As a family

Mark let out an amused sigh before turning serious. "Anyway, I know that's not the only reason you pulled me aside. It's about Renato, isn't it?"

Lucas nodded and explained him the situation, Renato's affair and the attack on him. "The Russian don isn't backing off. He's still trying to get to him, and it's only a matter of time before he does something reckless. We can't let our guard down."

Mark's expression darkened. "So what's the plan?" Lucas exhaled. "For now, we stay cautious. I need to come up with a way to deal with the don without getting Renato killed in the process. Until then, we prepare for the worst."

Mark nodded. "Understood. I'll keep an eye on things." Lucas gave him a firm nod. Their talks continued for a while before they head back toward Bella. As he walked out, he found her pretending to be occupied with setting dinner table but sneaking curious glances toward him.

When their eyes met, Bella quickly looked away, her cheeks slightly pink. Lucas smirked. She definitely noticed him being jealous.

Without missing a beat, he walked up to her and leaned in, his voice a low murmur only for her. "You were blushing, weren't you?"

Bella's eyes widened slightly before she turned away. "I don't know what you're talking about." Lucas chuckled. "Oh, I think you do."

And as Bella continued pretending to focus on Rachel's excited chatter, Lucas couldn't help but feel satisfied. She was his. And now, she was starting to realize it too.

Mark prepared to leave seeing the exchange between the couple. Bella smiled warmly at him. "Mark, why don't you stay for dinner? It's nothing fancy, just a simple meal, but you're always welcome."

Lucas cleared his throat, giving Mark a pointed look. His expression was neutral, but the slight narrowing of his eyes spoke volumes.

Mark chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Thanks, Bella, but I should get going." He shot a quick glance at Lucas, who was standing beside her, arms crossed, his expression unreadable—but the sharp look in his eyes was enough of a warning.

This exchange didn't go unnoticed by Bella making her frown slightly. "Are you sure? I have made plenty of food—"

"Positive." Mark laughed, already stepping toward the door. "I'll see you both soon. Take care. You too, Rachel."

Rachel waved enthusiastically. "Bye, Uncle Mark!"

As the door shut behind him, Bella turned to Lucas with a questioning look. "You glared at him, didn't you?"

Lucas smirked. " I didn't say a word. He got the message though."

Bella huffed but didn't push the matter further. Instead, she turned toward the dining table, where Rachel was already seated, swinging her legs under the chair. "Well, now we'll just have to enjoy dinner as a family."

Lucas's smirk softened at that. As a family. He liked the sound of that. "Mommy, I'm hungry!" she whined.

"Alright, alright." Bella chuckled, serving her a plate of steak and mashed potatoes. Lucas took a seat beside them, helping Rachel cut her food into smaller pieces before focusing on his own meal.

Dinner was a simple but delicious meal—steak with mashed potatoes and sautéed vegetables. Bella had made sure to cook the steak well-done for herself, knowing that undercooked meat wasn't safe during pregnancy.

Lucas, as always, was watchful. He made sure she ate enough, subtly shifting the plate closer when she slowed down. At one point, she reached for the water, but he beat her to it, handing the glass over without a word.

Bella raised an eyebrow but took it anyway. "Are you planning to feed me too?" she teased.

Lucas leaned in slightly, voice low and playful. "If I have to." Her cheeks warmed, and she quickly focused on her food.

"Dada, will you feed me?" Rachel asked sweetly, batting her lashes at Lucas.

Lucas chuckled. "You're getting spoiled, little one."

Rachel grinned. "You spoil me."

Bella shook her head with a smile. "That she does have a point about."

"You should eat more," Lucas murmured, nudging Bella's plate closer to her when she slowed down. She sighed. "I already ate enough."

"You didn't finish."

"Lucas, I—"

"No arguments." His voice was firm but gentle, his gaze filled with quiet concern. Bella huffed but took another bite, earning a satisfied smirk from him.

After dinner, Lucas handed Bella her prenatal vitamins, watching as she took them with a glass of water. It had become an unspoken habit—him making sure she didn't forget, and her not even protesting anymore.

Once everything was cleaned up, they prepared for bed.

"Mommy, I wanna sleep with you and Dada tonight," she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.

Bella glanced at Lucas, who simply lifted a brow. "Well," he said, folding his arms, "looks like we don't have a choice." Bella chuckled. "Alright, come on then."

As they settled into bed, Rachel snuggled between them, her tiny hands clutching Bella's nightgown. Bella picked up one of Rachel's favorite bedtime storybooks and began reading aloud. Her voice was soft, soothing, filling the room with a warm sense of comfort.

As she read, she occasionally glanced at Lucas, who looked completely relaxed, his arm draped casually around the pillow. He didn't complain about Rachel taking over most of the space, nor did he seem annoyed when she curled up closer to him.

By the time Bella finished the story, she realized both Rachel and Lucas had fallen asleep.

Rachel's tiny hands were gripping Lucas's shirt, and Lucas had one arm resting protectively near her. The sight made Bella's heart swell.

Carefully placing the book aside, she turned off the bedside lamp, a warm feeling spreading in her chest as she whispered, "Goodnight."

Bella smiled to herself. Chuckling softly, she reached out and brushed a strand of hair from Rachel's forehead before shifting under the blankets. With one last glance at her little family, she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.