Chapter 140
CASANDRA
I’d been avoiding Derek for days, ever since that damn sonogram machine showed up at Silver Bow, I was ready.
The next move in my plan was already in motion, and if I’d learned arrything about Derek King over the years, it was that he couldn’t help but rush toward someone who locked like they needed saving Experially if it was
1 pulled up to the Silverclaw estate midmorning, dressed carefully in soft cream and a wrap sweater that made me look as delicate as porcelain. Understated makeup. Flushed cheeks. I even dusted lavender beneath my that perfect “I haven’t been sleeping, but I’m soldiering on effect.
Because the fake pregnancy? It had an expiration date.
But a loss? That would bind him to me in a way nothing else could. If he wouldn’t marry me for the baby, he’d fmarry me for the memory of it.
I still remembered the day he was supposed to marry Elena I’d word a cream colored dress then, too
One minor injury. A cut on the thigh. A dramatic tumble into Derek’s arms.
He’d carried me out of the venue, away from the wreckage, his jaw clenched and his arms strong around me. It should’ve been Elena he swept across that threshold–but it was me.
That day taught me something important.
Derek would always choose the woman who looked like she needed him most.
And today?
That woman would be me. Again.
I stepped into the estate and gave Joe and Caroline a warm smile as they approached from the hallway
“Cassandra,” Caroline said, practically glowing. “It’s so good to see you.”
“You too,” I said softly, placing a hand just below my stomach with careful purpose. “It’s been a tough few days. I’ve been resting.”
Joe cleared his throat. “We heard about the machine arriving, Derek’s been eager to use it.”
“Oh yes,” I said. “It means the world to him. And to me.
#
Caroline reached for my hand. “You look radiant. Pregnancy suits you.”
I gave a demure smile and dipped my chin. “Thank you. We’re both very excited. It’s a blessing.”
She offered me a seat in the sunroom. Joe brought tea. I declined.
“Just water,” I said. “Caffeine makes the baby restless.”
Caroline beamed, glowing as if she were the one expecting You’re going to be such a wondes mother.”
“Oh, I hope so,” I murmured, letting my voice break just slightly. “I just want to be enough.”
We sat and chatted for nearly an hour–long enough for theair to fill with warmth and ease. I leaned into it, made
Chapter 140
myself small and sweet, careful to keep the illusion wrapped tight around me like a cloak.
Then, as I stood to leave, I let my hand linger on my abdomen.
And then I gasped.
It was quiet–controlled–but enough.
Caroline bolted upright. “Cassandra? What’s wrong?”
I winced and clutched my side. “I… I’m not sure. Just a sharp pain. Probably nothing-”
“Should I call a doctor?” she asked, already halfway to the phone.
“No,” I said quickly. “Please. I think I just need the restroom.”
“Are you sure?”
1 nodded, already backing toward the hallway. “Yes. I’ll be fine. Thank you.”
I slipped out of sight, hand still pressed against my belly, and made for the guest bath.
The game was already in motion.
All I had to do now was wait
ELENA
+25 BONUS
It was Aiden’s first day out since the hospital, and he was practically vibrating with excitement. He’d been bouncing around the packhouse since sunrise, trying on different shirts, asking for a comb, insisting on cologne. I had no idea where he even got cologne.
“Do I smell like a real grown–up?” he asked, tugging on my hand as we walked toward the car.
“You smell like someone who bathed in a lemon orchard,” I teased, buckling him into his seat.
He grinned, checks still rounded with baby–softness. “Dad said it’s his favorite place in the whole world. I wanna see why.”
When Derek had first mentioned taking us to lunch, I’d been expecting something ridiculous. A velvet–draped, reservation–only kind of place. Somewhere with a special table in the back and a sommelier who spoke six languages.
He was an Alpha, after all. And rich.
But instead, he’d sent the name of a little Italian spot nestled at the edge of town, surrounded by a cracked parking lot and a strip mall that looked like it was losing a slow war to time.
We stepped inside and the smell hit me instantly–garlic, tomato, herbs, something baking that made my eyes water with nostalgia I couldn’t place.
The interior was nothing fancy. Red–checked tablecloths. Twinkling lights strung up like it round. Mismatched chairs and the faint sound of an accordion playing through old speakers.
hristmas year-
Derek was already there, standing near the kitchen, speaking in low tones to a tiny woman with gray hair twisted into a braid and a spoon in her hand like a scepter.
She turned and beamed when she saw Aiden.
Chopter
+25 BONUS
“Dio mio!” she cried. “Look at him!”
Defek stepped forward and introduced us. “This is Nonna Lúcia,” he said. “She’s like a second mother to me. I’ve “been coming here since I was a kid.”
Lucia knelt down to Alden’s level and cupped his face. “Chetesorol He has your eyes, you know.”
Derek smiled, quiet and proud.
She led us to a booth near the back–Derek’s favorite, apparently–and brought out a plate of garlic knots “to keep us from starving.” he kissed the top of Derek’s head as she went.
“Is this really your favorite restaurant?” I asked once we were seated.
He shrugged. “Always has been.”
Aiden wriggled into the booth between us. “I love it already”
“What do you guys want to order?” Derek asked.
“What’s good?” I said, glancing over the plastic–covered menu.
“Everything,” he said. “But my favorite’s always been the spaghetti and meatballs.”
Aiden gasped. “That’s my favorite food!”
“Then it’s settled,” Derek grinned.
We placed our orders with Lucia, who took them with a wink and another round of cheek kisses, and then disappeared back into the kitchen.
I watched Derek while he helped Aiden with the paper kid’s menu. He was smiling more than I’d ever seen. Softer. Warmer. Like the version of him I never got to meet all those years ago.
The one I heard about. The Derek before his father had died.
But just as I was starting to think this might actually be a good day, his phone buzzed.
He glanced at the screen and stood immediately. “I have to take this.”
Aiden frowned. “Now?”
“Just a minute.”
He stepped outside, voice already low and urgent. I tried not to listen, but the glass in the door wasn’t soundproof.
I caught one word.
“Cassandra.”
I stiffened.
When he came back in, his face was pale.
“I’m sorry,” he said, grabbing his coat. “I have to go.”
“But we haven’t even eaten,” Aiden said, shoulders slumping.
“I know. I’m so sorry, buddy. Please stay and enjoy. It’s on me.”
Chapter 140
I stood, crossing my arms. “What’s going on?”
“Is Cassandra,” he said. “She needs me.”
Of course.
Of course she did.
And of course he went.
I didn’t say anything as he left.
Didn’t chase him.
Didn’t ask if he’d come back.
Because I already knew.
He’d chosen her before.
And now, he’d done it again.
