The Ones Who Protect Me
HANNAH’S POV:
After all, it was going to be our first dinner in this new house, and though I couldn’t shake off the unease of how we’d ended up here, I didn’t want to leave in discomfort and constant worrying. I was going to let things play qut.
The dining room looked like something out of a magazine. The long mahogany table was set for eight, glistening under a crystal chandelier that scattered diamond light across the polished wood. Mr. Dean had outdone himself; there were platters of roast lamb drizzled in rosemary sauce, seafood pasta, mashed potatoes with truffle butter, and a colorful array of salads, fruits, and desserts that could tempt even the most disciplined eater. At the far end of the table, a bottle of aged red wine waited, unopened, though I doubted Elijah had placed it there for me.
Andrew and Amelia came running down the stairs, laughing in their matching semi-formal outfits Andrew in a navy shirt and pants, Amelia in a pink dress with tiny flowers sewn across the hem. They looked so radiant, so innocent, I couldn’t help but compliment how adorable they looked.
“Thank you mummy.” They both chorused and stood next to me.
But as I adjusted my necklace and glanced toward the front door, the familiar sound of Elijah’s footsteps approached.
He looked immaculate in a tailored black suit, crisp and effortless as always. He stopped when he saw me, his gaze softening just slightly. “You look… nice,” he said, the compliment hesitant but genuine.
“Thank you,” I replied, keeping my tone neutral.
He turned to the twins, who looked away before retreating toward the living room.
“Jacob and Cherry are running a bit late.” He informed me and I nodded awkwardly.
I felt a spark of relief and excitement already knowing who it was.
“Lucas!” I called as I hurried to the door, smiling the moment I saw him.
He looked dashing as always, in a green jacket over a black turtleneck. His grin widened as he swept me into a hug. “Darling! Look at this place…it’s like a royal residence!”
He stepped back dramatically, taking in the décor. “You’re glowing. Domestic life suits you. Or at least the lighting does,” he teased, winking.
I chuckled, my tension easing instantly. “You’re impossible.”
Behind me, Elijah cleared his throat. “You’re Lucas?,” he greeted stiffly.
“The one and only who was there when your kids were born,” Lucas said, turning toward him with mock enthusiasm. “I have heard so much about you and they are not good.”
“It is nice to officially meet you.” Elijah replied, forcing a small smile.
Lucas nodded. “Can’t say the same.” he muttered under his breath, then shot me a mischievous look.
We moved into the living room to wait for dinner. Lucas made himself at home immediately, sinking into the couch beside me. He threw one arm across the back of my seat, leaning close to whisper about his latest project, about fabrics and chaos and his new intern’s tragic haircut. His laughter filled the room, and the twins giggled at his expressions.
Elijah sat across from us, silent but visibly uncomfortable. His jaw clenched each time Lucas’s hand brushed my
shoulder, or when I laughed too freely. Lucas grabbed my face to admiring how clear my skin was and it was the finally straw for Elijah.
Finally, Elijah spoke. “Ummm…don’t..” he said slowly, “don’t you think that’s a bit… inappropriate?”
Lucas paused mid-sentence, then turned toward him with exaggerated curiosity. “What is?”


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