Page 5 of The Billionaire's Contract Baby

"Delicious. Well, other than my divorce, I pushed myself into more work, and that's the whole story." I felt sad for myself. She took the initiative to touch my hand and squeezed it.

Her eyes filled with compassion. "I'm sorry about that." Smiling at her, I gestured for her to eat. I gave her some of my pasta, and she gave me her pudding. In no time, we had finished our food.

She laughed, and I joined her. "I didn't expect to have such a good time. Thanks." She looked genuinely happy to be here. I felt like pulling her into my arms at that moment, but I resisted. Whatever I was feeling, she didn't seem to have such thoughts toward me. I didn't want to rock the boat just yet.

"I did have a wonderful time as well. Let's do this some other time." I meant that. I haven't had any meaningful communication with someone in a long time other than her, and I would appreciate it if I could make her a friend.

"Really? I don't mind that. We still have much to talk about, but right now I've got to get back to work. I just started and don't want to get in Edward's bad books." She looked apologetic. She had no need to worry, as I already had a plan in mind for her.

"I understand. Let me take you back." I rose, beckoning at the waitress. I gave her my credit card to sort out the bill.

"Never mind, I already ordered a taxi. I don't want to keep you away from work for too long. However, thank you for the fun time. It was great." I had seen her on her phone earlier, ordering a ride. I ought to feel insulted, but I knew she was trying to keep a professional relationship between us.

"No problem. I'll keep in touch." The waitress returned my card, and I walked out with Crystal. A taxi was already parked outside.

"Okay, stay safe, Lorenzo." She waved, opening the car door.

"You too, Crystal." She waved again from the window as the car drove off. I watched for a while and returned to my car. As Antonio started the engine, I dialed Edward's contact.See you soon, Crystal.

Chapter 3

CRYSTAL

Asthecarspedaway, I let out a sigh of relief. Throughout our meal, I was on edge. He appeared like a fever dream. I thought avoiding him while he was around would keep me out of his radar. Rather, he sought me out. Even with that, I felt excited to reconnect with him after all this time. However, to keep my secret from him, it would be better if we didn't get too close.

Recalling the way, he acted around me made me blush again. I was a teenager dealing with her first crush. What would he think of me? Three years ago, although I found him attractive, I never dreamt of getting close to him seeing as he was married, and we were worlds apart. It seemed that fate had more in store for me, but I had to be careful, or I'd get burned - really bad.

"Ma'am, we've reached your destination." The driver's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. Mumbling a thank you, I stepped out of the car and walked straight to the entrance of the company. As soon as I had entered, eyes turned to me with scrutiny. I knew they had questions. Lorenzo wasn't exactly subtle when he took me out. Nonetheless, I owed them no answers. I made my way to my office.

My office didn't have any personal markers yet. I planned in the coming days to personalize it. I took a seat and immediately buried my head in the pile of files in front of me. I could not think anymore salacious thoughts about the sexy, hot man who was my topmost boss - and the father of my son.It would end badly.

Done for the day, I left the office, exhausted. I'd have to do this consistently for years, but the pay was good, and I wasn't going to complain. I arrived home a short while later. Through the window, I saw the lights on in the house.Must be Jen.I asked her to help bring Alfred home for me. She must have found the spare key.

I reached the door and opened it, only to hear Alfred shouting,Mamaand Jen trying to soothe him. I closed the door, drawing Jen's attention. She flashed me a quick smile, pleading with her eyes. I took off my jacket and placed it on the rack. "Mama is here, Alfie. Stop shouting." Jen looked ready to break.

"Hey, baby. Mama's home." I swooped in, dropping my bag on the table as I carried him. His scrunched-up face eased into a smile. "Mama, mama…. miss you." His voice was weak due to shouting.

Jen flopped down on the couch, lying down. I sat with Alfred who was now silent but clung tight to me. I hadn't left him alone for this long, and he still wasn't used to Jen's presence. "Sorry, Jen. I hope he didn't cause too much trouble?" I patted his back gently, and his muted snore reached me. He must have been worried he didn't see me before he slept.

"No, no. He is a sweet kid. He just missed you after so long. We enjoyed ourselves but after a while he got grumpy wanting mommy. I had to make promises to make him eat his food. I wanted to call you so he could hear your voice, but you were busy."

"I'm so sorry. I got swept up at work. However, I have a lot to tell you from today. You won't believe it."

She sat up, attentive. "Try me."

Laughing, I rose. "Let me put him to bed and get us wine." She snapped her fingers, urging me to be faster.

Alfred's room was dark. He hated sleeping in darkness and bright lights. I turned on the low blue light that dotted the walls of his room and set him down in his crib. He called softly,mama,and went back to sleep. Kissing his head, I left his room and closed the close gently behind me.

I went to the kitchen, picking up a bottle of red wine from my cabinet and two glasses. Jen saw me approaching and stretched out her hand. I gave her a glass and the bottle. Sitting on the couch, I took off my heels and stretched my toes. She had already popped off the cork and was filling her glass. "Don't forget me…" I pointed at my cup. She smiled, dutifully filling my cup.

I took a sip and sighed feeling some of the tension I felt reduced. "So, what happened on your first day of work?"

"For you to understand, I need to provide more information. About three years ago, I was to be the surrogate for a wealthy man. Things didn't go as planned, but he kept his end of the deal. At work today, this same man appeared. He is the CEO of my new company. I tried to act like I didn't know him because I was dying of embarrassment."

"Why? It's not like there is bad history between you two - or is there?"

"Jen, at that moment, I wasn't thinking straight. I just felt like hiding. Anyway, he took me out on… a kind of date." I downed the wine and filled it again.

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