Chapter 9
I looked at Lucian and suddenly understood why he was acting so off
He was nervous.
Every word was a feeler.
He was scared.
Scared that now Carter was back, I’d leave.]
I knew how Lucian felt about me. .0
Whether it was love at first sight or something that grew over time-
Men aren’t good at hiding their feelings.
Even knowing I was pregnant and still technically married to Carter,[]
He kept showing up.
Kept caring.
I had to admit–it was bold.[]
And honestly? It was touching.
“So what if he’s here?” I said with a smile.
“It’s not like I’m gonna go see him.“]]
Lucian’s eyes lit up like Christmas.
He looked like he wanted to pick me up and spin me around–but remembered I was pregnant and didn’t dare touch me.[]
Instead, he just stood there awkwardly, rubbing his palms on his jeans.]
“Good… good…. good…”
He sounded like he forgot how to form a sentence.
“I get it now.”
“You were gonna let Carter raise the baby, right? As payback.“]
! didn’t answer.[]
But he wasn’t wrong.
Lucian smiled, his eyes crinkling[]
“Doesn’t matter. I’m telling you right now–his money? It’s yours.“]}]
“The entire Kingsley fortune–that’s my engagement gift to you.“[]
I smiled and nodded.[]
A quiet yes.[]
His eyes were so sincere []
I knew he wouldn’t let me down []
Just like Lucian said–a few days later, Carter landed in Seattle.[]
I was at a prenatal appointment with Lucian when it happened.[]
This baby was from IVY.[]
I didn’t even know who the biological father was []
But that didn’t matter []
Chapter 9
All I wanted was a child to love, and who would love me back.]
Carter looked at my baby bump, and his eyes went red.]
“Sienna… you’ve been through hell.“[]
I had imagined this reunion a hundred different ways.[]
But never like this.
Never with him looking at me like that.
Like he actually felt something.
He took a deep breath and stepped forward, trying to take my arm from Lucian’s.[]
“Come home.”
“Let’s stay in Seattle. Focus on the baby.“]
He probably thought I had left the country while pregnant to punish him.[]
Like I ran away because he didn’t want this baby.[]
Because I was scared he’d reject the child.]
“Ethan’s excited for his little brother. He’ll be happy to see you.“[]
I thought of Ethan’s face, scowling at me in perfect French.]
Carter really didn’t even try to lie convincingly anymore.[]
Sure, maybe adults could change.]
But not kids.
Ethan had never respected me.
He probably thought Vivienne even cheated better than I ever could.[]
I shook my head.
“Don’t bother. Me and my baby–we don’t need your love.“[]
“Let’s just settle the custody and get divorced.”
Carter shook his head in panic. []
“No no, don’t say that. Why divorce?“[]
“The baby needs a father.“]
“He has one,” Lucian cut in.[]
“I don’t care whose baby it is. If it’s hers, I’ll love it.”
We both ignored the elephant in the room-
Who the father really was.
Carter grabbed my arm, eyes wild with disbelief.[]
But this was Lucian’s territory
His security had Carter removed in seconds.[]
And that was the last time I ever saw him []
The next time I heard about Carter was when the divorce papers were finalized.)
Lucian took care of everything–handled the divorce, negotiated the settlement, and made sure I got the preamp payout he promised []
Just like that, my decade of devotion came to an end.]
Chapter 9
Lucian held me close and whispered, “From now on, all you need to do is enjoy being loved by me.‘
I reached up on my toes and kissed him.
I stayed in Seattle for the rest of my pregnancy and delivered safely
When I saw my daughter for the first time, I was stunned–she looked a little mixed–race.]
Lucian noticed too and laughed, “No way–did you seriously pick a foreign donor at the clinic?”
I don’t know what came over me, but I had them both tested.]
Sure enough, the baby was his.[]
I looked at him and asked, “Was this all part of your plan too?”
But Lucian just stared at me, eyes wide with awe, and shook his head.[]
“This… this is God’s blessing,” he said quietly.
