CHAPTER 48

Bella’s POV

Henry had been talking non-stop about ‘Bring Your Father to School Day,’ and now that Lucas had resurfaced, it was like the perfect timing. I knew Henry had been a little down about it, not wanting to show it too much, but now that Lucas was back in the picture, he couldn’t stop gushing. Henry had become somewhat of a mini version of Lucas, always on the phone with him, discussing everything from his homework to his favorite video games. It was almost surreal to watch, and I couldn’t help but admire the connection they had. Lucas would be on video calls with Henry, helping him with his assignments while Jason hovered around, getting in on the action too.

“Henry doesn’t even have time for me anymore,” Jane said with a sigh as she laid down the last dish in the kitchen. I was right beside her, but as usual, she wouldn’t let me do anything. She always insisted on taking care of everything herself.

“I know, right?” I said with a soft chuckle, watching Jane put away the last of the dishes. “Ever since his father came back, he barely plays with me. He’s always on the phone, talking to Lucas.”

“Don’t even get me started,” I continued, my voice a little amused. “Even the nanny’s exhausted from them. Henry won’t eat breakfast until he’s sure Jason’s having the same thing. They’ve practically become inseparable. I can’t even stop them from getting closer. They’re brothers now.”

Jane shook her head, her eyes softening as she thought about it. “It’s probably only this intense because they haven’t seen each other for so long. It’s like they’re making up for lost time.”

“You’re right,” I said, my voice growing a little more serious. “I just hope everything goes well. I can’t afford to have a broken son. Taking him away from New York, from everything he knew, was hard enough. It took him so long to adjust to life here. And now that Lucas and Jason are both back in the picture, everything seems perfect, but... I can’t shake the feeling that something might go wrong.”

Jane wiped her hands on a towel and looked at me with concern. “Don’t be dramatic, Bella. Why would you think that? What could possibly go wrong?”

“I don’t know,” I admitted, my voice a little more vulnerable than I wanted it to be. “But I can’t shake the fear. My first marriage with Lucas crashed, and my relationship with Derek ended in disaster. What if I wasn’t meant to love or be loved? What if I end up getting hurt again?”

Jane walked over to me, placing a hand on my shoulder and giving me a warm, reassuring smile. “You won’t get hurt, I promise you. You are a wonderful woman, Bella. Any man would be lucky to have you in his life. Don’t sell yourself short. You’re gorgeous and sexy, and if I were a man, I’d be damn sure not to let you go.” She winked at me playfully, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“You always know how to make me smile, Jane,” I said, feeling a warmth spread through me. “You’re amazing. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” I pulled her into a hug, holding onto the comfort of her presence before I turned back to my work.

The day of ‘Bring Your Father to School Day’ finally arrived, and Henry was practically bouncing off the walls with excitement. Lucas had promised to pick him up and drop him off at school, and it was clear that Henry could barely contain his joy. He had woken up earlier than usual, got himself dressed in his uniform, and even had his breakfast without any complaints. His nanny was clearly surprised by the sudden burst of energy.

“Oh my gosh, you’re up early, Henry!” she said as she placed a bowl of overnight oats in front of him. He smiled, devouring the breakfast with a sense of purpose.

I was still upstairs, blissfully sleeping in my room, when I heard the unmistakable sound of tires on the gravel driveway. I wasn’t expecting anyone, so I groggily rubbed my eyes and dragged myself to the window. What I saw made my jaw drop.

There were three cars lined up in my driveway—three luxury cars. The first was a sleek black Porsche with orange interior. The second, a massive Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, and the third, a black Rolls Royce. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

"Holy moly, what is this?" I muttered to myself, my heart racing as I tried to make sense of it all. Lucas was clearly trying to make an impression, but this? This was too much.

I watched as Lucas stepped out of the Porsche, a confident smile on his face, and two men who looked like bodyguards stood by the other cars. The security detail was unmistakable, and I couldn’t help but feel a wave of anxiety flood over me. The men wore earpieces, their expressions unreadable.

When Lucas glanced up and caught my eye through the window, it was like he knew I was watching. He didn’t say a word, just gave a subtle nod before heading toward the front door. The security team remained in place, standing perfectly still as if guarding the perimeter.

The doorbell rang, and Henry, full of energy, dashed toward the door.

“Henry, wait up!” his nanny called out, but Henry was already too quick for her. He had reached the door and flung it open, rushing toward Lucas with a beaming smile on his face.

“Daddy!!!” Henry shouted as he threw himself into Lucas’s arms. The two of them embraced tightly, and I couldn’t help but feel a lump form in my throat as I watched them together.

I finally made my way downstairs, unable to stand on the sidelines any longer.

“Are you ready to show your classmates that you’re a badass?” Lucas asked with a grin as he ruffled Henry’s hair.

“Yes!” Henry shouted enthusiastically, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

I couldn’t help myself any longer, and I walked over, feeling a mix of emotions welling up inside me. “Lucas, can I talk to you for a second, please?” I said, my voice tight.

Lucas turned to me, his face still lit with excitement. “Sure, what’s up?”

“And second of all,” I added, my tone sharp, “my son is not a ‘badass.’ He’s just ten years old!”

Lucas followed me into the kitchen, and I immediately tapped him aggressively on the shoulder. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I asked, my frustration bubbling up.

He raised an eyebrow, clearly confused. “I don’t quite understand what you mean. Can you explain?”

“Why the hell do you have three luxury cars coming to pick Henry up?” I asked, my voice low but firm.

“Oh, that,” Lucas said with a shrug. “Nothing serious. I just want everyone at his school to know that Henry’s not fatherless. And, in fact, his father’s a billionaire.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “Lucas, this is too much,” I said, shaking my head. “Do you realize what this is going to do to him? This isn’t just about making a statement. You’re turning Henry into a spectacle, and I don’t want him to be famous at school because of something like this.”

“You don’t have to worry about it,” Lucas said confidently, running a hand through my hair. His touch made my heart skip a beat, and I couldn’t explain how it made me feel. It was like a jolt of electricity shot through me.

“I’ve got this,” he said, leaning in closer. And then, to my shock, he whispered into my ear, “I like your morning breath.”

The sensation of his breath against my ear sent shivers down my spine. I pulled away slightly, trying to process the emotions swirling inside me, but there was no denying the magnetic pull between us.