Page 39 of The Billionaire's Contract Baby

"We should go inside. I am tired, and we need to get some rest." They agreed, and we entered the house.

It looked a bit different from the last time I was here, but it was still familiar with all the same family portraits and several others hanging on the walls. Marie led Crystal and me to our room. “I’ll take care of him. You guys should refresh yourselves and join us for lunch if you can. The staff will bring your luggage in a minute."

"Thank you, Marie. We'll see you soon." I closed the door behind us. Crystal was already taking off her clothes. I joined her, feeling excited to be out of my own.

"Your home is pretty impressive. Moreover, the fears I had have mostly been dispelled. I see a future for Alfred and me here."

"You're damn right there's a future for you here. We protect and love everyone in our family. You don't have to worry since from what I've seen, they truly appreciate and wish to welcome you into the family." She sighed, hugging me with glee. Her skin was cool against mine. I carried her into the bathroom, and we had an intimate shower together.

When we were done, I brought our luggage in, and we picked out something comfortable to wear. Soon after, we joined my siblings in the dining room. Alfred was on a raised seat, waiting for his own food. I took my position at the head of the table with Crystal beside me.

"I'm glad you are able to join us," Lance said to Crystal.

"I wouldn’t miss this…besides, I'm famished."

"Trust me, before you leave, you'll have a taste of Paris' finest cuisine from our very own kitchen. Our chefs are some of the best in the country," Lance announced.

"Though I don't encourage my brother's tendency to brag, I must agree with him," Igor added.

"I will be the judge of that. Can we have the meal now?" I stopped the small talk. Alfred was making faces at Crystal who was creating shapes with her fingers.

Marie clapped her hands two times and a row of servers brought out the first course. Lancelot introduced the food to us, as his French was better than the rest of us combined. He had a great knack for languages. We ate the meal with relish, forgetting what the dishes were called. The meal ranged from hors d'oeuvre, soup, salad, and then the main course. We chatted in between each course. The connection between us was growing. The communication between Marie and Crystal did not seem strained. They were able to find common ground on the taste of the food and the latest trends in pop culture.

At the end of the meal, we had amazing desserts which were so delicious that we had to ask for more. The meal was so satisfying overall that we were all satisfied and exhausted from eating. Alfred was asleep after his kid’s version. We took him to his room. We had to rest due to jet lag; nonetheless, it felt good to be with family and having Crystal along. What I was having now, I never had with Luna - even when things between us were great.

Chapter 27

LORENZO

WehadbeeninParis for two days now, and I was getting anxious to reveal the great news to Crystal. Finally, I picked today to take her out. I already had the ring delivered yesterday from a master jeweler in Paris. It was a work of art. Rather than a single diamond in the middle, there were little diamonds dotted around the ring. The ring itself should earn me a few points of admiration. I had made up my mind. I wanted to take things further with her, and there was no better time than the present.

"Crystal, I want both of us to go out alone. It wouldn't be right to be in Paris and not explore the city." We were lounging by the Olympic size swimming pool. She looked up from her book, and her legs shook a few times to release the water as she sat on the side. I swam to her and stayed in between her legs. She had on a bucket hat to keep out the sun and a blue striped bikini. I was doing my best not to ogle.

"I've been meaning to ask you about that. What do you have in mind?" Her legs traced the outline of my crotch, teasing me.

"Well, it's a surprise. It won't be if I told you. Though I can tell you this, it's going to be tonight. Paris looks beautiful at night, and there's a chance to do more than just explore." I stopped her wanton legs and pulled her into the pool next to me.

"How can I say no to that? I'm so excited!" She kissed me till we had to stop for air.

Later that night, we dressed to kill. Nothing too flashy but expensive. Before we left, I gave a cryptic message to my siblings. I took a car from the garage and helped Crystal settle in on the passenger’s side. She looked divine in black techno trousers held up with a belt paired with a sleeveless crop top and a biker's jacket. She chose Louboutin heels for contrast. I looked like the bodyguard to for wealthy heiress - a comparison which she made herself.

We drove away from the mansion and hit the streets of Paris. We could see Notre-Dame Cathedral from afar on the Ile de la Cité. We passed the Louvre and the Pont Alexandre III. Then I took her to the Eiffel Tower, a classic destination. Standing tall and proud, it was illuminated by golden lights that flickered with each passing second. Even at this hour, people were walking about and taking pictures. I saw a couple enjoying a wedding photoshoot. The city of love was alive with energy, and I couldn't wait to share this night with Crystal, the woman I loved.

We left the Eiffel Tower and visited the Opera Garnier, a historic landmark and testament to Parisian elegance and grandeur. The sprawling staircase led to the interior of the opera house, where we were greeted with intricate chandeliers, gilded mirrors, and plush red velvet seating. We stayed for a few minutes to catch the performance. It was mesmerizing with ballet dancers gracefully twirling across the stage. Crystal was captivated. She brought out her phone, determined to take pictures with me. I was obliged since I wanted to have a mark in her memory.

We left the show and made our way to the iconic Cafe de Flore, one of the most well-known cafés in Paris. The interiors were decorated with antique mirrors, marble tabletops, and ornate wooden chairs. We ordered espresso and croissants. I shared some of my favorite memories in Paris and the fun I had growing up here. I promised myself to give my children that same opportunity.

We then walked through the winding streets of Montmartre, where I could feel the love in the air. The artists were selling their work, musicians were playing their instruments, and the local “boites” were filled with the chatter of locals and tourists alike. We reached the Sacre Coeur Basilica, perched on top of the hill, and were met with stunning views of the city. The white marble facade was glowing in the soft light, and the dome was glistening with rich gold.

It was getting late, and I wanted to make my intentions known to Crystal. She told me she didn't want anything flashy when someone proposed to her. So, I didn't do something big, but I wanted it to be significant. We made our way to the Seine River, where we boarded a private boat. The twinkling lights of the city illuminated the still waters, and we sipped champagne as we cruised along the river.

I stopped the boat’s motor and let it float on the water. Crystal was still taking in the view when I pulled out the box with the ring. I went to sit beside her and said, "Crystal." I reached for her hand, my heart racing in my chest. "I know we've only been together for a short time, but it feels like I've known you for a long time, and this just feels right to me. No matter what happens next, I just want you to know that I love you and would have it no other way. That said, Crystal, I'd like to ask you to be more than just my girlfriend, but my wife and the mother of my future kids." I stopped to think about what I had just said.

Crystal's eyes welled up with tears, and she pulled me over for a kiss. I smiled, knowing she had accepted. She broke the kiss, looked into my eyes, and whispered," Yes”. I had no chance to put the ring on her finger because we were too preoccupied.

When we got back on land, I went down on one knee and slipped the ring on her finger. She had given a passerby her phone to take pictures. "This will be my new wallpaper," Crystal proclaimed.

"My love, you will always be on my mind, everywhere and every day. I love you, Crystal Goldwyn."

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