Chapter 179
Iris's POV
I was making my way toward the entrance of Crescent Design, my heels clicking against the pavement. I spotted Lucas from a distance, standing there like he had been waiting for a while, a fresh bouquet clutched in his hands. My stomach did an uncomfortable flip that had nothing to do with morning sickness.
"Shit," I muttered under my breath. "Day six of this nonsense."
The previous five days, I'd managed to dodge Lucas by sneaking out through the side entrance whenever I spotted him waiting. Each day, a different bouquet, each day the same hopeful expression on his face. It was becoming ridiculous, and apparently, running away wasn't solving anything.
I smoothed down my champagne-colored blazer and straightened my shoulders. Avoiding confrontation wasn't my style anymore. I'd grown beyond that.
As I approached, Lucas's eyes lit up like he'd spotted a rare treasure. He stepped forward eagerly, extending the bouquet of white and peach roses.
"Iris!" His voice was warm with enthusiasm. "These flowers complement your outfit perfectly today."
I glanced down at my outfit, suddenly aware of how the soft champagne color might indeed complement the flowers. The thought made me pause. Between Lucas's daily flower deliveries and Sebastien's meals that I kept refusing, I felt like I was caught in some bizarre mating ritual competition.
"Thank you," I said, surprising both of us as I reached out and accepted the bouquet.
Lucas blinked, clearly shocked that I hadn't rejected his gift like every other day. His surprise quickly transformed into a wide smile, revealing perfect teeth.
"I wasn't expecting you to accept them," he admitted, eyes twinkling with hope.
I held the flowers loosely, their sweet scent wafting up. "Constantly avoiding you isn't solving anything. We need to talk, Lucas."
His smile faltered slightly but remained firmly in place. "I'd love that."
I glanced around at the growing number of employees entering the building, some already whispering and pointing in our direction. Just what I needed—more office gossip.
"Not here," I said firmly. "There's a coffee shop around the corner. We can talk there."
"Lead the way," Lucas replied, falling into step beside me.
The coffee shop wasn't crowded, thankfully. We found a corner table that offered some privacy from curious eyes, though the flowers on the table still drew attention from nearby patrons.
"What would you like to drink?" Lucas asked, sliding the menu toward me.
I flipped through it halfheartedly. "Just milk, please." My stomach was already unsettled enough without adding caffeine to the mix.
Lucas ordered a Blue Mountain coffee for himself and my milk. As we waited, I caught the admiring glances from a girl at the next table.
"God, how romantic is that?" she whispered to her friend, eyeing the roses. "A flower delivery first thing in the morning!"
I managed a polite smile in her direction while inwardly cringing. If she only knew how complicated this situation actually was.
Our drinks arrived, and I stirred my milk absently, gathering my thoughts. Lucas's gaze hadn't left my face since we sat down, and the intensity was becoming uncomfortable.
"So," I began, setting my spoon down with a soft clink, "I wanted to talk to you about our marriage arrangement."
Lucas nodded eagerly. "I know we haven't had much time to get to know each other, but I'm willing to take things slow if that's what you want."
"No," I said firmly, looking directly into his eyes. "You misunderstand. I'm not here to discuss how to proceed with the arrangement. I'm here to tell you that I have no intention of continuing with it."
His smile froze, the light in his hazel eyes dimming slightly. I watched as he processed my words, his expression shifting from confusion to disappointment.
"I see," he said finally, his voice controlled. "May I ask why?"
I took a deep breath. Might as well lay all my cards on the table. "First, I never agreed to this arrangement in the first place. It was something our families discussed without my input or consent."
Lucas nodded slowly, his fingers tightening around his coffee cup.
"Second," I continued, my hand unconsciously moving to rest on my still-flat stomach, "I'm pregnant. As you can see, this makes the situation more complicated and, frankly, unfair to you."
There. The truth was out. I watched his face carefully, expecting shock, disgust, or at least immediate rejection. Most male werewolves would rather die than raise another Alpha's offspring, especially one from a rival family.
But Lucas surprised me. His expression softened, and after a moment of silence, he reached across the table, stopping just short of touching my hand.
"If that's what you're worried about, Iris, I want you to know that it doesn't change anything for me," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "I care about you, not just some arrangement our families made. And the baby..." he glanced at my stomach, "I would treat your child as my own. You have my word."
I blinked, completely thrown off balance. This was not the reaction I had expected. Was he serious? Or was this just something he was saying to appear noble?
"Lucas," I said, pulling my hand back slightly, "you don't understand what you're saying. This isn't just any baby. This is a Grey heir." I didn't explicitly say it was Sebastien's, but the implication was clear.
"I know exactly what I'm saying," Lucas replied, his gaze unwavering. "I'm saying I choose you, regardless of circumstances."
My chest tightened with a mix of emotions—surprise, confusion, and a hint of something that might have been gratitude. But I couldn't let his unexpected gallantry sway me from my decision.
"No," I said firmly, shaking my head. "That's not the point. I'm not looking for someone to accept my circumstances. I'm not looking for a marriage at all right now." I met his gaze directly. "I called this meeting to clear things up, not to create more misunderstandings. I truly have no intention of pursuing any relationship. My focus is on my career and..." I glanced down at my stomach, "this little one."
Lucas's expression fell slightly, but he seemed to understand the finality in my tone. After a moment, he nodded slowly.
"I respect your honesty," he said quietly. "But my feelings won't change, Iris. Whether you want to acknowledge our arrangement or not, I care for you. That won't simply disappear because you wish it to."
I glanced at my watch, seizing the opportunity for escape. "I need to get back to work," I said, standing up. "This conversation has been... clarifying. Thank you for understanding."
Lucas stood as well, not trying to stop me. "Take care of yourself, Iris," he said softly.
As I walked through the glass doors of the coffee shop, I could feel his gaze following me, lingering particularly on the slight swell of my abdomen that confirmed everything I'd told him.
Back on the street, I took a deep breath of fresh air. At least that was one problem addressed, even if it hadn't ended exactly as I'd expected. Lucas's reaction had been surprising. Was he genuinely that interested in me, or did he have ulterior motives? I couldn't be sure.
"We don't need anyone else," I whispered, my hand resting on my stomach. "Just you and me—we'll be fine."
Back at my desk, I immersed myself in work, determined to focus on the things I could control. By mid-afternoon, I was deep into reviewing design specifications when my phone rang. Daniel Parker's name flashed on the screen.
I hit decline without hesitation. Ten seconds later, it rang again—Daniel again. I declined a second time. After the third call in quick succession, I finally answered, my patience worn thin.
"What?" I snapped.
"Iris," Daniel's voice was urgent, "Sebastien needs to see you. It's important."
I let out a harsh laugh. "I'm sure he does. He's tried every trick in the book this week. What's the new approach? A family emergency? A business crisis?"
Daniel hesitated. "Iris, please. He really needs to speak with you. It's urgent."
"Tell him to save his breath and his flowers," I replied coldly. "I'm not interested in whatever game he's playing now."
There was a pause before Daniel spoke again, his voice lower, more serious. "It's not a game this time, Iris. It's really important."
Something in his tone made me pause. I considered hanging up but found myself asking instead, "Fine. What exactly does he want to discuss?"
Daniel sighed with what sounded like relief. "Thank you, Iris. He'll explain everything when you see him."
I rolled my eyes even though he couldn't see me. "Fine. I'll come, but only because I'm curious to see what new trick he's trying."