Page 96 of Delilah In Discretion

“It is serious, and he’s kind of my boyfriend…” She took a sip of her tea, and her eyes told me to continue. “I wanted to tell you first before Dad found out.”

“Found out that you were dating someone?” she asked, and I shook my head.

“I’m not scared of him knowing that I am dating someone. I’m just scared of him finding out that someone is Archer.”

She took another sip of her tea as she averted her gaze from mine. I anxiously waited for her response, and she folded her hands on the table.

“When did this start?” she asked, and I shrugged.

“If we want to get specific… Paris.”

She nodded. “Right. For the record, I was expecting this, but I don’t think I truly prepared myself to hear the actual words.” I gave her a tight-lipped smile, and she glared at me for a moment. “Delilah... what else are you hiding from me?” she asked, and I shrugged.

“I…may or may not have sold my soul to my dear ‘godfather’ in return for Dad’s sanity.”

Her jaw dropped slightly, and she ran her hands through her hair. “You’ve been working for Calvin?”

“Well, technically for Archer… Why do you think Dad agreed for me to go to Paris?”

She didn’t say anything, but it was clear she was almost at a loss. Her eyes met mine once again, and neither of us said a word.

“Aside from you admitting to me that you sold your soul to the devil, I can tell you’re happy,” she muttered, and I smiled genuinely once again.

She huffed as she continued thinking. “Can’t tell your father about any of this.”

“Wasn’t planning on it… ever,” I responded, and she laughed.

She stood up slowly and opened her arms for a hug, and I practically threw myself into them. I laid my head on her shoulder, and she sighed.

“I want you to be happy, my love… I do, but this can get very messy very quickly. Our family is not exactly a drama-free one.” I nodded, and she whispered, “I just want you to be careful. I will support you all the way. And just know that I love you, Dede.”

“I love you too, Bribri,” I replied as unshed tears threatened to come to my eyes, and she lightened the mood with a playful sigh.

“I’ve always preferred ‘Mom,’ but whatever makes you satisfied.”

I giggled at her playful annoyance, and we pulled away. My phone sounded on the table, and she grinned.

“I think the lover boy misses you. And always remember, don’t forget to use protection—” she started.

I pulled away as I grabbed my bag and phone. “All right, Mom, this was fun, but I have to run. I have a very scary boyfriend, or rather boss, to see for the next few hours,” I said in a rush.

She giggled as she ushered me out and gave me one final hug before we parted ways.

My phone rang, and I sighed as I picked it up.

“You can’t give me twenty minutes to talk to my mother?” I asked, and I could picture him rolling his eyes.

“It’s in my blood to not want anything to do with the Russel family... You seem to keep forgetting that you’re the only exception to that.”

“Apparently, in your eyes, I’m an exception in almost all cases,” I retorted, and he chuckled.

“You’re not wrong.”We sat in silence for a moment, and I stepped into my car. “How did it actually go, Princess?”he asked, and I sighed.

“My mom will always be on my side. No matter what. She’s okay with us being together, but she’s worried about the person in our relationship who could make or break us.”

“I take it she’s not too fond of Killian finding out either?”

“No one is fond of my father finding out. And for the record, I’d like to stop thinking about him for as long as possible while we’re together.”

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