Page 68 of The Billionaire's Off Chance

“Then you should give him a chance and not lock him out. He made a mistake, which anyone of us can make, but what makes your relationship thrive with love is your openness to understanding and forgiveness. Lance will do better, if only you listen. As for the woman who claims she’s pregnant, is there any proof?”

I recall Lance saying he needs evidence to prove he actually slept with her in the first place. He doubts that he left the club with her. Lance isn’t the type to shirk his responsibilities; hence, if he had relations with Pearl, he wouldn’t lie about it. I sigh. I never gave Lance a chance to explain himself. “No, Mom. It’s all circumstantial.”

“Well, look at where your rashness has gotten you. At times like this, you ought to be with him, helping him through this. For a man of Lance’s status, there will be people out there, seeking to tarnish his reputation or get something. Lance might be innocent. Don’t break your home for a charlatan, there to only gain something from him. You’ve been happy and fulfilled with Lance, Chasmin. Seeing you this devastated breaks my heart. I don’t want you to lose what you have.”

Nodding, I get out of bed. “Thanks, Mom. I know what to do now. I need to bathe. I have to go see Lance.” I kiss her cheek and head to the bathroom. When I leave the shower, Mom had left the room with the uneaten meal.

I get dressed and pause to look at a notification that has popped up on my phone. I sit in my dressing chair to see what the notification is about. It’s a link to an article about Lance’s alleged paternity to Pearl’s pregnancy. I read the article and let out a relieved breath. The article debunks the claim. According to investigation, the woman is a friend of Claudette and is in no way pregnant. She told a lie to cash out like Claudette and ruin Lance’s reputation on the way. A smile is on my face. My phone rings with a call from Lance. I answer it immediately.

We both pause, not saying anything. I break the silence. “Hi…”

“Hi…” he echoes.

“I just saw the news, and I’m sorry for saying those words to you,” I say softly. Looking back to my actions, I overreacted.

“There’s no need for an apology. I’m just glad the truth is out. Igor confirms that she is a lair. I want us to have this conversation in person.” I hear the hope and joy in his voice.

Giddy, I bounce to my feet, heading to my closet only to realize that I don’t have anything to wear. “At the company?” I ask and laugh, and he does too.

“No, an actual date. I have plans for us. I have a dress for you on the way.”

I pout, feeling pampered. “Okay, I can’t wait to see you. I want this behind us.”

“You took the words right out of my mouth. I’ll be picking you up in an hour. I love you, Chasmin,” he says with a cool yet needy tone.

I feel warm and shy. “I love you too, baby. Bye.” I end the call with my heart beating hard in my chest. A minute later, Mom knocks on my door. “Yes, Mom?”

“Someone is at the door. He says he has something for you. Come,” she bids me and steps away.

Putting on my robe, I leave the room, heading to the door. I see a delivery man with a huge, wrapped box. “For you, Miss Motley.”

I receive the package, knowing what’s inside. I sign and he leaves.

“What’s this about, dear?” Mom asks behind me.

“Lance and I have reconciled. News came out disproving the woman’s claim. I’ll be seeing him soon, and he sent a dress over.” She smiles, clapping her hands gently. I take the box to my room with Mom’s voice ringing behind me with joy.

Opening the box, I see a red dress with a brown fur coat, carefully arranged inside. I take out the shimmering dress with gold highlights and put it on. It fits me like a glove, showing my curves. I put on some matching heels and don the elegant fur coat. Within the hour, I’m applying makeup and taking care of my hair.

I leave my room to see Lance already in the house, talking to Mom. “Hey,” I say in a breathless voice. He looks dapper in a deep blue suit and cashmere overcoat. Looking at him all over again has me falling in love anew. He rises from his seat and approaches me with a fiery look in his eyes.

“Hello, baby. You look ethereal. Will you be mine for the day?” he coos and smoothly wraps his hands around my waist.

I press myself to him, gazing into those familiar dark eyes. I tiptoe and place a kiss on his lips. “I’d love to, dear.”

“Great.” He chuckles, brushing a stray strand of hair off my face. “Shall we?” I link my arm with his. We say goodbye to Mom and leave her apartment.

Being in his arms is like being back home. I feel ecstatic; the smile on his handsome face shows that he feels the same way. We get to his car, and he helps me in. He takes the driver’s seat and steers into the street to begin our date.

“Once again, I’m sorry for my words and actions, Lance. I let my emotions get the better of me.” I hold his free hand while he uses the other hand to guide the car.

“It’s fine, baby. We both made the wrong decisions, and I’m relieved it didn’t break us.” He brings my hand to his lips and kisses it warmly.

We fall into comfortable silence as he drives to the venue. It’s a beautiful afternoon with the snow glittering on the rooftops, trees, and the ground. We arrive at a grand establishment in an upscale district of town. Getting out of the car, Lance leads me to the entrance. We take an elevator to the top floor and finally enter a room.

The room is brightly lit, reflecting the lush red velvet carpet with matching chair cushions, table decorations and drapes. The table is beautifully arranged; a large tureen with an ornate golden cover dominates the center. We take off our coats and take our seats. The windows in front of us, revealing a glorious view of the London skyline.

“This is a nice view,” I comment as servers enter with a food train. They fill our plates before taking their leave.

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