Chapter 74: Chapter 74

Hello Christian?"

"I called to see how you're doing. How did it go with your mom?"

Rella leaned against the balcony her right hand wrapped around her midriff while the other held the phone against her ear.

"The usual nothing's changed."

"Has Cindy called again?"

"No." Rella sighed. "I don't know what to do Christian, Stefan is going to be devasted when he finds out."

"I can't promise you that everything's going to be okay or that I know what Stefan's reaction is going to be like but this I can tell you that the truth is what's important and if Stefan loves you I'm sure he'd understand."

Christian's right, Rella thought long after the call was over. If she hopes to have a future with Stefan she's better off coming clean and she needed to make a decision soon.

Jake did not imagine when he woke up that morning that his day was going to end with him watching his wife and not approach her or say a word. After keeping his promise to stay away and give her some space Jake was ready to get the love of his life back.

He smiled. She looked so beautiful, their was this radiant glow about her he couldn't quite put his finger on.

Van was sitting on a swing staring at the the children playing around her just a few feet away and if he wanted to he could simply get out of his car strode to her but he didn't for now he was contented with simply watching her. She was rubbing her belly absentmindedly and Jake wondered what that was about. She was soon joined by a guy Jake had never seen before and his annoyance kicked up a notch. He hated how much how much at ease she looked with this guy, he hated how easily she gave him one of her most radiant smiles while with him it had been more tears.

Fate was giving him a second chance to right all his past wrongs and Jake promise not to blow it this time.

Jake wondered about their relationship as they both got in the same car.

"Shall we?"

Van glanced up to see Ash. When did he get here? She'd been too caught up in her reverie that she hadn't heard him approaching.

"Sure." She took the hand he offered and he helped her out of the swing. She was just sad they were leaving already Van wanted to watch the children a while longer.

"You okay?"

She nodded in spite of herself. "I'm fine let's go."

They hadn't talked about the engagement her grandfather had wanted between her and Ash moreso now that she knows he has feelings for her. Van had made sure to make it clear that she was not interested in him like that much less marrying him. Thankfully, Ash had been gracious enough to not pressure her and respects her decisions , she wasn't the right woman for him she prayed that someday he'd meet a woman that was meant for him.

"Are you nervous about Friday?"

Van glanced sideways at him from where they sat at the backseat of the SUV while the chauffeur drove through the street.

"Can't say I'm not I mean grandfather's going to introduce me to the whole company as his granddaughter. I'm going to go up and stand on a podium to be displayed like a prized mare."

Ash chuckled. "Come on now It's not going to be that bad. Those in attendance will be people grandfather absolutely trusts."

" I didn't ask for this."

Van had yet to even pick out a dress for the party this Friday she didn't know whether she was simply procrastinating or just being spiteful to get grandfather.

" You don't have to worry about being alone I'll be right beside you the entire time. "

Van smiled at his offer in spite of herself.