Caroline’s POV
The next morning, I woke up to the sll of coffee and bacon. Draven was already up, making breakfast in my kitchen with Liam "helping" him. My heart swelled watching them together, Liam standing on his little step stool, carefully placing bread in the toaster while Draven watched with gentle patience.
"Good morning, my loves," I said, walking into the kitchen.
Liam’s face lit up. "Mommy! We’re making breakfast! I’m helping!"
"I can see that, sweetheart." I kissed the top of his head before turning to Draven, who pulled into a warm embrace.
"Morning, beautiful," he murmured against my lips before giving a soft kiss.
We ate breakfast together like a real family, with Liam chattering excitedly about daycare and his friends. After breakfast, Draven insisted on taking Liam to daycare and then dropping off at work.
"I want to make the most of every second with both of you," he explained, helping Liam put on his little backpack.
When we dropped Liam off at daycare, his teacher Ms. Jenkins smiled warmly at us.
"Good morning, Mr. Thorne! It’s nice to see you again," she said, before looking between Draven and Liam. "He really does have your eyes, you know. The resemblance is striking."
Draven didn’t correct them. Instead, he smiled proudly and said thanks.
On our way to Puma Global, Draven was quiet, looking worried. I thought he was thinking about our talk about Howard and the investigation. Just before we reached my office, he finally spoke.
"Caroline," he began carefully, "why did your parents say you don’t know who Liam’s father is?" His hands tightened slightly on the steering wheel.
"I know I should wait until you’re ready to talk about this, and I’ll respect it if you’re not comfortable telling . But it’s been bothering . When I found out about Liam, I asked Clara if she knew who his father was, but she said only you could tell because it’s very personal."
Rory stirred anxiously inside as I felt my chest tighten.
"Draven, we’re almost at Puma Global, and it’s kind of a long story," I sighed. "Can we talk about this later? I know I need to tell you. And you’ll probably look at differently after you know."
"I would never judge you, Caroline." His voice was soft but firm. "I’m going to give Liam my na. He’s already my son as far as I’m concerned. But I am curious."
I took a deep breath, feeling Rory’s nervousness matching my own.
"Well, I t Liam’s father and spent one night with him. Then he left, and I found out I was pregnant. That’s the short version," I said, feeling sowhat embarrassed.
"He doesn’t know he has a son?" Draven’s eyes flashed with sothing—anger? Protectiveness?
"No. I have no way of finding him, so that’s that." I looked out the window, avoiding his intense gaze. "If I could find him, I wouldn’t keep Liam from him, but he just disappeared."
"It’s okay, Caroline. I understand." Draven reached over and took my hand, bringing it to his lips. "You don’t need to explain anything else. Liam has now."
When he stopped in front of Puma Global, he got out of the car to open my door. As I stepped out, he pulled by the waist and gave a kiss that made Rory purr with satisfaction.
"So," he murmured against my lips, "when are you coming back to Thorne Enterprises?"
I rolled my eyes. He wasn’t going to give up, and I still wasn’t sure what I wanted to do.
"Let’s do this—give until Friday to make a decision.But promise that whatever I decide, you’ll respect it."
"I can’t promise anything," he said with that infuriating half-smile, "but I can wait until Friday."
His expression softened. "Have a wonderful day, sweetheart. I’m going to miss you like crazy."
" too." I smiled and kissed him again before entering the building.
I had barely settled at my desk when I received a beautiful arrangent of tulips.
Nina, the new girl who sat in the cubicle next to mine, poked her round face over the divider, her eyes wide with admiration.
"Wow! Those are gorgeous, Caroline! Your boyfriend is absolutely crazy about you," she sighed dreamily. "I wonder if I’ll ever find soone who looks at the way Alpha Draven looks at you?"
"Oh, Nina, of course you will," I assured her with a smile. "You’re still so young. You need to enjoy life first."
"Nina, if you want, I can introduce you to so really high-class guys," Ruby said, appearing from the cubicle on my other side.
"As if a high-class wolf would ever look at ," Nina replied, her eyes widening with disbelief.
"Why not? You’re beautiful, Nina," I said sincerely, admiring her warm brown eyes and sweet smile.
"Why don’t you co to the mall with us today? We can give you a makeover. Ava is great at that," Ruby suggested enthusiastically.
"But won’t your friends mind if I just show up?" Nina asked hesitantly.
"Of course not! Nina. And they’ll love using you as their dress-up doll," I laughed.
"Oh, well then I think I’ll go," Nina perked up, a smile spreading across her face.
"Great, it’s settled," Ruby clapped her hands. "Now, let’s get so coffee, girls."
On the way to the break room, I sent a quick text to Draven.
[I love the tulips you send every week. And I love you!]
Draven responded almost instantly.
[You’ll be getting tulips every week for the rest of our lives. I love you so much, my sweet mate.]
I smiled at his ssage, feeling warmth spread through my chest.The man had beco so important to so quickly. I couldn’t imagine my life without him anymore, and honestly, I didn’t want to. It amazed how our bond had grown so strong so fast. Even with his past and that mysterious woman, Rory assured our connection was real and powerful.
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