My Boss's Hidden Heir (Elara and Marcus) novel Chapter 80

It took longer than expected. By the time Marcus finally saved his last document and shut down his computer, it was almost 7 PM The office building had that eerie quiet that comes when everyone’s already gone home, leaving behind and dimmed lights.

empty desks

Elara had dozed off at some point while sitting on his lap, her head tucked into the crook of his neck, her breathing slow and steady. Marcus had kept working with one hand while the other stayed firmly around her waist, keeping her secure. When he finally woke her, she blinke him with sleepy, confused eyes that made him smile.

“Time to go home,” h

They took the sitting ath

“You

the lobby, When the doors opened, Marcus was shocked to see the receptionists but her bag still beside her chair.

rcus said as they walked past.

mediately, looking apologetic. “I will now, sir. There was no one else to lock up after everyone e everything was secure.”

efore they could walk away. “Since I’m riding wi taking the subway alone at this hour.”

hist’s face lit up with genuine gratitude. “Rea

oblem at all,”

valked out into the parking garage togeth sional as always. Elara walked over and e receptionist.

cus went around to his own c

wn and reached for her seat

Il on the buckle.

my driver can drop you home, okay? It’s late.

ch, Mrs. Thorne. That’s very kind of you.”

ting exactly where they’d left him, patient and and he nodded immediately, opening the back door

door, but instead of just letting Elara climb in, he leaned dy carefully, clicking it into place, then paused with his hand

Is it too tight?” he

mach.

belt too tight? I don’t want it pressing on you.”

warmth spreading through her chest. “It’s fine, Marcus. I promise. The baby is still

anyway, making sure it sat comfortably across her hips instead of her stomach. “Better

ked around to the driver’s side, sliding in and starting the engine. The car purred to life, the ch soft blue displays.

or dinner, love?” Marcus asked as he pulled out of the parking spot.

ut it for a moment, then a craving hit her so suddenly and specifically that she almost laughed. “Nigerian

Marcus glanced at her, eyebrows raised. “What’s that?”

“It’s like rice cooked in this tomato sauce with spices and vegetables. It’s really good. I used to eat it at Mimi’s house all the time when we were little. Her mom makes the best jollof rice in the world.”

“Is there somewhere we can get it?”

“Yeah, there’s this Nigerian restaurant. But it’s quite far. It’s close to my old neighborhood, actually.”

“How far

“Like thirty minutes, maybe? It’s kind of a drive.”

Marcus didn’t hesitate. “That’s fine. Let’s go.”

“Are you sure? We could just order something closer.”

“El you’re pregnant. If you’re craving something specific, we’re getting it. Just tell me where to go.”

Elara pulled up directions on her phone and started navigating. They drove through the city as the evening traffic thinned out, the streets getting less familiar as they moved away from the expensive neighborhoods Marcus usually frequented and closer to the area where Elara had grown up.

Twenty minutes in, Elara started feeling guilty about the distance. They were still at least ten minutes away, and Marcus had already been at work all day. This was ridiculous.

“Marcus, can we go back?” she said. “It’s becoming too far. We can just order pizza or something”

Marcus laughed, actually laughed, the sound filling the car. “Whatever you crave, I satisfy, my queen. We’re almost there anyway. No turning back now.”

They finally pulled up to the restaurant thirty minutes later. It was a small place tucked between a laundromat and a bodega. with a hand-painted sign that read “Mama’s Kitchen” in green and white, the colors of the Nigerian flag. The windows were steamed up from cooking, and Elara could smell the food even from outside.

“Of course I’m coming in. I want to see what this jollof rice is all about.”

“Good evening! Welcome, welcome!”

“Good evening, Mama,” Elara said, using the respectful title automatically. “Can I get one plate of jollot rice with chicks Extra spiry

en they finally got back to the penthouse, Elara didn’t even bother taking off her shoes. She went straight to the kitchen abbed plates and forks, and opened the containers.

e jollof rice was perfect. Bright orange-red from the tomatoes and peppers, with visible pieces of chicken and the mistakable aroma that made her childhood come flooding back. She loaded up her plate and took her first bite, closing reyes in pure bliss.

Oh my God, she moaned. “This is exactly what I needed.”

deras had sat down beside her at the counter, watching her eat with an amused expression. “It smells good. I’ll give you

Marcus

Try it Elara said, pushing her plate toward him.

said I wasn’t hungry”

try one bite. Please?”

He picked up a fork and took a small amount, bringing it to his mouth cautiously. The moment it hit his tongue. his

gebrows shot up.

3

ghat?” Elara was grinning now. “It’s amazing.”

This is actually really good” He took another bite, then another. “Really, really good.”

Clara laughed and pushed the second plate toward him. “I knew you’d like it. That’s why I got you one too.

you said you were just getting an extra in case*

Fed. I knew the second you tasted it you’d want your own plate. Nobody can resist jullof rice.

Aurt us smiled and pulled the plate doar digging properly now. They sat there in the kitchen eating together, and for a nement everything les

Just two people thead