Page 73 of Sexted By a Stranger
It had to be. Mom must have let him in.
Silent and soundless, yet addressing every bit of my fatigue and need.
Wasn't this exactly what I'd been dreaming of? Creating a worry-free haven for my family while pursuing my dreams in the field I loved. Even if there were undeniable shadows beneath this sky, the stability and happiness I held in my hands right now were real—created by Luca in his own way, with everything he had.
I'd never been afraid of challenges. This time, had I trapped myself in a dead end?
Fear had blinded me. I'd only seen the dangers his identity brought, while deliberately ignoring everything he'd sacrificed to protect us, ignoring that deep love.
My gaze fell on the floating petals in the tub, their rich red color like life's original spark. I took a deep breath, and the sweet fragrance and warmth flowed into my chest together, as if injecting new courage and determination.
I suddenly remembered the family photo that still hung in the center of the living room, despite moving apartments.
Dad's kind smile flickered before my eyes.
He was going to be a father. I didn't want my child to experience the life I'd had.
Besides, we loved each other so much.
I had to tell him.
After the competition ended, I would tell Luca about the baby.
Chapter 23
Sheila
I used tweezers to pick up the sapphire, carefully embedding it in the center of the thorn-wrapped Starlight design on the cardboard.
The sound of knocking echoed through the room.
"Come in."
The door cracked open, and Lennox peeked in, holding a deep blue velvet tray in his hands.
"Sorry to bother you, Miss Stella." His voice was light and cheerful. "The gemstone samples you requested—the warehouse just finished organizing them. I brought them over for you."
On the tray, perfectly cut gems of various colors sparkled brilliantly against the velvet backdrop. They lay quietly in their individual compartments, waiting to be given souls.
"Thank you for your trouble, Lennox." I looked up, giving him a genuine smile. "This is exactly what I need."
Lennox's gaze swept over my spread-out design sketches. "Boss was really going against the grain when he insisted you lead the new collection, but now it looks like pure genius."
He paused, as if remembering something, then added, "Oh, right—John from the warehouse asked me to check with you about the timing for those Colombian emeralds you need for your competition piece. He wants to confirm the exact pickup time. He said the insurance certificate has been updated per the Boss's instructions, valid through the end of next month." Lennox's mouth curved into a slight smile as he mimicked John's slow, drawling tone. "Don't want it getting delayed when security gets upgraded around the Boss's birthday party—that would mess up your big moment."
Birthday party?
Luca's… birthday?
I'd been with Luca for quite some time, yet I'd never heard him mention his birthday, and I'd never thought to ask.
That man who controlled a vast dark empire seemed completely at odds with something as ordinary and warm as a birthday celebration.
Lennox didn't notice my reaction. He set down the tray, casually reminded me to stay safe, then politely excused himself and quietly closed the door behind him.
A thought, like a spring shoot breaking through soil, pushed aside all my hesitation and lingering shadows—I wouldn't wait until after the competition. On his birthday. I'd tell him about the baby, this life that carried our bloodline and embodied all my struggles and final decision.
Several weeks of peaceful, uneventful living had indeed relaxed my tense nerves considerably.
