Chapter 26

I woke up feeling exhausted, which was odd because sleep was supposed to be restful. But this wasn’t just physical exhaustion; it was mental. My mind was overwhelmed, constantly torn between decisions, and honestly, I was tired of it. Tired of overthinking.

So today, I decided, no more. I wasn’t going to let myself get consumed by every thought. I was just going to block everything out, live in the moment, and stop worrying about making the “right” decisions.

Clara hadn’t brought breakfast up yet, so I figured I’d get a quick shower and head downstairs. I pulled on a pair of shorts and a sports bra, both snug around my ever-growing belly. Walking down the stairs, I couldn’t help but notice how heavy my body felt, like gravity had doubled overnight. I used to look so hot, so fit, and now I felt more like a waddling duck than anything remotely attractive.

"Morning, Clara," I greeted as I entered the kitchen, heading straight for the fridge.

"Good morning, Eva. I’m sorry I haven’t brought breakfast yet. I was just..."

"Relax, Clara. It’s fine." I smiled at her and grabbed an apple, taking a huge bite. I was trying to keep things light today, keep myself centered.

"You seem... cheerful?" Clara tilted her head, studying me like she couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t moping. I smiled back at her, chewing.

"What’s up with you?" She crossed her arms, clearly waiting for me to spill.

"I guess I’ve just decided to let go of everything," I replied, my voice calm.

Her eyebrows shot up. "You don’t say." She narrowed her eyes playfully. "Does that mean you’re going to stop fighting him?"

"No." I said it simply, biting into my apple again, and watched her give me a look of mock disbelief.

"Mind your business, Clara." I laughed, and she finally backed off with a grin. I left the kitchen and wandered toward the living room to find something to watch, still munching on my apple.

"Hey," a voice said from behind me, and my heart nearly jumped out of my chest.

I turned around quickly. Leonard.

"Hi." I fumbled with the apple in my hand, my heartbeat instantly picking up. He looked... different. Paler, maybe, or more tense than usual.

"I didn’t hear you come in," I said awkwardly, glancing at him for only a second before looking away. The tension between us felt heavy, awkward, like we were both dancing around something neither of us wanted to address.

"Oh, I uh..." He hesitated, his voice trailing off.

Before the moment could stretch on, Clara emerged from the kitchen, carrying a tray. "Breakfast is ready." She set the tray down on the dining table, then greeted Leonard with a bright, "Good morning, Mr. Leonard."

"Good morning, Clara." Leonard smiled at her, and I blinked in surprise. I had never seen him smile at Clara before. Maybe she was right, maybe he really was changing, and because of me.

Clara gave me one of her knowing looks before quietly retreating, leaving Leonard and me alone. I glanced at him and caught him staring. Embarrassed, I quickly looked away, my face flushing.

I awkwardly walked over to the dining table and sat down, trying to focus on my food. "Come sit with me," I called over, my voice softer than usual. "I know you’re probably not hungry, but sit with me."

"My pleasure," he said, his voice warmer than I expected. He sat across from me, and the way he looked at me made me feel... shy. Was Clara right? Was he changing because of me?

"Would you like to go out with me tonight?" Leonard asked, his eyes locked on mine. I paused, my fork hovering mid-air.

"Go out?" I echoed, biting my lip as I considered the offer.

"Today is my birthday." The words caught me completely off guard. My mouth dropped open.

"Your birthday?" I stared at him in disbelief. "Oh my god! Really? Happy birthday!" I quickly added.

"Thank you," he smiled, that small, boyish grin making my heart flutter unexpectedly. "My mother is hosting a party for me tonight. I want you to come with me."

His mother? This time, I was the one who hesitated. "Your mother?"

"Why? Did you think I didn’t have one?" He smiled again, teasing me.

"No, I just..." I trailed off, remembering his rules about not getting personal. "You’ve just never mentioned her before."

"She’s always wanted to throw parties for me," he explained, leaning back in his chair. "Mostly to show me off to her friends, but I never felt the need to participate. Until now."

"And why now?" I asked, still processing the fact that he had a mother who threw parties for him.

"Because I’d be going with you." His intense gaze pinned me in place. "Please don’t say no."

I chewed on my lip, feeling myself wavering. "I guess I can’t say no now, can I?" I smiled, though I wasn’t entirely sure this was a good idea.

"Thank you," he said softly, his expression a mixture of relief and something I couldn’t quite decipher.

Later that evening, I emerged from the bathroom freshly showered just as Clara knocked on my door, bursting in with a box in her arms.

"What’s that?" I asked, eyeing her curiously as she set it down on my bed and opened it.

"A gift from your not-so-secret admirer," she teased, pulling out a stunning red dress. It was long, off-the-shoulder, with a dramatic thigh-high slit. My jaw dropped.

"Is that...?"

"Yes, it is!" Clara squealed excitedly. "Now, put it on!"

I slipped into the dress, and to my surprise, it hugged every curve perfectly. The slit exposed just enough leg to be sexy without being too revealing. I stared at myself in the mirror, feeling beautiful despite my ever-expanding belly.

"Damn! Leonard definitely has your body on his mind," Clara teased, eyeing me from head to toe.

"Stop being a creep," I laughed, but inside, I felt a surge of confidence.

Clara then sat me down in front of the mirror and worked on my hair and makeup. After a few minutes, she stepped back, admiring her work.

"All done!" she announced, grinning.

I stood up and stared at myself in the mirror. I barely recognized the woman looking back at me. "Wow, Clara... I look beautiful."

"You always were," she said, hugging me.

Just then, the doorbell rang. Clara practically dragged me downstairs, where Leonard was waiting by the door. The moment he saw me, his eyes traveled from my head to my feet, and I felt my face heat up under his gaze.

"You look... amazing," he said softly, his voice filled with admiration.

"All thanks to you," I replied with a smile.

We walked out, my hand in his, and as we headed to the car, Clara shouted after us, "Have fun!" I turned to her, smiling, while she winked back at me.

Leonard’s mother’s mansion was even grander than his own. As we entered the party, I was immediately struck by the sheer luxury of the room. The guests were all dressed to the nines, and I couldn’t help but be thankful that Leonard had sent me the dress. Otherwise, I would have felt completely out of place.

We weaved through the crowd until we reached a woman who was undeniably his mother. She was stunning, dressed in a gold gown that sparkled under the chandelier’s light.

“Leonard!” His mother’s voice was soft yet filled with emotion as she wrapped her arms around him, rubbing his back in a tender embrace.

“Hi, mother,” he greeted her, returning the hug. When they pulled away, she still hadn't noticed me standing beside him.

I stood awkwardly, pursing my lips, unsure whether to interrupt or keep quiet. She was breathtaking in her own right, blonde hair falling perfectly past her shoulders, with the same piercing brown eyes Leonard had. She looked to be in her late forties or early fifties, her beauty enhanced by the glittering jewels around her neck and wrists, which could probably light up the room if the power went out.

“I can’t believe you’re here after so many years,” she said, clearly overwhelmed with emotion.

“I can hardly believe it either,” Leonard responded, his tone unusually reserved. It was odd seeing him so composed, almost distant, with the woman he hadn’t seen in years. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at his cool demeanor.

Then she finally turned her gaze to me. Her eyes widened when she spotted my obvious baby bump. “Who is... Oh my word!” Her exclamation drew a few eyes from around the room. I instantly regretted not preparing better for this moment.

“Mom, this is Eva. My wife,” Leonard said, completely catching me off guard.

I nearly choked on the air I was breathing, my eyes widening in shock. What the hell was he doing?

“Oh my world, Leonard!” she gasped before turning her full attention to me, her eyes lighting up with excitement. Before I could process anything, she pulled me into a tight embrace. I stiffened in her arms, caught between surprise and frustration. How could Leonard lie to his mother like this? Worse, why was she so okay with it?

“I can’t believe it! You finally have a woman in your life,” she gushed, looking from me to Leonard with pure adoration. She grasped my hands, her grip warm and affectionate. “You’re beautiful, my dear.”

“Thank you,” I said, forcing a polite smile. “You’re very beautiful too.”

“Aw, you’re too kind,” she beamed, still holding onto my hands. Her gaze dropped to my stomach, and I braced for the inevitable question. “And is it...?”

“We haven’t done a scan yet, Mom,” Leonard cut in, still calm and collected, while I was on the verge of exploding. He seemed to be enjoying himself far too much.

“I’m so happy for you two!” She hugged Leonard again, radiating happiness. “Though I’m a little upset you didn’t invite me to the wedding,” she teased, giving him a mock pout.

“You’ll be there for the next big event, after the baby is born,” Leonard replied smoothly, throwing me a casual smile like he hadn’t just lied through his teeth.

I ground my teeth together, my patience wearing thin. This entire night was spiraling into a disaster. His mom finally stepped back from Leonard, her eyes twinkling.

“Welcome to the party, my dear,” she said, turning to me. “Enjoy yourselves.”

“Thanks,” I mumbled, watching her walk away.

As soon as she was out of earshot, I spun on Leonard, anger simmering in my chest. “Your wife, really?” I snapped, trying to keep my voice low. I wasn’t sure why I was so mad. Maybe it was the sheer audacity of him lying to his mom at my expense. Or maybe it was because he was too nonchalant about it.

He shrugged. “You will be soon.”

My jaw dropped. What? I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came out. He was impossible.

Before I could argue, a waiter passed by with a tray of wine glasses, and I instinctively grabbed one. I was desperate to drown out the absurdity of the situation, but Leonard quickly snatched it from my hand.

“No drinking,” he said firmly, placing the glass back on the tray and grabbing my hand. “Come with me.”

“Leonard...”

But he didn’t give me a chance to protest, pulling me through the crowd.

A sudden clink of glass echoed throughout the room, and I turned to see his mother standing at the center, commanding everyone’s attention. My heart raced as I had a bad feeling about what was coming next.

“We are gathered here today to celebrate the birthday of my beloved son,” she announced. “He is also the CEO and owner of Leonard Enterprises. Leonard.”

Applause filled the room as Leonard reluctantly walked to the center, and I followed, trying not to look too out of place.

“And he’s not just here to celebrate his birthday,” she continued, and my heart practically leaped into my throat. No, no, no, no... “He’s here with his wife, Eva.”

Kill me now.

“Come, dear,” she motioned for me to join her and Leonard at the center of the room. The crowd clapped politely as I walked up to them, forcing a smile that didn’t reach my eyes.

“And they’re expecting their first child very soon!” she added, the crowd breaking into cheers once again.

For the first time in my life, I wanted to dig a hole in the ground and hide. This was not what I had signed up for. I was furious, trying to keep my composure as Leonard’s mother basked in the attention.

As if the embarrassment wasn’t enough, Leonard pulled me closer by the waist and, in front of everyone, pressed his lips to mine. I froze, my mind screaming in protest, but I couldn’t push him away with all eyes on us. The crowd erupted into applause again, and when he finally pulled back, I was left blushing furiously, my cheeks burning red.

Leonard gave me a cheeky grin, clearly pleased with himself.