Page 38 of The Billionaire's Contract Baby

"You've been on your laptop for a while now. What's wrong?" Crystal used her feet to nudge my thigh. We were in the living room sitting together on a sofa with her legs on my thigh. I closed the laptop and set it aside.

"I was just checking on the progress of the public discourse on our relationship," I replied. She looked away from the TV, which was playing a cartoon for Alfred.

"A word of advice: stay off the internet and keep your personal life away from it. Things could get dark - hard and fast. Also, getting validation online does not help your mental health and our relationship. I'm here, so let our joy together be the measure of our true relationship." She was now sitting by me. Her hands were around my torso, hugging me. I stroked her back gently.

Sighing, I replied, "You're right. I've been engrossed in it recently. On a much lighter note, I plan for us to have a vacation with my family in Paris. Would you like that?"

"What do you mean? Of course, I would like that. It would be a great chance to meet everyone in your family all together, although I've already met Igor and Marie, I've yet to meet Lancelot."

"Lance would be glad to see you. He's a bit of a dandy but has an easy going and affable air about him…I hope you don't mind, but I want to know if you'd like to find your biological parents so you guys can reconnect… and maybe have your lost family back." I thought I would see her sad at the mention of her parents, but rather she shrugged.

"You don't have to. I did that myself after I gave birth to Alfred. I wanted to surround myself withfamily.However, I was disappointed. My father is dead, and my mom died from terminal lung cancer days before I found her. I've gotten past that pain I felt back then. What bugged me the most was why they gave me up for adoption, making me think I was an orphan. I got to learn I was a result of a teenage pregnancy, and they had to let me go since they were too young, and their parents wanted nothing to do with them. They had no way to track me down when things got better. I don’t need that family when I have you. You are my family now, Lorenzo." I was touched by the emotion in her voice. I kissed her, making Alfred giggle..

"I understand. Paris will be the best place to enjoy ourselves after this hectic period. I'll get everything started. We should be out of America within a week."

"I'm so excited." I caressed her face, mesmerized by her green eyes. “You just wait. More surprises are in store for you, my love.” I was ready to face the fact that I loved her, and I hoped she felt the same way.

______

True to my words, four days later, we were ready to leave for Paris. I had told my siblings about the trip. I wanted them at our family home. This would be a chance for them to meet her and Alfred, and act as a family reunion. We boarded the jet and within a few minutes we took off. Since this was Alfred's first flight, he was quite excited. He wanted to be by the window, watching the clouds and the birds before we got high in the sky. It was going to be a long ride, so I settled in by eating some snacks and watching Crystal's favorite series with her.

"Sir, we have landed. Would you like me to get your things off the plane?" The air host's voice was low so as not to disturb Crystal and Alfred who were sleeping curled up together. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes. We slept well during the flight.

“Yes. I guess my ride is outside too?"

"Yes, sir. This driver is Nick from the Rosii residence."

"Good. Let him collect our things. We'll be out soon." He nodded and left.

I saw that Crystal was already awake. "We're here. Come on." I got up and took Alfred into my arms. He was still sleeping.

"Let's see what Paris has in store for us." We descended from the jet and stepped on solid ground. It was just a few hours from noon, but the sun was already shining brightly.

We quickly entered the car to escape from the heat. Nick closed the door and drove away from the airport. Crystal held my hand, which made me aware of her nervousness. I kissed it to show her not to fear meeting the family.

The ride was smooth from the airport to the 16th arrondissement on the right bank. We arrived within an hour. The sights along the way were great but when we reached our neighborhood, the buildings were distinct in showing off their owners' great wealth. There were beautiful lawns surrounding palatial houses. Everything about the area reeked of a privileged neighborhood.

My family had a home here, one of many my parents purchased as a place for family retreats. Having a home in the 16th arrondissement signified wealth and influence.

The car finally reached a gated mansion. The gates slid into the side walls, and the car drove in. There were ancient Roman sculptures along the cobbled road to the main house. At last, we had arrived. Nick got out of his seat and was about to come open the door for us. Alfred mumbled something groggily.

"Ready?" Crystal nodded. The door opened, and I stepped out. I gave her my hand and helped her out.

My siblings were standing by the door to the manor. They all looked good. I noticed Igor and Lancelot did not have their spouses with them. Hand in hand, we reached them. Marie was the first to walk over. She hugged me and took Alfred from my arms. "Both of you look tired and worn. I've made sure everything is ready in your room. Crystal, it's nice seeing you again. Welcome."

"Thank you," she said, coolly. My brothers joined in the greeting. Igor hugged me, and we clapped each other on the back.

He gave Crystal two courteous kisses on her cheeks. "Delightful seeing you again, Crystal. It seems my brother has finally got his wits about him. And who is this! My nephew! Let me see him." A grin stretched his lips, and he took Alfred from Marie. He woke up and stared at his uncle in wonder. Igor made funny faces at him, which made him laugh.

"Lance, come over. I've missed you." He looked shy then smiled. He looked more mature than the last time I had seen him. I pulled him into a tight embrace.

"I've missed you too, brother. You look better than before." I had to agree.

"Thank her. My life has been different… better than before. Crystal, this is Lancelot, Lance for short. Lance, meet Crystal…"

"It's nice to finally put a face to the name. You're a breath of fresh air, my lady."

"The pleasure is all my, my lord." That short exchange was good enough to create rapport between them. They both laughed, indicating that they had already hit it off with each other. I felt relieved seeing them bonding like this. I was one step closer to achieving my goals.

---