You deserve better

The morning light streamed through the window as Bella stirred awake, feeling slightly better than the day before. She stretched lightly, savoring the calm that had settled over her. Last night had been surprisingly comforting, with Lucas taking care of her. Though she still felt a little off, the warmth of his care lingered in her thoughts.

"Mommy, can I have pancakes today?" Rachel's cheerful voice broke Bella's reverie. She was surprised that rachel is already awake today. She smiled and nodded, deciding to indulge her daughter's request.

They sat at the table together, laughing over Rachel's amusing stories about her friends at school. Rachel tilted her head playfully. "You're smiling more today, Mommy. Did Mr. Handsome take all the grumpy germs away?"

Bella chuckled. "I think so. He's got a talent for that."

As she walked towards the school gate with rachel, Bella kissed her forehead. "Have a great day, sweetheart."

"You too, Mommy!" Rachel waved as she skipped off.

Bella returned and had just started tidying up the living room when the sound of a knock at the door interrupted her. She opened it to find Lucas standing there, holding a bouquet of fresh flowers in one hand and a grocery bag in the other.

"Lucas?" she said, surprised but secretly pleased. "Good morning," he greeted with a small smile, stepping inside. "I thought you might need a little pick-me-up." He handed her the flowers.

Bella accepted them with a grateful smile. "You didn't have to do this."

"Maybe not, but I wanted to," he said, setting the groceries on the counter. "How are you feeling today?"

"A little better than yesterday," she admitted. "I'm trying to keep myself busy."

Lucas's expression softened as he leaned casually against the counter. "Busy is fine, but overworking yourself isn't. Take it easy, Bella. You've been through a lot lately."

"I know," she said, her voice tinged with gratitude. "Thank you for being here with me yesterday. It means a lot."

They both had their breakfast in peace and Lucas soon left for work. Later, as Bella was catching up on some emails, her phone rang. The name of her supervisor flashed on the screen, and her stomach sank. Reluctantly, she answered.

The conversation started with routine work matters, but it quickly turned into veiled criticisms about her productivity. His tone was patronizing, and he spoke as if she owed him something. Bella clenched her fist, trying to maintain her composure, but the call left her feeling drained and agitated.

When Lucas returned at lunchtime, he immediately noticed the tension in her posture. "What's wrong?" he asked, his sharp eyes scanning her face.

Bella hesitated before finally telling him about the call. "It's my supervisor. He's... difficult to deal with. The way he talks to me... it just reminds me of past experiences I'd rather forget."

Lucas's jaw tightened. "Isn't this the same man from that hotel? Is he still troubling you? What's his name?"

"Lucas, no, please listen to me," Bella said quickly. "I don't want to make it a bigger issue."

He exhaled slowly, reigning in his anger. "Alright, I won't push. But Bella, you don't need to tolerate that kind of behavior. If this job is stressing you out, maybe it's time to step away. You don't need to put yourself through this."

"I don't want to feel like I'm depending on you for everything, you know you helped for Rachel's surgery, I have to repay that too," she admitted quietly.

Lucas's tone softened. "You're not dependent on anyone Bella. And about the money, I already told you you can give me when you have enough."

He continued, "I respect your independence, Bella. But you deserve better than this. If leaving the job is what you need to feel at peace, then do it. And when you're ready, you can find something that makes you happier."

His words struck a chord in her. For the first time in a while, she felt truly supported. Determined to lift her spirits, Lucas took charge of preparing lunch. Bella tried to protest, but he waved her off, saying, "Just sit and relax for once."

She watched as he moved around the kitchen with surprising ease, their conversation drifting to lighter topics.

"Where did you learn to cook like this?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. Lucas smirked. "You'd be surprised. Even CEOs need to eat."

Their laughter filled the space, and for a moment, the tension melted away. Over lunch, Bella broached the topic that had been weighing on her mind.

"Do you think your parents really like me and Rachel?"

Lucas reached for her hand across the table. "They do, Bella. They're just trying to get to know you better. And as for Rachel, she already charmed them. Trust me, you don't need to worry."

After lunch, Lucas insisted Bella rest while he caught up on some work emails. She reluctantly agreed, lying down on the couch with a blanket.

As the afternoon wore on, Lucas's phone buzzed. It was a call from Renato. "I need to see you," Renato's voice was urgent. Lucas's expression darkened. "When and where?"

They arranged to meet the following day, but Lucas's guarded tone didn't escape Bella's notice. "Is everything okay?" she asked, sitting up.

"It's just work," he replied smoothly, offering her a reassuring smile. "Nothing you need to worry about."

When Rachel returned from school, her lively energy lit up the room. She immediately ran to Lucas, who greeted her warmly.

"Dinner smells great!" Rachel declared, sniffing the air. "You can thank your mom for that," Lucas said, giving Bella a wink.

The three of them sat down for dinner together, their conversation full of laughter and Rachel's animated stories. Bella watched Lucas interact with her daughter, a warmth blooming in her chest.

As they finished their meal, Bella grew quiet. Lucas noticed and asked gently, "What's on your mind?"

"I'm just worried about how Rachel will adjust to all the changes, you know she is happy for the marriage,but this baby..." she admitted.

Lucas reached across the table to place a comforting hand over hers. "She's a smart kid, Bella. And she loves you more than anything. We'll figure it out together, as a family."

His words eased her fears, and she nodded, offering him a small smile.

After dinner, Lucas helped clean up before getting ready to leave. Before stepping out, he paused at the door.

"Remember, if you need anything, I'm just a call away," he said. "I will," Bella replied, her voice soft.

As Lucas drove off, his mind was already on his upcoming meeting with Renato. Meanwhile, Bella sat by the window, reflecting on the day. Despite the uncertainties ahead, she felt a growing sense of security in Lucas's presence—a feeling she hadn't experienced in a long time.