Chapter 210

"I'll talk to them and set up a time for everyone to meet," Adrian said.

Carly nodded. "Good. Let me know when it's arranged."

"Sure," Adrian replied, guiding Isabella and Damian into the car. From a distance, Carly watched, admiring Adrian's grace. But a shadow of doubt lingered; she wouldn't hesitate to confront him if he ever betrayed Isabella.

"You should go now. Drive carefully," Carly cautioned, "and no running red lights."

"Got it," Adrian chuckled. "No red lights."

Damian, nestled beside Isabella, whined, "Mommy, Daddy's cooking is awful!" He felt comfortable confiding in Isabella, a comfort she hadn't quite deciphered yet.

Adrian, tense behind the wheel, stammered, "I'm working on it! It's much better now, I promise." Isabella's look made him sweat. "It'll be tasty, I swear!"

Isabella turned to Damian. "Were you scared today?"

Damian nodded, then shook his head. "I missed you, but then Daddy came home and we played games." Isabella squeezed his hand.

Carly's own family now demanded her attention, leaving Isabella feeling adrift. Then Damian came, her anchor. With him, anywhere felt like home. Adrian's arrival had been unexpected. Initially, Isabella feared for Damian, but Adrian’s genuine desire to marry her and build a family eased her fears. It was a life she'd once considered impossible, especially given Damian’s unknown father. His birth had been unplanned.

After six months, Isabella realized she didn't love Adrian, but neither did she dislike him. She was guarded, but if he helped raise Damian, it was worth considering. This led her to agree to the meeting with his parents.

Yet, the thought of a lifetime with Adrian unsettled her. "I don't love you," she stated flatly. "But if you're faithful, focused on our family, I'll marry you. Let's raise Damian together."

Adrian nodded in the rearview mirror. "Don't worry. Besides my mom and Stacey, there are no other women."

Isabella's face hardened. "Don't lie to me. I hate being deceived. Remember, I'm not someone you can dismiss easily. If you hurt me..." Her voice was steely.

Adrian, despite her anger, found her puffed-cheeked expression endearing. He smiled. "If I deceive you…" he began, then faltered. He hadn't told her about his family background. Isabella's gaze chilled him. "If I deceive you, I'll take care of you for life," he blurted.

Isabella's suspicion flared. "How many women have you been with? Are you seeing someone else?" Frustration welled. "Forget it. We're not getting married. I can raise Damian alone. Stop the car."

Adrian's mind raced. "I swear, I'm not seeing anyone! May lightning strike me if I'm unfaithful!"