing felt more meaningful than spending time with his family.
Against the backdrop of the evening sky, Elliot stepped out of the car and speed–walked to the house. When he saw the woman who was waiting at the door, he reached out to hold her and asked, “Why are you standing at the door when it’s so cold?”
“I’m waiting for you, of course!” Anastasia tilted her head up to look at him. The light highlighted her refined features and the warmth of her beauty shone. Even though she was a pregnant woman, she was still as attractive as ever.
Elliot put his hand on her belly gently. “Did the baby kick you today? Is she playing nice?”
“Not bad. I’d be worried if she’s toonice.” Anastasia held his hand. “Let’s go. We’re going to the hospital after we have dinner with Dad and Jared.”
“Sure.” Elliot kissed her forehead and led her into the living room.
Francis heaved a sigh. “Yep, I’m getting old. Even a six–year–old kid is beating me.”
Anastasia heard everything, and she came in, smiling. “Did you lose again, Dad?”
“Yeah. Jared’s really smart. I can’t win no matter what I do,” Francis admitted defeat.
The boy encouraged his grandfather, “Do your best, Grandpa.”
“I’ll get back to you after dinner.” Francis smiled. The child started picking up the chess pieces and tucking them away. The child was young, but he was smart, and Francis felt grateful. Unlike other kids, he would clean up after himself instead of making a mess.
It was nine when they finished dinner. Four black cars escorted Anastasia as she went to the Presgraves‘ personal hospital. Everyone was prepared for Anastasia’s labor.
It was a merry day at Scarlet’s house as well. Three families were celebrating Christmas there. It was rowdy to say the least.
Charlotte was looking at Ruka happily. She couldn’t take her eyes off the girl ever since she showed up. Ruka was helping her mother and Scarlet make Christmas dinner.
Harold, Walter, and Robert were enjoying their tea as they talked about current issues.
“Come, Ruka.” Charlotte beckoned to Ruka when she was serving a dish.
Ruka approached her shyly. Charlotte held her hand. She was just delighted to see the girl. Ruka was a likable lady to begin with, and her looks just checked every box Charlotte had on the list.
“Come, talk with me. We have a lot to talk about.” Charlotte took Ruka away stubbornly.
Ruka supported Charlotte, and they went into a quiet side chamber. After taking a seat, Charlotte said, “If Ren tries to do anything stupid to you, you come to me. I’ll wallop him.”
Ruka chuckled. He might be a VP, but he’s still a son at home. His mother will whip him into shape.
“It’s alright, Charlotte. He’s nice to me. Never said anything bad to me either,” she said seriously.
“Good. But well, he’s older, so I guess he knows how to love a lady.” Charlotte defended her son. It would be frustrating if Ruka complained about his age.
“He loves me.” She nodded.
Charlotte remembered something. She left for the living room and came back holding a wooden box. Then, she opened it, revealing a jade bracelet in it. The bracelet was gleaming gorgeously under the light.
“This is a family heirloom that’s been passed down for two centuries. It’s invaluable, and now it’s yours.” She gently placed the box in Ruka’s hand.
Ruka was petrified. This is much too valuable! I can’t take it.
“Charlotte-”
“Don’t say no. I got it appraised, and it’s worth about this much.” She raised a single finger.
Ten million. It’s worth ten million. Not ten thousand or a hundred thousand. Her heart skipped a beat. It’s far too valuable for me to accept. “I… I can’t take this.” She handed it back to Charlotte. “You should keep it, Charlotte.”
“You silly girl. What’s ours is yours. If you won’t take it, nobody will.” She patted the girl’s head happily. “I’ll make sure Ren marries you. I’m not going to accept any other woman as his wife.”
Ruka felt sheepish, but also moved. “Thank you, Charlotte. Really. This means a lot.”
Charlotte handed the box over to her. “This is gonna come in handy when you attend important events with Ren.”
Ruka nodded. “Of course. I’ll treasure it.”
She then noticed the light of a car’s headlamps shining through the window, and delight filled her. Is that him?
New Book: Returned To Make Them Pay
On her wedding anniversary, Alicia is drugged and stumbles into the wrong room—straight into the arms of the powerful Caden Ward, a man rumored never to touch women. Their night of passion shocks even him, especially when he discovers she’s still a virgin after two years of marriage to Joshua Yates.