After Divorce Billionaire Ex Found Me Pregnant (Leonica and Gabriel) novel Chapter 13

Friday had rolled by and Anastasia found herself staring at her reflection in the mirror, wondering what the heck she was thinking.

Going on a date with Lloyd was a horrible idea and she was sure the consequences would come haunt her in the end, yet here she was, staring at herself as she put on the dress Megan had recommended.

“If you’re going to do this, might as well look your best.” Was what Megan had told her, but honestly, looking her best wasn’t what worried Anastasia.

No, she was worried about her own emotions.

She knew she could stop now, yet the desire to see what lay beyond her fears kept pushing her.

Gripping the fabric of her dress, she gave herself a single nod of encouragement.

There’s no turning back now.

Just after that thought, the sound of her door bell could be heard downstairs.

Lloyd was here.

Taking a deep breath, she headed towards the door and opened it.

“You’re early.” She spoke as soon as she opened the door.

Lloyd was about to speak, but seeing the dress she was wearing, a beautiful black dress that hugged her curves and reached just above her knees, he couldn’t help but stare.

And it didn’t help that her hair was done in a messy bun.

“Yeah.” He said once he found his voice, trying his best to not ogle at her as he directed his gaze else where.

Huh? Anastasia couldn’t resist the urge to tilt her head. Was he being a gentleman now? The Lloyd who had shown up at her doorsteps the last time didn’t hesitate to ogle her with his eyes.

The change brought a slight smile to her lips.

“Anyway,” He cleared his throat. “You ready?”

“Yup.” She replied, stepping out of her apartment and allowing the door shut behind her. Shortly after, the sound of the locking system kicking in reached her ears.

“Great, then shall we get going?” He brought his arm forward.

Anastasia hesitated, knowing fully well that the moment she took his head, that was the moment she would seal the fate of her feelings.

Lloyd noticed her hesitation. “You still having second thoughts? You can cancel if you want to.”

“No,” Casting aside any feelings that might ruin the night, she linked her arms with Lloyd’s and for the first time, smiled at him. “I’m just surprised at your manners. Did you pick them up from Christian or did you just learn how to be a gentleman on your own.”

Lloyd chuckled. “I’ve always been a gentleman. You just never noticed.”

“Is that so?” Came Anastasia’s answer as she was led to his car. He held the door open for her, waiting till she was seated before shutting the door and making his way to the driver’s seat.

“Here, I bought these for you.” He reached into the back seat and pulled out a bouquet of roses and handed them to her.

Anastasia took them, surprised at his actions, and looked at the flowers before looking at him.

He really was trying his best.

It warmed her heart, as much as she tried to tell herself not to give into his affections.

Perhaps he could also change his playboy ways.

“Thank you.”

“Anything for you.”

The car ride was quiet and the only thing Anastasia could hear was the music coming from the radio and Lloyd’s occasional humming.

Anastasia found herself watching him from the corner of her eyes, studying his every movement unconsciously.

“We’re here.” Lloyd’s voice broke the silence and she quickly looked ahead.

“Oh.”

He parked the car and came to open the door for her. She was reluctant to take his hand, but after a moment’s hesitation, took it.

Once she was out, she turned to the place in front of her.

It was the local art museum.

“I wasn’t sure if you were interested in art,” Lloyd began, slipping his hands into his pocket. “But I thought it wouldn’t be a bad idea to take you here.”

“I haven’t visited an art museum since I was a child.” She muttered, smiling fondly at the memory. She turned to him and with a cheeky smile, said, “Well, at least, it’s better than a strip club.”

"It was the only place I could think of at that time.”

“Sure, blame it on the place.” Anastasia playfully rolled her eyes.

Lloyd couldn’t hold back his chuckle. “C’mon, let’s go.”

Anastasia nodded and they both made their way inside.

“Ah, Riley!” The owner of the museum, a short man named John, greeted when they entered.

“Hey, John. I didn’t think you’d be here.”

“Well, I am. Anyway, the exhibition is open.” He gave a small bow. “Enjoy.”

“Thank you.” Lloyd nodded, his hand finding the small of Anastasia’s back as he led them both deeper into the museum.

“Exhibition?” Anastasia questioned as Lloyd led her deeper into the museum.

“You’ll see.” Was all he said.

They came to a halt in front of a door, and the moment they walked through, Anastasia found herself in a room full of paintings, the same paintings that she had last seen during her childhood days.

When her family consisted of just her, Fiona and her father.

Her whole family.

“How…?”

“I did some research.” Lloyd explained, a faint blush tinting his cheeks. “I was hoping you would recognize them, though.”

Anastasia was silent for a while. She didn’t want to know how Lloyd had done it, but she was glad that he had.

“Do you… Like it?” Lloyd questioned her silence.

He was just about to think that he had brought a bad memories, when Anastasia nodded her head.

“Yes.” She looked at him and gave him one of those dazzling smiles that had Lloyd’s heart speeding up. “Thank you.”

“Let’s take a walk around.”

“Sure.”

They walked around, admiring the art and talking about their favorite paintings. Anastasia had even shared a story about her past, and Lloyd had shared some memories about his childhood.

“You were a cute kid.” She complimented as they stopped in front of a painting.

“Of course I was. I’m cute now too.”

“If only looks could get you places.” She retorted and Lloyd chuckled.

“Hey, looks can get you anywhere, even into the heart of the world’s most competent and beautiful lawyer.”

“Did you just…” Anastasia turned to look at him and he was already staring at her, a soft smile on his lips.

“Yes, I did.”

Anastasia could feel her heartbeat picking up and a warm feeling spread across her chest. “S-stop being Cheeky Lloyd, it wouldn’t get you anywhere.”

Lloyd laughed, reaching forward and gently caressing her cheek. “Would this be considered ‘cheeky’?”