Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 244

By the time she returned to the estate, the sun had already set.

"Why are you back so late?"

Randal had been waiting on the sofa. Hearing the door, he walked over, his gaze pausing on her slightly pale face. He frowned. "You look exhausted. Did you overdo it today?"

"I'm fine," Willa shook her head, tossing out a casual excuse. "I just got caught up talking to my friend and lost track of time."

He didn't press the issue. Stepping over to the shoe cabinet, he knelt, retrieved a pair of plush slippers, and gently eased off her shoes. He guided her feet into the slippers with practiced, tender care.

"Come inside. Mrs. Gable has dinner ready. It'll get cold if we wait any longer."

Willa nodded and followed him into the dining room.

The table was already set by Mrs. Gable, covered in an array of Willa's favorite savory and sweet dishes.

BBQ ribs, pan-seared fish fillets, and her favorite fruit tarts—all exactly what she usually craved.

Willa pulled out her chair and sat down. She picked at her food, forcing down a few bites before putting her fork down.

"What's wrong?" Randal watched her closely. "Are you feeling sick?"

"No, I just don't have much of an appetite." She shook her head. Her mind was entirely consumed by how to retrieve the files from Naomi.

Randal's frown deepened. He picked up the serving fork and transferred a tender piece of rib onto her plate.

"You need to eat something. Even if you're not hungry, the baby needs nutrition."

A sudden, indescribable surge of emotion flooded Willa's chest. She set her utensils down and finally voiced the question she had been terrified to ask.

"Randal, why are you involving yourself with Vanguard Properties?"

Willa's eyes widened, dread pooling in her stomach. "You're marrying Scarlett just so you can get into Vanguard?"

Randal didn't deny it. He simply served her another portion of food. "Stop stressing over things you can't control. Focus on eating. Your health comes first."

After dinner, Willa sat in the living room for a few minutes before exhaustion washed over her.

Not wanting to push herself, she murmured a quick "I'm tired" to Randal and slowly made her way back to the master bedroom.

Only a single floor lamp illuminated the room. She changed into her softest pajamas and slid under the covers. The moment she laid flat, a distinct, powerful thud rippled from her lower abdomen.

"Ah!" Willa gasped, pressing a hand to her stomach and holding her breath.

The movement fluttered a few more times against her palm. For the very first time, she genuinely felt the overwhelming joy of becoming a mother.