You like everything mommy makes

The morning sunlight streamed into Bella's apartment, casting a warm glow on the cozy space. She stretched slightly, rubbing her temples as she sat on the couch, recalling how much had changed in such a short time. She was getting married. It still felt surreal.

She had already dropped Rachel for school, her cheerful voice still ringing in Bella's ears as she skipped out the door. Just as Bella settled in with a magazine and a cup of coffee, a knock on the door made her pause.

She opened it to find Lucas standing there, dressed sharply yet casually, as if he had all the time in the world.

"You're up early," she said, raising an eyebrow.

He smirked, stepping inside as if he belonged there. "I missed my fiancée and thought I'd drop by. But it seems I missed Rachel."

Bella shook her head with a small laugh. "You just missed her. She'd have been thrilled."

Lucas's gaze softened. He had grown fond of Rachel, and the little girl had accepted him so easily. "Guess I'll just have to wait till she gets back."

Bella went to the kitchen, making him a cup of coffee while he took a seat on the couch. She placed the cup in front of him before sitting across from him.

"So, what's the plan for today?" she asked, sipping her coffee.

Lucas leaned back comfortably. "Finalizing wedding plans, talking to the event planner. I figured you might need my help."

She gave him a skeptical look. "I don't need help choosing floral decorations, Lucas."

He smirked. "I meant with everything else. Making sure the wedding goes smoothly. Besides, isn't it fun to plan it together?" Bella smiled softly, appreciating his involvement.

They continued chatting lightly until Lucas's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, his relaxed expression hardening slightly. "I have to take this," he said, standing up.

Bella nodded as he stepped outside. She didn't pry, though she could tell it was something important.

After about half an hour, Lucas returned. "Everything alright?" she asked.

"Just work," he said, brushing it off. "But I'm free now. How about we go pick up Rachel together later?"

Bella arched a brow. "Taking time off, Mr. CEO?"

He smirked. "I am the boss, Bella. I do what I want."

She rolled her eyes. "That doesn't mean you should be skipping work."

Lucas leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a teasing tone. "Are you worried about my company, sweetheart?"

Bella's cheeks warmed, but she quickly covered it up with a scoff. "Hardly. Just being practical." He chuckled at her reply.

At noon, they drove to Rachel's school. Bella had expected Lucas to wait in the car, but he insisted on coming along. As soon as Rachel spotted them, her face lit up, and she ran straight to Lucas.

"Mr. Handsome!" she cheered, jumping into his arms.

Lucas laughed, catching her effortlessly. "Did you have a good day at school?" He still found it amusing how this little girl trust him so much that she jumps straight into his arms. She believes that he would definitely catch her.

Rachel nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! We learned about space today! Did you know there are so many stars?"

Lucas nodded seriously. "That's right. And did you know each star is different, just like people?"

Rachel's eyes widened. "Really?" Bella shook her head in amusement, watching their interaction. "Alright, space nerds, let's go home." Rachel giggled as Lucas carried her to the car.

Back home, Bella served lunch while Rachel excitedly talked about her day. Lucas, despite his powerful presence in the business world, sat there listening to Rachel with the patience of someone who genuinely cared.

"Mr. Handsome, do you like spaghetti?" Rachel asked as she twirled her fork.

Lucas nodded. "I do. But only if your mom made it."

Bella shot him a look, and he just grinned.

Rachel giggled. "You like everything Mommy makes!"

Bella rolled her eyes. "Okay, enough chatter. Eat your food."

After lunch, Rachel ran off to her room, leaving Bella and Lucas alone at the table.

Bella sighed, tapping her fingers on the table. "I talked to my supervisor today."

Lucas's expression darkened slightly. "What did he say?"

She hesitated before speaking. "He wasn't happy about my resignation. He kept pushing me to stay, trying to make me feel guilty."

Lucas's jaw tightened. "What's his name?"

"Lucas," she warned, knowing that tone. She heard this same voice a few times when he talked over his phone calls.

He exhaled sharply, trying to rein in his frustration. "Fine. But Bella, if this man didn't stop this, I will make sure he will regret his entire existence."

She looked down at her plate. "There is no need for that. I've already blocked him."

Lucas reached across the table, gently tilting her chin up to meet his gaze. "You did the right thing and I'm grateful that you have finally started sharing things with me. Keeping things to yourself can stress you out and that is not good. So from now on tell me everything that troubles you. Alright?"

His words soothed her more than she expected. "Thank you," she said softly.

Lucas smirked. "Though, you know, I like the idea that you finally started to trust me, to depend on me."

Bella rolled her eyes. "And there it is."

He chuckled. "Just saying. I already gave a suggestion to you about you being my spoiled little queen. Think about that when you are free."

She threw a napkin at him. "I'll pass."

As the evening rolled in, Rachel dragged Lucas to play with her. Bella watched as Lucas let Rachel climb onto his back, pretending to be a horse.

Rachel giggled loudly. "Faster, Mr. Handsome!"

Lucas groaned dramatically. "I'm not a racehorse, princess!"

Bella couldn't help but laugh at the sight. Who would have thought the intimidating CEO would be crawling around the floor, giving a piggyback ride to a five-year-old?

After dinner, Bella and Lucas sat on the couch, Rachel nestled between them, watching a cartoon.

Rachel yawned, her eyes drooping. "Mommy, Mr. Handsome, can you both always pick me up from school?"

Bella blinked, caught off guard by the innocent question. Lucas ruffled Rachel's hair. "We'll see, princess."

Rachel smiled sleepily. "Okay." Bella's heart warmed at the scene. It almost felt… like a real family.

Lucas caught her gaze, and for a moment, everything else faded. "You okay?" he asked softly.

Bella nodded. "Yeah. Just… happy." Lucas's gaze softened, and he reached for her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"You'll always have this, Bella," he promised. And just like before, she believed him.