Chapter 21 Getting Married Soon!
The moment I landed at New Orleans airport, Elena and Rosa were already waiting. Elena rushed into my arms, giggling excitedly
“Richard! I missed you!” she squealed.
Rosa gave me a firm hug too. “Welcome home, dear. Let’s get you settled.”
They led me to the car, chatting the whole drive to their family mansion
It was bigger than I remembered – all polished floors and gleaming chandeliers.
Staff lined up by the entrance, bowing slightly as we walked in…
Rosa clapped her hands. “Everyone, this is Richard He’s family now. Treat him well
1
The maids and butlers all nodded politely. I gave them a small smile, feeling a little awkward at the grand welcome.
Once we got inside, Elena grabbed my hand. “Come on, let’s sit for a bit.l
I glanced at her stomach, noticing the tiny bump starting to show
Instinctively, I reached out and rubbed it gently
“How are you feeling? How’s our little one?“H
She giggled. “We’re both fine. Actually, we have an ultrasound appointment today. You’ll come with me, right?“%
“Of course,” 1 said. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world,”
excused myself to freshen up. A hot shower helped shake off some of the tiredness from the flight
After gening dressed in casual slacks and a shirt, I made my way downstairs.
Rosa and Elena were waiting for me in the sitting room. Rosa’s smile quickly turned senous.}
“So, Richard,” she said, crossing her arms. “When are you marrying my daughter?
I blinked “Uh..“”
“You know. Rosa continued, “I don’t want Elena giving birth before she’s properly married. It’s not good for appearances.
I swallowed hard. Truth was, I had thought about marrying Elena many times. It made sense…. on paper. We had history. We were having a child.
But deep down…
I couldn’t stop thinking about Olivia.
Even now
I had always thought Olivia would stick by me no matter what dumb mistake I made.l
That no matter how much I hurt her, she would still be there, quietly supporting me.
But she was gone.
Blocked my number. Ignored my messages. Disappeared like I never even existed. “Richard?” Elena’s voice cut through my thoughts
I blinked and realized they were both staring at me. Rosa’s scowl deepened.!
“Did my question about mamage scare you that badly?” she asked, voice sharp.
I rubbed the back of my neck. “No, no- I’m just tired. Long Night“%
Rosa didn’t look convinced. She pressed her lips tightly together, then nodded. “Fine. Rest today. But you need to make a decision soon. Before Elena stans showing too much”
“I will,” I said quietly.
Elena smiled and tugged at my hand. “Come on, we’re going to be late for the doctor“:
We got into the car. As we drove, Elena squeezed my hand
“Sorry about my mom,” she said.
- “She’s just you know, she cares
get it I muttered
She looked at me curiously. “Hey, why didn’t you go to your meeting today?”
1 frowned “Meeting?
“Yeah with Davenport hidustries?”
I sighed. “The meeting was supposed to be today, but it got moved to tomorrow morning I flew in early just so I could make it”
Elena laughed lightly “Oh I didn’t even check my emails today Guess I’m out of the loop”
I looked at her feeling a flicker of doubt
Wasn’t the the one who set this meeting up?
Strange that she didn’t even know it got rescheduled
But I brushed it off. No point overthinking things now I needed that contract
Badly
We arrived at the hospital. The ultrasound was surreal. Watching the little heartbeat flicker on the screen it hit me hard
12:31 PM ₫
We arrived at the hospital. The ultrasound was surreal. Watching the little heartbeat flicker on the screen it hit me hard.
I was going to be a father
I swallowed the lump in my throat and smilled at Elena, who was glowing with happiness.
After the appointment, we headed back to the mansion. Rosa was waiting.
“How did it go?” she asked immediately
“Everything’s good,” Elena said happily.
“Good, good,” Rosa beamed
I cleared my throat. “Rosa. I’ve decided. After I secure the Davenport contract, I’ll start making plans for the wedding ”
Both women practically squealed with joy
“Finally!” Rosa clapped her hands. “Il start contacting wedding planners.”
“Wait” I said, raising my hand. “Let’s wait till the contract is finalized first.”
“Of course,” Rosa said, but I could already see the gears turning in her head.
Probably planning an over–the–top wedding without even waiting for me.
