Chapter 14 Better than expected
CHAPTER 14: Better than expected
Silas
“Yes. She is.”
For a moment, Lucas simply stared at me.
“Well,” he said at last, leaning back in his chair, “I suppose that answers my question as to why the rush.”
I intentionally let out a low breath through my nose, the corner of my mouth lifting in a faint smirk.
Vera getting affected by the food was never part of my plan, but I was pleased with how things had turned out.
“We only found out recently,” I replied calmly, reaching for the half filled glass on the table. “It was the most pleasant news.”
“I can imagine. Children are a blessing.”
“Yes. They are.”
“And her family are okay with it?” he finally asked, curiosity mingling with concern.
“Vera's an orphan,” I replied. “Just a younger sister. I'm mostly all the family they've got,” I continued evenly.
He nodded and glanced briefly toward the hallway, then back at me.
“I have to admit, I didn’t expect it. She looks conservative,” he paused, carefully searching for the right words. “Grounded…composed. Not the kind of woman who—” He paused. “Who would already be pregnant?”
I dropped the glass on the table.
“She is all that that you just mentioned,” I replied. “But there are some things you just can't control. No matter how hard you try. They just happen,” I replied simply, intentionally, letting my words settle.
He nodded slowly, a faint smile pulling at the corner of his mouth. “I see. In that case—” He lifted his glass in a small deliberate gesture. “Congratulations, Silas. Truly. On… the journey to fatherhood.”
I raised my glass too. “Thank you, Lucas,” I replied. “I hope you experience this too…soon.”
He chuckled. “I hope so. However, I might just have to take a bit of space after the last time,” he said. “Not everyone is lucky to meet a woman like Vera.”
“I understand.”
“Fatherhood,” he continued, his tone shifting, becoming more serious, “isn’t something I ever pictured you stepping into so… willingly. So soon.”
There it was.
The careful probe beneath the politeness.
“And marriage,” he added, quieter now. “After everything that happened… I didn’t think you’d want to try it again.”
He knew about my first marriage and the loss of my wife.
Something in my chest tightened, sharp and unwelcome. Yet, I kept my expression smooth, not giving anything away.
“It was all about timing,” I said evenly.
He nodded slowly, openly curious.
“Still… I’m surprised. But pleased. It’s good to see you choosing something solid.”
I didn’t let the conversation linger there.
“She made it easy,” I said instead.
His attention sharpened. “Is that so?”
“Yes.” I glanced briefly toward the hallway, then back to him. “Vera isn’t complicated. She’s honest. Direct.” I paused. “And she understands me.”
Lucas smiled faintly. “You sound convinced.”
“I am.”
“And you’re ready for this?” he asked. “A wife. A child.”
I met his gaze without hesitation.
I knew this moment mattered a lot.
“I intend to take care of, and protect my family,” I said. “Both of them. That's all that matters.”
That seemed to satisfy him.
“I’m glad,” he said sincerely. “For the both of you.”
Footsteps approached.
Natalie returned first, composed and efficient, her expression neutral. Vera followed closely behind her.
She looked pale, but she was steady on her feet.
I rose immediately, helping her into the seat beside me. I ordered the maid passing by to clear away the dishes.
I lowered to kneel in front of her, taking her hands gently in mine.
“Are you okay? Is the baby okay?” I asked in a voice laden with concern.
Vera nodded slowly.
“She’s fine,” Natalie said calmly. “Just nausea from the food. I suggested she rest.”
Vera offered a small, embarrassed smile. “I’m okay,” she said softly.
I drew her into a hug, and she wrapped her arms around me.
I was aware of the pairs of eyes on us.
We drew back, but I still held her hands.
“I’m relieved to hear that you're doing okay, Miss Bennett,” Lucas said kindly. “And congratulations to you…on the baby. And the upcoming nuptials. I wish you both long lasting happiness.”
A flush crept into Vera's cheeks.
“Thank you, Lucas. I appreciate it,” she replied politely, her voice gentle but composed. “Call me Vera.”
Lucas nodded, standing gracefully. “I’ll take my leave, then. But I look forward to the wedding, and perhaps soon, more discussions on business.”
Natalie stepped forward seamlessly. “I’ll see him out,” she said.
I nodded in acknowledgement. “Maybe we can get together some time for some drinks.”
“Sure.”
Natalie led him out, and Vera and I were left alone.
She slowly slid her hands from mine, dipping her head shyly.
I straightened, and sat down, a small smirk tugging at the corner of my lips.
The night couldn't have gone any better.
Vera got up from the seat, murmuring an excuse to change her outfit before heading home.
My gaze swept over her, slowly. “Don’t. Keep the dress,” I replied. “It suits you.”
I didn't even know where that came from.
Her cheeks flushed further, but she only nodded. “Thank you.”
I watched her disappear down the hall, the image of her in that burgundy silk dress briefly burning behind my eyelids.
I picked up the glass from the table and downed the entire content on the go, frowning at the intrusive thought, and picture.
Natalie walked in, a pleased smile on her face.
“I think there’s a chance we’re getting back in the partnership deal,” she said, leaning on the dining table in front of me.
“Is that so?”
I didn’t believe in a small chance. I knew that if we managed to convince Lucas, which looked like we did…then the board would not be a problem.
Natalie leaned forward, toying with the buttons of my shirt. “I have to admit, she did surprisingly well,” she said in a low husky voice. “I'd never doubt your judgement again.”
I smirked, spreading my legs wider as she leaned forward, giving me a wider view of her cleavage.
Natalie smiled faintly, then gestured toward the crystal glasses on the desk.
“Well, we should celebrate the progress we’ve made tonight,” she hushed in my ear.
I raised an eyebrow at her. I wasn’t really in the mood. Not tonight.
There was only one thought and image in my mind.
Vera.
It was almost irritating.
I wanted to get her out of my head.
Slowly, I nodded. Natalie smiled, pouring the amber liquid into the glasses.
She handed me mine first, then took hers, raising it in a toast.
“To success.”
I let out a long, quiet breath and tilted my glass toward her.
She smirked, took a sip and dropped the glass on the table. Natalie leaned forward, pressing a hot open mouthed kiss to my neck.
The motion was hot, familiar, intimate.
I dropped my glass on the table, and responded on impulse, tilting her head back to slam my lips on hers in a searing kiss.
Something familiar to vanish the unfamiliar thoughts in my head.
Natalie replied with equal fervour, moaning softly and arching herself into me.
Then, a sharp intake of breath echoed behind me.
I pulled away, my eyes snapping to the doorway.
Vera.