After leaving the hospital, the ride home was mostly quiet. Rachel, still curious but sensing the serious atmosphere, sat beside Bella, occasionally glancing up at Lucas, who was focused on the road. Bella leaned against the window, exhaustion weighing down her limbs but she also felt safe.
Lucas had taken charge without hesitation, handling everything as if it was his responsibility. Rachel, now satisfied that her mother was okay, dozed off in the backseat.
Lucas reached over, his hand gently resting on Bella's thigh. "Next time, don't wait. If anything feels wrong, you call me immediately."
Bella glanced at him, her heart warming at the sincerity in his voice. "I did call you immediately."
He gave her a pointed look. "You hesitated." She smiled softly. "Noted, boss."
Lucas shook his head but let the small smirk tug at his lips. "Good."
As they reached home, Bella felt lighter, knowing she wasn't alone in this. No matter what happened, Lucas was there. And that was enough. She woke up rachel as the child slept without having dinner.
As they stepped into the apartment, Lucas immediately guided Bella to the couch. "Sit down. Don't move," he said firmly, his gaze flickering with concern.
"I can still walk, Lucas," Bella tried to argue, but the exhaustion in her voice betrayed her.
Lucas ignored her protest and carefully helped her settle on the couch. Rachel plopped down beside her, swinging her legs. "Is Mommy okay now?" she asked, her small voice filled with worry.
Lucas crouched to her level, ruffling her hair lightly. "She just needs rest, princess. That's why we have to take extra care of her, okay?"
Rachel nodded eagerly. "I can do that!" Bella chuckled softly, watching the interaction. Before she could say anything, Lucas stood up. "I'll cook dinner. You stay here."
Her eyes widened slightly. "You will cook? No you stay here with rachel, I will cook." He shot her a look. "What do you think I will let you cook when I'm here?"
Rachel gasped dramatically. "Mr. Handsome can cook, mumma. He also makes tasty food."
Lucas smirked. "Thank you for your compliment, princess. Just wait and see."
While he was in the kitchen, Bella tried to get up, but Rachel quickly jumped in front of her. "No! You have to rest! That's what Mr. Handsome said."
Bella sighed, defeated. "You're siding with him?" Rachel grinned. "He's smart." Bella shook her head but stayed put. She hadn't even realized how tired she was until now.
Lucas returned half an hour later with three plates of pasta. He placed one in front of Bella, another in front of Rachel, and took the last one for himself.
Rachel took a big bite and gasped. "This is so good! Mommy, you should marry him fast so he can cook for us forever!" Bella almost choked on her food. "Rachel!"
Lucas chuckled, but Bella avoided his gaze, focusing on her plate instead. After dinner, he made sure Bella took her medicine, filling a glass of water and handing it to her.
"Finish it," he ordered. "I'm not a child, Lucas."
"Then don't act like one," he shot back.
Rachel giggled, watching them. "Mommy, listen to him!"
With a sigh, Bella drank the water, placing the empty glass on the table. Lucas checked his watch. "I should go now."
Rachel frowned. "Already? Mr. Handsome let's play something."
Bella met his gaze, seeing the hesitation there. "Baby, your Mr. Handsome is tired right. Let him go and rest. You've done enough, Lucas. Thank you."
His eyes softened, but he simply nodded. "Sleep soon. Call me if you need anything. Good night."
With one last glance at them, he left, and Bella let out a quiet breath, feeling a warmth in her chest she didn't want to name yet.