Once, my paranoid love

I caught in the middle of the playful exchange, couldn’t contain her amusement, pressing my lips together to hide smile. Derek, on the other hand, decided to take Lucy’s words quite literally. He swiftly lifted me into his arms, surprising me with his actions.

“What are you doing, Derek?” I questioned, my voice a mix of surprise and amusement, while also glancing around and realizing that our sudden interaction had garnered attention from onlookers.

Derek, however, had his own rationale.

“Everyone is staring at us,” I noted.

“Didn’t Lucy say don’t walk too fast?” Derek said.

I attempting to clarify the situation couldn’t help but laugh at the playfulness and camaraderie between Derek and Lucy.

“She’s joking, Derek,” I explained, my laughter bubbling up as I enjoyed the light-hearted moment amidst their concerns.

“Please don’t laugh. A pregnant lady shouldn’t walk too much,” Derek warned me, his concern evident in his voice. I paused in my laughter and nodded in agreement. I knew I couldn’t win against him, and I was more than willing to let him take the lead in caring for me.

We got into the car, and Derek held my hand the entire time. Despite my best efforts to suppress my laughter, his earnest expression and unwavering care for me made it impossible.

When we reached home, Derek continued to display his dedication by carrying me up to our room. I couldn’t help but make a light-hearted comment, “Derek, this is merely the first stage,” alluding to the challenges and changes that awaited us in the coming months.

Derek, as always, was committed to our well-being. He responded with a reassuring promise, “So, what’s the point? I’ll take you everywhere from the beginning to the end.” His love for me shone through in his words.

Pom, who had witnessed our interaction, couldn’t help but smile at the sight of Derek’s unwavering care for me.

Derek gently seated me on the bed and made further arrangements. “Now, please wait for me, okay? I’m going to prepare a meal for you,” he said, his determination to cater to my needs clear.

Surprised by his actions, I couldn’t help but express my curiosity, “What? Don’t you need to go to the office?” I asked, concerned that he might be neglecting his work for my sake.

Derek, however, had everything well-planned and was eager to spend the day with me. He hushed my worries with a soft reassurance. “Shh. In my library, I arranged everything. I’m going to spend the day with my queen,” he said.

As Derek left the room, I couldn’t help but feel a mixture of relief and a tinge of guilt. If he kept staying with me, it might not be good for his office. As his wife, I had responsibilities to manage, too.

It was then that Pom appeared seemingly out of nowhere. “How are you doing now, ma’am? Is everything OK?” she inquired, her concern evident in her voice.

“Everything is fine, Pom,” I reassured her, appreciating her dedication to our well-being.

Pom, with a hint of hesitation, shared unexpected news with me. “Ma’am, Mrs. Anne phoned here today.”

I couldn’t hide my surprise. “What? Why?” I asked, puzzled by Anne’s sudden call.

In the midst of our conversation, Derek reentered the room, carrying a bowl. His arrival was met with my quizzical expression, as I had yet to discover the reason for Anne’s call.

Pom, sensing that her presence was no longer needed, decided to gracefully exit the room. “Enjoy your meal, ma’am. I’m stepping down,” she stated before making her exit.

As Pom left, I couldn’t help but ponder Anne’s intentions. What had prompted her to reach out today? I exchanged a look with Derek, with a kind smile, I took a spoonful of soup, ready to savor our meal and find out more about Anne’s surprising phone call.

Late at night, I glanced at the time, and it was nearly ten o’clock. I realized that Derek was still hard at work in his library. As a wife, I felt a growing sense of responsibility that I had yet to fully embrace. It was time to take an active role in our relationship, not only for myself.

With determination in my heart, I decided to leave the room and pay a visit to Derek in his library. I walked down the hallway and reached the door to his sanctuary. Without bothering to knock, I gently pushed the door open and stepped inside.

“Derek,” I called out as I entered, my voice filled with a mix of curiosity and affection.

Derek, who seemed surprised to see me, looked up from his work. His expression hinted that he hadn’t expected my visit. I couldn’t blame him; I hadn’t been as involved in his work as I could have been.

“What are you doing here, Elena?” he asked, his eyes reflecting his astonishment and curiosity. It was clear that he hadn’t anticipated my presence.

I met his gaze, a touch of playfulness in my response. “Can’t I come here?” I inquired, allowing a smile to cross my face. I had decided it was time to share more of his interests and responsibilities.

“Of course you can,” Derek replied, a warm smile gracing his features.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

I took a few steps closer, my eyes wandering around the library. It was an expansive space, quiet and filled with the scent of books. My fingers lightly brushed over the books on the shelves as I examined Derek’s vast collection.

Derek, noticing my appreciation for his library, engaged me in conversation. “Do you like my library?” he inquired, a hint of pride in his voice.

“Yeah, it’s quite huge and quiet,” I responded, still running my fingers along the spines of the books.

As I stood there, engrossed in the books, Derek suddenly called my name, “Elena.” I turned to find him smiling at me, his chin resting on his hand.

I approached him, and he extended his hand, inviting me to sit on his lap. I complied, though my nervousness was palpable. Sitting on his lap, I couldn’t hide the butterflies in my stomach.

Derek, noticing my unease, gently inquired, “What is this face?” He reached out to touch my face, his fingers warm against my skin.

“Derek, I haven’t been able to contact my father in a long time. I tried, but he didn’t respond,” I explained, my voice tinged with concern and frustration.

“So I’ll attempt to contact him. Don’t be worried. Didn’t Lucy say not to be worried?” He reminded me of the advice we had received from Lucy.

His words brought a smile to my face but there was another question on my mind, one that I had been contemplating for some time. “Derek.”

“Yes,” Derek said.

I began after a brief pause, “Are you sure you’re comfortable with this child?” The impending arrival of my child had been a significant transition for us, and I wanted to ensure that Derek was at ease with the changes it would bring.

After a thoughtful moment, Derek replied with a simple yet powerful, “yes.” His reassurance was comforting, but he didn’t stop at a single word. He repeated his affirmation, emphasizing his genuine desire. “I now want this. I want you to give birth.”

Derek’s hand gently caressed my belly, a tender gesture that conveyed his love and acceptance of my unborn child.

“This kid is innocent, Elena, and this baby is here with you,” he said, his voice filled with warmth and devotion.

I placed my hand on his, savoring the connection between us. With a touch of vulnerability, I asked, “Isn’t it difficult for you?”

Derek’s response was unwavering, and his words resonated deep within my heart. “As long as you stay with me, nothing is too difficult for me,” he declared, his love for me shining brightly in his eyes.

“Elena, I want a girl,” Derek abruptly stated, his voice carrying a heartfelt desire for our future. The simple declaration caught me off guard, and my face flushed with a mixture of emotions.

His words touched my heart deeply. Although the baby growing within me wasn’t his biologically, his love and attachment to our unborn child were evident.

In response to his statement, I pursed my lips and attempted a smile. Derek’s chin rested on my shoulder, and I couldn’t help but relish the warmth of his embrace. In that moment, I longed to melt away in his presence, to feel the safety and comfort he offered.

A sense of vulnerability washed over me, and without thinking, I tilted my head slightly and kissed him on the lips. It was a gentle, affectionate gesture, but that light kiss took on a life of its own, growing deeper and more passionate with each passing moment.

Our lips moved together steadily, consuming each other with an intensity that defied words. It was a sensation that I couldn’t fully articulate, a mingling of love, desire.

I couldn’t resist clutching his hair in my hands, wanting to feel every ounce of his presence. But Derek abruptly stopped our passionate kiss, gently pulling away.