Talk to Kaya/Elle
Lucas took her home and Nathalie confronted him while making sure he would tell her truth this time. Lucas admitted to having no affair with Elle/Kaya. He also admitted to hiding his identity from her just because he loved her. Lucas and Nathalie mended their relationship.
Knowing that Mary was after his brother, Lucas had already created a plan to make sure she would get caught. And as expected she was found and served what she deserved. The Romanov family didn’t interfere and disowned her. Sandro let her go and promised to meet Elle the next day just as Lucas promised.
Driving back home the next day, Lucas’s thoughts returned to Nathalie. He imagined her sitting in the garden, her hand resting on her pregnant belly, a serene smile on her face. When he pulled into the driveway and saw Nathalie sitting in the lawn, the tension in his chest eased slightly. He got out of the car and walked towards her, crouching down to place his head in her lap, as he greeted her with a gentle “Morning.”
Nathalie smiled, her fingers threading through his hair. “Morning, Lucas. How did everything go?” Lucas looked up at her, the weight of his responsibilities momentarily lifted by her presence. “It went as planned. Elle and Sandro have talked, the asshole asked for forgiveness and has admitted to all those terrible things. Leave them, how are you feeling?”
She sighed softly, her hand resting on her belly. “I’m okay. Just thinking about how lucky I am to have you, and now, to have your parents and Elle by my side. I am sorry for everything you had to go through Lucas. Thank you for accepting and taking care of Khal too.”
Lucas smiled, placing a kiss on her hand. “You deserve all the happiness in the world, Nathalie. And I promise, I’ll make sure nothing ever threatens that again. Both kids are my responsibility now and I shall take care of them equally.”Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.
Later that evening, Lucas and Nathalie were lying in bed, the room softly lit by the gentle glow of a bedside lamp. The warmth of the blankets and the rhythmic ticking of a clock created a comforting ambiance. Lucas lay beside her, his arm wrapped protectively around her, his hand resting on her pregnant belly. He gently rubbed small circles on her tummy, feeling the occasional flutter of their unborn child.
Nathalie sighed contentedly, her hand covering his as she leaned her head against his shoulder. “It feels so peaceful here,” she murmured, her eyes half-closed in relaxation.
Lucas looked down at her, his expression tender yet thoughtful. “Nathalie,” he began softly, “I need to ask you something. If anything were to happen to Elle and Sandro’s relationship, would you feel bad?”
Nathalie opened her eyes fully, turning her head slightly to meet his gaze. She took a moment to consider his question, the weight of it pressing down on her. “I will,” she finally replied, her voice steady and resolute. “I want both of them to feel comfortable and sort out their things. They deserve to be together.”
Lucas nodded, a hint of relief crossing his features. “I needed to hear that from you. I want to make sure you’re okay with everything that’s happening.”
Nathalie smiled up at him, her hand squeezing his reassuringly. “I trust you, Lucas. You’re doing what needs to be done to protect our family. And I know you’ll always do what’s best for us.”
He leaned down and kissed her forehead, his heart swelling with love and determination. “I promise, Nathalie, I’ll always keep you and our child safe. No matter what.”
She nestled closer to him, finding comfort in his warmth and strength. “I know you will. And I’m so grateful for you, for everything you’ve done.” They lay in silence for a while, the only sound being the soft rustle of the sheets and their synchronized breathing. Lucas continued to rub her belly gently, feeling the life within her, a tangible reminder of their future together.
After a few moments, Nathalie spoke again, her voice barely above a whisper. “I can’t wait for our baby to be here. To start this new chapter of our lives.”
Lucas smiled, his heart filled with hope and determination. “Neither can I, my love. Our family will be whole, and we’ll give our child the best life possible.”
As the night wore on, the comforting stillness of their bedroom wrapped around them. Nathalie’s eyes grew heavy, her breathing slowing to a gentle, steady rhythm. Lucas continued to rub her belly soothingly, his thoughts a mixture of love, protection, and resolve.
He glanced over to the other side of the room where a small cot stood. Little Khal was fast asleep, his tiny chest rising and falling in peaceful slumber. The sight of his son, so innocent and vulnerable, filled Lucas with a fierce determination to shield him from any harm.
Nathalie stirred slightly, snuggling closer to Lucas. He shifted slightly, making sure she was as comfortable as possible. He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips, whispering, “I love you,” before she drifted fully into sleep.
With Nathalie resting peacefully in his arms, Lucas couldn’t help but marvel at how much she meant to him. Her strength, her love, and the way she had stood by him through all the challenges-they were the foundations of his world.