Chapter 114 What Is Elowen Hiding?
BELLA
The sunlight streamed through my curtains, warming my face. I blinked against the brightness, groaning softly. My body felt heavy, the memory of last night a blur. Did I really fall asleep in the car?
I sat up, the silky sheets pooling around my waist. My room looked untouched, pristine as always, but the faint scent of David’s cologne lingered in the air. Of course. He must have carried me in just like he carries Jasper when the little boy falls asleep during movie nights. The thought made me smile.
A quick glance at the clock wiped the smile off my face. “Crap!” I shot out of bed, grabbing my towel as I rushed into the bathroom.
The shower sprayed cold water at first, making me shiver, but I welcomed the jolt. Today was big. A visitor was coming to the office, though my boss hadn’t shared who it was. Not that it mattered. I needed to bring my A-game. Just because David owned the company didn’t mean I could slack off. Nobody except Elowen knew we were together, and I intended to keep it that way.
After a quick rinse, I wrapped a towel around me and rummaged through my wardrobe. My fingers hovered over a sleek black dress before moving to a loose blouse and pencil skirt combo. The outfit hid my growing belly better. The last thing I needed was whispers about my pregnancy.
I caught my reflection in the mirror, the faintest curve of my stomach visible. My boss must have noticed by now, but he hadn’t said anything. Strange, considering he’d fired Danielle and Dorcas the moment their pregnancies were obvious. Maybe my contributions to the company had earned me some leniency.
The scent of coffee drifted up from the kitchen, pulling me from my thoughts. I hurried downstairs, my heels clicking against the marble floor.
In the dining room, Jasper sat at the table, his small legs swinging as he nibbled on a piece of toast. Across from him, David sipped his coffee, his laptop open in front of him.
“Good morning,” I greeted, sliding into a chair as a maid placed a plate of scrambled eggs and toast in front of me.
“Good morning, Bella!” Jasper grinned, abandoning his toast to climb into my lap.
“Jasper, no moving while eating,” David said, his tone firm but not harsh.
I shot him a glare. “Don’t scold my popcorn.” I kissed Jasper’s forehead, making him giggle. “Or I’ll team up with him and deal with you.”
David’s lips quirked into a small smile, but he didn’t reply. Instead, he went back to his coffee, his eyes scanning his laptop screen.
I checked the clock again, panic bubbling in my chest. “I have to go.”
“You’ve barely eaten,” David said, his gaze lifting to meet mine.
“There’s a visitor today,” I replied, pushing my chair back. “I need to be on my best behavior.”
“It’s just a visitor.” He leaned back, studying me with an amused expression. “Eat. I’ll drop you off later.”
I shook my head, grabbing my bag. “No time.”
David muttered something under his breath, too low for me to catch.
“What was that?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Nothing.”
He closed his laptop and stood, slipping his hands into his pockets. “I’ll be at the office today to meet the visitor.”
I paused, curiosity flickering to life. “Who is it?”
David’s lips twitched, his expression teasing. “You’ll find out soon enough.”
Rolling my eyes, I stepped closer, my fingers ruffling his neatly combed hair. “You’re impossible.”
“And you’re late.”
The office buzzed with energy. Phones rang incessantly, papers rustled, and voices overlapped as everyone scrambled to prepare for the visitor.
At my desk, I sifted through a stack of files, my fingers flying across my keyboard. The hum of activity faded into the background until a familiar voice broke through.
“Babe.”
I looked up to see Elowen leaning against my desk, her expression curious.
“Do you know who’s coming today?” she asked, her voice low, as if she were sharing a secret.
I shook my head. “No clue.”
“Well,” she whispered, glancing around before leaning closer, “I heard your husband is bringing Mrs. Williams from Williams Group.”
My heart skipped a beat. “What?” My voice came out louder than intended, drawing a few curious glances. I quickly covered my mouth, lowering my voice. “Why would Mrs. Williams come here?”
“She’s investing in our new movie project,” Elowen said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
I frowned. “Mrs. Williams doesn’t even like movies.”
Before Elowen could respond, the office fell silent. Heads turned toward the entrance as David and Mrs. Williams walked in, their laughter ringing out like they owned the place which, in David’s case, he did.
Everyone stood, bowing slightly in greeting. I followed suit, keeping my head low.
Mrs. Williams’s sharp eyes scanned the room before landing on me. A warm smile spread across her face as she walked over.
“Bella, darling,” she said, her voice dripping with affection. “You look stunning.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” I replied, forcing a polite smile.
David’s hand brushed mine as he passed, the brief contact sending a jolt through me. Was he trying to draw attention? My cheeks warmed, but I kept my expression neutral.
That evening, I found David on the balcony, his laptop balanced on his knee. The golden hues of the setting sun cast a warm glow over his features.
“Hey,” I said, stepping outside.
He glanced up, his lips curving into a soft smile. “Hey.”
I sank into his lap, my arms wrapping around his neck.
“How was work?” he asked, his hand resting on my stomach.
“Exhausting.” I leaned my head against his shoulder. “Why didn’t you tell me Mrs. Williams was coming?”
“She wanted it to be a surprise,” he said simply.
“Why?”
He shrugged. “She didn’t say.”
I hesitated, my thoughts swirling. “David, do you think my parents are still alive?”
He stiffened slightly, his hand pausing mid-stroke. “What makes you ask that?”
“Elowen,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “She acted strange when I mentioned Mrs. Williams. Almost like she didn’t want me to know her.”
David sighed, his gaze thoughtful. “Elowen’s a good friend, but her father? He’s dangerous. If your parents are alive, promise me you won’t go looking for them alone. Let me help.”
I glanced at David, his eyes full of concern, but a storm was brewing inside me. If Elowen’s hiding something, I’ll find out no matter what it costs.