ond'

stormed into the house, ignoring the maids' greetings. My m

pped up, enjoying a massage. But the moment she saw

ong?" she called ou

my chest tight with frustration. I went straight to my roo

led A

w rings, h

n! What

you put me in?" I cut h

Relax, man. What are

ng to steady my breathing. "I'm in

what you're talking abo

he anger bubbling inside me. "R

asted. So wasted, you couldn't even remember the face of

ined s

, his tone now serious. "How do

was about to say. "Do you even know t

It was supposed to be a one-night stand. When I checked lat

guess what? That so-called one-ni

d silence on

's yell nearly

to keep my frustration in check. "And th

ustin scre

ng a hand down

een us before he finally spok

g to do? I'm not taking responsibility for t

e child is your

n't a

the father. But I needed this seco

red, cutting the call before

n my bed, staring at the ceiling

med it again? What if I

ed open. The soft scent of my mother's perfume filled the air, b

voice was gen

ime. I blinked and turned to find her sitting at t

er sharp eyes scanning my face.

head, exhal

urged, her hand

y me, no matter the mess I found myself in.

her hand a little tighter

ightly in mine, but her

mine," I continued, my voice lower now.

Then bring the girl here," she said. "We'll hav

expected her to say. But what I

ne?" I asked hesitantly. "I don't w

"I love Bella," I admitted, the words

she assured me, her voice steady. " You are her betrothed,Your marr

lump in my throa

just hit her, Mum narr

ed her head. "What do yo

ched m

e lady?" s

she wouldn't force me to say it out loud.

I finally murmured,

Her grip on my hand tightened,

hispered, her voice b

at followed wa

od up, her entire postu

er head, her expression a mix of sho

llowe

ot going t