I smiled, happy for her. Ben had been good for Dahlia, and it was obvious how much they cared for each other. “That sounds fun. Let’s have dinner together tonight and you can tell
me all about it.”
“Deal,” she said, grinning as she headed toward her room. “Have fun with Bastian!”
I finished getting ready, feeling a strange mixture of excitement and apprehension. I wasn’t sure what to expect from today, but I hoped it would be as pleasant as Bastian had promised.
When he arrived to pick me up, I couldn’t help but feel more at ease. There was something about being around him that made the world feel a little less heavy. As soon as I got into his car, the conversation flowed easily between us. Bastian always had a way of making me laugh, and today was no different.
“You look beautiful today,” he said, glancing over at me as he navigated the streets. “I made sure to prepare your favorite meal, so you and the twins can have a good time.”
I blushed, warmth spreading through me at his thoughtfulness. “You really didn’t have to do
that.”
He grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Of course I did. I want you to feel comfortable. It’s important.”
There was something deeper in his words, something that made my heart skip a beat. I was beginning to see just how much he cared, not just for me, but for my children too. It was a gesture that spoke volumes, one I wasn’t sure I deserved but appreciated all the same.
When we pulled up to his place, a sprawling estate on the outskirts of town, I couldn’t help but admire how beautiful it was. Bastian led me inside, where I was greeted by a warm, cozy atmosphere that instantly put me at ease. He guided me to the living room, where a tall woman with striking features sat elegantly on the couch.
“Kaida,” Bastian said, a smile on his face as he gestured to the woman. “This is my mother,
Helena.”
Ah, so this was the person who wanted to meet me. His mother. I couldn’t help but feel a surge of anxiety. Meeting someone’s mother always came with its own set of pressures, especially when that someone was Bastian.
“It’s lovely to meet you,” I said politely, extending my hand.
Helena smiled, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. She took my hand briefly before letting go. “The pleasure is mine, dear. I’ve heard so much about you.”
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Her voice was smooth, too smooth. There was something about the way she looked at me, sizing me up, that made me feel uneasy. Still, I pushed those thoughts aside, determined to make a good impression.
“Your home is beautiful,” I said, trying to make small talk.
“Thank you,” Helena replied, her smile still in place, though her gaze remained sharp. “It’s been in the family for generations.”
Bastian excused himself to go get something from the kitchen, leaving me alone with his mother. As soon as he was out of earshot, the atmosphere in the room shifted. Helena’s smile faded slightly, her eyes narrowing as she regarded me with thinly veiled disdain.
“You seem like a sweet girl,” she began, her tone dropping to something colder. “But let’s not beat around the bush. My son has always had a soft heart, especially when it comes to carrying burdens that aren’t his own.”
Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. I stared at her, stunned. “Excuse me?”
She leaned forward slightly, her eyes gleaming with something sharp and cruel. “You’re pregnant, aren’t you? With another man’s children.”
The venom in her voice was undeniable now, and I could feel my chest tighten. She knew, and
she was making it very clear that she didn’t approve.
“I don’t know what Bastian has told you,” she continued, her voice dropping to a whisper. “But my son deserves better than to be saddled with another man’s mistakes.”
Her words cut deep, and for a moment, I couldn’t breathe. I wanted to say something, to defend myself, but the shock of her hostility rendered me speechless.
Before I could respond, Bastian returned with a tray of food, his usual easy smile in place. He had no idea what had just transpired, and I wasn’t sure if I should say anything. I didn’t want to cause a scene, but I couldn’t ignore the bitterness lingering in the air between his mother and me.
As we sat down to eat, I tried to push Helena’s words out of my mind, but they clung to me like a shadow. Bastian was attentive, making sure I was comfortable, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that his mother’s disapproval would be a problem. I had walked into another difficult situation, and I wasn’t sure how to navigate it.
Later, as we were leaving, Helena offered a parting smile, but I could see the warning in her eyes. She wasn’t going to make this easy. And now I knew-I was going to have to prove myself, not just to Bastian, but to his mother as well. This was going to be tougher than I thought.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
