She doesn't think I belong

Lucas arrived at Bella's apartment early in the morning, the sunlight streaming through the curtains. He knocked softly before letting himself in, knowing she hadn't been feeling her best the day before. The apartment was quiet, and he found Bella curled up on the couch, her face pale and tired.

"Good morning," he greeted gently, his calm voice drawing her attention.

Bella sat up slowly, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Morning. What are you doing here so early?"

Lucas set down a small bag of groceries on the kitchen counter. "I wanted to check on you. You didn't look too well yesterday, and I wanted to make sure you're okay. Are you having morning sickness?"

Bella smiled faintly, touched by his concern. "Hmm...Rachel's already gone to school. I'm fine, really."

"Fine doesn't look like this," Lucas replied, his tone soft but firm as he gestured to her. Without another word, he moved to the kitchen, pulling out some ingredients from the bag.

Bella watched him with quiet amusement as he prepared a simple breakfast. She tried to protest when he handed her a plate, but Lucas raised an eyebrow. "You're eating this. No arguments."

She managed a few bites before her nausea kicked in. Setting the plate down, she sighed. "I really appreciate this, Lucas, but you don't have to fuss over me."

He leaned against the counter, arms crossed. "I'm not fussing. I'm just making sure you're taking care of yourself."

Not long after breakfast, Lucas received a call. His expression shifted briefly to something unreadable, and Bella could tell it was important.

"I'll be back soon," he told her, slipping his phone into his pocket. "Get some rest in the meantime."

Bella nodded, watching him leave. The apartment felt quiet without him, but she didn't mind the chance to rest.

True to his word, Lucas returned at lunchtime, carrying takeout bags that filled the apartment with a delicious aroma. Bella looked up from the couch, surprised.

"You're back already?" she asked. "Of course. I promised, didn't I?" he replied with a small smile.

As they sat down to eat, Bella couldn't help but ask, "How do you manage to take time off like this? Don't you have a company to run?"

Lucas smirked, a hint of playful arrogance in his tone. "I'm the boss. I can take a leave whenever I want." Bella rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress her smile. "Must be nice."

They shared a lighthearted conversation over lunch, with Lucas making sure she ate enough despite her protests.

After lunch, Lucas suggested they go pick up Rachel from school together. Bella hesitated, worried about her lingering fatigue, but Lucas insisted.

"Some fresh air will do you good," he said. "And I'm driving, so you don't have to do anything."

Reluctantly, Bella agreed. When they arrived at Rachel's school, the little girl's face lit up at the sight of Lucas. "Mr. Handsome!" she exclaimed, running toward him.

Lucas crouched down to greet her with a warm smile. "Hey, munchkin. How was school today?"

Rachel launched into an animated story about her day, and Bella watched the interaction with a sense of quiet admiration. Lucas had a way of making Rachel feel special, and it was clear her daughter adored him.

"Looks like my little princess forget about me," Bella faked a cry earning a giggle from her daughter. Rachel wrapped her hands around her mother's legs causing her mother to ruffle her hair. "Shall we head back now, my ladies," Lucas said and playfully opened his car door.

Back at the apartment, the three of them played together with Rachel's dollhouse and then worked together to prepare dinner. Bella now don't mind him cooking in her kitchen. Moreover he can cook so well.

Rachel insisted on helping, though her 'help' mostly involved sneaking bites of vegetables when she thought no one was looking.

During the meal, the conversation flowed easily. Rachel talked about her school incidents, and Lucas chimed in with teasing remarks that made her giggle. Bella found herself smiling more than she had in days.

However, as they cleaned up after dinner, Bella hesitated before bringing up something that had been on her mind. "Lucas," she began carefully, "I wanted to ask... about your aunt."

Lucas's expression remained calm, though his eyes flickered with understanding. "What about her?"

Bella glanced at Rachel, who was busy stacking plates. Lowering her voice, she said, "She seemed... skeptical of me. It's like she doesn't think I belong."

Lucas set down the dish he was drying and turned to face her. "Bella, don't let her words get to you. She's complicated, but her opinion doesn't define you. I'll make sure she understands that."

Bella nodded, though the conversation still lingered in her mind. As they were finishing up, Lucas received a call. The name on his screen made his jaw tighten ever so slightly. He excused himself to answer the call.

Bella watched as his demeanor shifted, his voice low and controlled as he spoke. When he returned, his expression was unreadable. "Everything okay?" she asked.

Lucas nodded. "Yeah....just some company matters." Though she was curious, Bella didn't press for details.

As he prepared to leave, Rachel ran up to him and hugged his leg. "Are you coming back tomorrow?" she asked. Lucas ruffled her hair. "We'll see, munchkin." "Be careful," Bella said softly.

After he left, Bella tucked Rachel into bed, her mind swirling with thoughts. Lucas's presence in their lives was becoming more significant each day, and though she wasn't sure what the future held, she couldn't deny the growing sense of comfort she felt with him by her side.