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“Mom. I’ve told you repeatedly that I will never take over the company.” Dereck breathed hard. “What you do not realize is the more you harass me about it, the more I don’t want to take it over.” His voice was a little louder than usual.
“Okay, okay.” His mother was in an annoyed tone. “You don’t have to shout at me. I heard you.” And yet he knew this was not the end of the conversation. “Anyway, when are you bringing Alina back?”
Dereck passed his hand through his hair. “I don’t know, Mom. The last time she was there, you weren’t very welcoming.”
“Oh, that was a long time ago.” The woman brushed off her son’s concern. “Alina and I have become close since then. And I want to know her better.”
“Mom.” Dereck ran his hand down his face. “Maybe after the baby’s born.” Dereck paused instantly, realizing what he had just said. He didn’t want to get into that conversation with his mother. Not now.
“What baby?” His mother’s voice was shaken.
There was no avoiding it now. “Alina’s pregnant mom. You’re going to be a grandmother.”
“But you’re not married.” The woman’s high-pitched voice almost defended him. “What will people say?”
“No, we’re not married, but we love each other.” Dereck was annoyed. “And I don’t give a damn what your friends think of this. I’m happy we’re having a baby.” This was the most annoying thing about growing up in a wealthy society. Others’ opinions largely influenced their lives. “I’ve got to go now, Mom. Talk to you later.”
Dereck ended the call without another word, even more upset that his mother had spoiled his cheerful mood. He needed to get his spirit back to where it was.
“Alina and I got back together.” Dereck wasted no time with formalities. He and Lee were beyond that. “And she’s pregnant.”
“How do you feel about that?” Lee asked, trying to remain calm, but Dereck heard the unsettling in his voice.
“I’m thrilled.” He didn’t realize he shouted and his voice was rough. “I love her and can’t wait to start a family with her.”
“And that’s all that matters, man. It doesn’t matter what other people thought of the situation. Your happiness is what’s important.” Once again, Lee’s mind-reading capabilities proved effective. “Congratulations man.”
“Thank you.” Dereck’s voice was calm again. “I appreciate that.”
With his cheerful spirit renewed, Dereck ended the call and left his room.
* * *
Alina had just finished layeringthe snacks on the large table when Lucas walked into the house.
“Hey, Alina. Can I talk to you?” He shifted his body, looking anxious, and Alina had an unsettling feeling something was wrong.
She looked around at the room. Guests were arriving, and the room was getting crowded. She didn’t know what had Lucas this jittery but whatever it required privacy.
“Follow me.” Alina led Lucas up the stairs to the most private room she could find. Her bedroom. He followed her inside and softly closed the door behind him. “What do you want to talk about?”
“Did you get back with him?” Lucas’ eyebrows were furrowed and his jaw was tight.
Alina was so caught up in his unusual behavior she did not grasp what he asked. “Get back with who.”
“Your ex. Dereck.” He looked at her with fixed eyes. “I heard you brought him home and introduced him to the family.”
“How did you…” Alina was about to ask a question, but the answer became too clear. “Mom” She sighed. “Did she tell you she was the one who invited him inside?”
“But you’re the one who introduced him as your boyfriend.” Lucas’ hand was in his pocket.
She had neglected to consider her friend’s feelings. She should have told him before he heard the news from her mother. “I’m sorry Lucas. I should have told you,” Alina breathed out hard. “Dereck and I talked things through and we decided to give our relationship another chance.”
“Is this really what you want?” Lucas walked across the room. “I mean, he didn’t pressure you into anything, did he?”
Alina went to her friend and grabbed his hand. “Listen Lucas. Every decision I make is because I want to. Nobody can force me into it.”
Lucas forced a smile onto his face. “As long as you’re happy.” He placed a tender finger to her chin.
