Chapter twenty-one – Tiny Human

Book:The Billionaire's Assistant To Be Published:2024-5-1

Noah and Kim invited Lucian over for dinner. Kim mentioned that Scarlett was invited too. Lucian did want to ask Scarlett to tag along but in the end, he didn’t. He figured the girls preferred it to spend some time alone with him.
Olivia surely would.
Kim looked surprised when Friday night he came over alone. She looked over his shoulder to double check Scarlett wasn’t there.
He flashed her an apologizing look, “I didn’t ask her.” He admitted to her, not wanting to lie about this because surely it would come back at him and bite him in the ass, “I thought I’d spend some time alone with the girls.”
Kim accepted that excuse, holding the door open wider and motioning to him to come in. he stepped inside and was instantly hugged by Lily who came over running and wrapping her little arms around his waist in a tight grip.
The girl was stronger than she looked.
“Uncle Lucy, you’re here!” She cheered.
He ruffled her hair, “I’m here.” He cheered too, “Something smells good.”
She looked up at him with bright, wide eyes, “I made cookies together with mom and Liv.”
“Liv still in the kitchen?” He asked.
Olivia was always very responsible though she could be childish too. Her dislike toward Scarlett showing she was still just a kid. It was fun to watch these girls grow up. He could remember the day he first held Olivia in his arms, afraid he’d hurt the little baby.
Kim scolded him, the only way she could to make them behave and see reason.
Lily pulled away from the tight hug and grabbed his hand, “Come on, I need to show you the cookies we made.” She tried to drag him along.
He humored her and let the little girl guide him to the kitchen. Olivia’s eyes brightened when she noticed him. He had to bite back a laugh when the little girl much like her mother tried to glance behind him to see if Scarlett was there.
“I’m alone tonight.” He told her, “So you have my full attention.” He grinned.
He had to let go of Lily’s hand when Olivia threw herself at him and hugged him tightly. It was not as tight as Lily’s hug but just as warm and loving. He loved these girls much like they were his own daughters. He was sure once he had a kid of his own Noah would be just as overprotective over them.
“I’m glad you’re here,” Olivia admitted to him.
Noah who stepped inside the kitchen laughed at that, “Glad that Scarlett isn’t here?” He asked, making his eldest daughter glare at him.
Lucian ruffled her hair, “That’s okay.” He reassured her.
“Girls, mom asked if you two want to set the table.” Noah opened the cupboard and grabbed the plates they were going to use tonight, “Be careful.” He warned them when they quickly went to work, looking excited to set the freaking table.
He nearly laughed.
While the girls were busy, arguing about plates and utensils, Noah turned to look at him, “So, no Scarlett tonight.” Noah concluded, “Should we be worried?” He asked.
“Not at all, I just wanted to spend time with my family without my girlfriend being here.”
Noah nodded, “Fair enough.”
Kim joined them in the kitchen too, “I’m going to make sure those cookies aren’t burnt to a crisp.” She informed them.
“How is Rose?” Lucian turned to look at his sister-in-law.
“Sleeping, finally.” She sighed, “She was having a bad day today.”
Noah agreed, “Just one of those days.” He mumbled.
“We’re done” Lily announced as she ran back into the kitchen.
Kim didn’t like that, “Honey, what did I tell you about running in the kitchen?” She asked, her voice stern.
Lily stopped in her tracks, her eyes trailing down to the floor while she pouted, swaying from side to side, “No running in the kitchen because it’s dangerous.” She told her mother.
“Good.” Kim told her, “Now come wash your hands.” She glanced at the door, “Liv, come wash her your hands too.” She called.
Lucian shared a look with his brother, “One of those days.” He whispered.
Noah caught it and agreed. Even though it was a tiring day for the couple they still looked cheerful enough. While they were sitting at the table and eating the delicious meal Kim made, the girls talked to him about their day.
Lily reminded him of his promise. He still needed to take them to an amusement park. He couldn’t wait to break the news to Scarlett. She’d love it.
Probably.
***
Lucian made his way into his apartment building, sauntering to the elevator bank when he caught sight of Dawn standing by the reception desk. He was confused, he hadn’t spoken to her in a while now. He had been focused on Scarlett entirely, forgetting about the woman he did get along with quite well too.
“Good evening, Dawn.” He greeted.
She smiled when she spotted him, making her way over to him with quick steps.
“Lucian.” She greeted back, “It’s good to see you.”
He was confused as to why she was there, but he didn’t dare to ask her straight out. It seemed kind of rude.
“You’re here to see me?” He asked even though the answer was obvious.
She nodded, glancing around the lobby with cautious eyes. He figured something was wrong, but she didn’t dare to speak her mind freely in public.
“How about we talk in my apartment?” He suggested.
She seemed to like that idea, she looked a little less tense. He gestured to her to head to the elevator first. He trailed after her and pushed the button. It was kind of awkward between them. They never committed to anything and when he told her he was no longer interested she took it quite well.
She was an amazing woman, he was just more attracted to Scarlett.
When the elevator arrived he let her step in first and then stepped in as well. He pushed the button to his floor and stepped back, clearing his throat when the doors slid closed. Dawn who stood beside him shifted her weight from foot to foot.
She wasn’t quite comfortable in this tiny space alone together with him either. They had to endure it for a little while though. He was relieved when the doors slid open and they could step out. He did have to admit that Dawn’s perfume was to his liking.
A soft floral scent.
He unlocked the door to his apartment and let her step inside first. He made sure they were both comfortable in his living room with a cup of tea before he pushed her to speak her mind freely.
She hesitated, looking small and insecure at this moment. Dawn was never as confident as Scarlett but he figured there weren’t many people out there who were as confident and cheeky as the Goddess of teasing.
“It’s okay.” He told her quietly, “Whatever it is you can tell me, I won’t get upset or judge you.”
He hoped that would make her talk and get this over with.
Dawn clutched her cup of tea, staring at the dark colored liquid while she opened and closed her mouth a few times. She wanted to talk to him but she didn’t dare to speak up. He patiently waited, not pushing her even though deep inside he was screaming for Dawn to speak the fuck up already.
He was losing it, coming up with different scenarios which were not good. Scenarios which would ruin the good thing he had going for him right now together with Scarlett.
He nearly dropped his tea when the worst possible scenario crossed his mind.
She couldn’t be. He made sure to use protection when he slept with her.
“I’m pregnant.”
She couldn’t be. Well, she could be pregnant but it couldn’t be his. There was no way. He used a condom when he slept with her. He made sure of it. The fact that he didn’t respond right away had Dawn look up and meet his gaze.
“I didn’t believe it either, but I did four tests just to make sure it is actually true.”
“I don’t understand.” He admitted to her, trying to keep his voice steady and calm so he wouldn’t upset Dawn, “I used protection when we, you know-”
She smiled, “Did the dirty?”
He was glad someone was trying to lighten the mood because he was losing it right now.
“It’s not always reliable.” Her body was covered with an oversized jacket but he noticed how she did touch her stomach, “I mean this baby proved it.”
She was pregnant, that could be possible. But he had to ask even though he knew it would make look like an ass.
“Is it mine?”
She didn’t look offended which he was grateful for. It wasn’t the time to argue about silly things like that when their future would drastically change if this was indeed his baby. Not to mention his future with Scarlett would probably not be as he pictured it to be.
“I haven’t been with anyone else.” She trailed off, she swallowed audibly as she continued, “I’m nearly five months along.”
He eyed her body, trying to see more of her. Dawn noticed what he was doing and stood up, placing the cup of tea she was clutching on the coffee table and then unbuttoned her oversized pale blue coat. She showed him what he tried to see.
She was pregnant alright, it wasn’t a huge baby bump but it was noticeable enough for someone to question if she was carrying a child.
His child.
“I’m sorry, but I need time to process this.” He told her, “I mean, I didn’t-”
“I get it,” She interrupted him, “I honestly needed time too and when I saw the pictures of you with your girlfriend I didn’t feel like telling you at all.” She quietly admitted to him, “But this is something you need to know.” She didn’t sound confident about that though.
Right now it might have looked like he didn’t appreciate it but he was glad she did come to see him. He did need to know he was going to be a father.
“Thank you for telling me.”
She buttoned up her coat again, “I’m going to give you time. You have my number when you’re ready to talk.”
“Thank you.” He whispered.
Dawn flashed him a small smile. She made her way to the door. He followed after her and opened the door for her. She turned to look at him.
“Take your time.” She told him.
“Should I call you a cab?” He asked her.
She shook her head, “I’ll be fine.”
He watched her walk away and closed the door behind him. So many thoughts were going through his mind. He didn’t know what to do. The first thought which sounded reasonable enough to him was to tell Scarlett about it as soon as possible.
He didn’t want her to find out by a third person, this news needed to come from him.
She’d hate him forever. He knew she had a baby wish after meeting his nieces. Now he was going to have a baby with another woman.
Their relationship was doomed to fail, the future he envisioned for them shattered. to a million pieces. He was so focused on Scarlett that it didn’t even cross his mind that in a few months a tiny human would rely on him for everything.
He wasn’t ready to become a father.