Loving The Hot-Tempered Billionaire

Chapter 12

I've been staring at my phone, unsure whether to call the stranger or not.

Thankfully, Cassian let me work.

I finally decided to call, the stranger. The other line picked up after a long wait.

"You called?" a deep voice asked.

"Yes, I wanted to meet you. I have something to tell you."

Looking at the clock, I realized it was already 11:30, time for lunch.

I heard the intercom just as I accidentally hung up. Then I heard Cassian's voice.

"In my office," he said.

From my swivel chair, I stood up and headed to Cassian's office. We'd made a habit of eating lunch together in his office.

I knocked before entering. "Come in."

I opened the door and smiled. Cassian seemed different lately. Before, he was so aloof, but now he seemed kind.

I found Cassian on the phone, engrossed in a conversation.

"You're on the phone," I remarked.

"It's the woman who caught my eye last month. She wants to meet, and I'm excited to see her."

My brow furrowed. That was exactly what I'd planned to do with the stranger who was the father of my unborn child.

"Really?" I replied with a smile, but I couldn't ignore the twinge of something when I heard him say he was going to meet this woman. I quickly chastised myself for the absurdity of my thoughts.

"Yeah, I've been trying to get in touch with her for a while, and now she's calling to meet up."

For the first time, I saw a glimmer in Cassian's eyes. It seemed the hot-tempered billionaire had fallen for someone.

Cassian seemed completely different now, his whole demeanor shifted when we talked about the woman he'd mentioned.

"I'm so happy for you," I said with a smile.

I went to the glass center table where our food was waiting. My plate was mostly vegetables and fruit.

"Thanks for this," I said.

"The doctor told me you need more fruits and vegetables," he explained.

I noticed he placed his phone on his desk and stood up from his chair.

"Your call ended?" I asked, curious.

"Yeah, it suddenly cut off. Let's eat," he said.

I nodded shyly and sat on the couch. He joined me. We chatted about business and his upcoming schedules and meetings while we ate.

But I couldn't help noticing Cassian glancing at his phone, like he was waiting for an important call.

"Waiting for her call again?" I asked with a smile, unable to hold back any longer.

"Yes," he admitted.

"Why don't you call her?" I asked.

"Later. I want her to call first."

"Hmm, can I meet her if it's okay with you?"

"Sure, I'll introduce you," he said.

"Is she single?"

I noticed Cassian hesitated for a moment. "Like me, she's married."

"W-What?!" I exclaimed in disbelief.

"Yes, she is."

"Wait, don't tell me you're interested in someone like that?"

"Relax, it's like ours, a contract marriage situation for her too."

I was completely shocked by what Cassian said. "Why is this whole set-up a thing? Do you really think people in these kinds of arrangements can actually fall in love?"

"Well, as far as I know, it's possible," he said.

It felt unlikely for us, given the sparkle in his eyes when he talked about the woman who'd caught his attention last month.

After we finished eating, I volunteered to wash the dishes, and Cassian went back to his desk.

Once I was done, I said goodbye to Cassian and headed back to my office. But before I could leave, he called me back.

"Don't forget to take your vitamins. And if you have any cravings, don't hesitate to tell me."

"Thanks," I replied. Then I finally left his office.

I walked to my desk and was surprised to see Stella sitting on my couch, engrossed in her phone.

"Stella?!" I exclaimed in disbelief.

"Gosh, Eli!" Stella shrieked, jumping up from the couch and hugging me.

"Don't squeeze too hard," I warned quickly. She stared at my face with a questioning look.

"Why?" Stella asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I'm... pregnant, Stella."

"What?!" she exclaimed, clearly in disbelief. "B-But... how did you get pregnant?" she asked with a furrowed brow. But then she recovered, seeming to remember what I'd told her months ago.

"Oh, gosh! D-Don't tell me..."

"Yes, Stella. My craziness last month had consequences."

"What now? Did you tell Cassian about this?

"Thank God he knows."

"Really? What was his reaction?"

"It was simple. He said he'd take the child. I didn't expect his response to be so straightforward," I told Stella.

"It's been ages since we've seen each other, Eli. I never thought I'd find you here."

"I'm glad I got in touch with your Mom," Stella replied, referring to my mom. I gestured towards the couch, inviting her to sit.

"What do you want to drink or eat?" I asked with a smile.

"Don't bother, I'm full. But seriously, was it really that easy for Cassian to accept your situation?"

"Yes, because he said we were going to separate anyway after two years."

"Really?"

"Yes."

Stella's reaction mirrored mine. "Does your Mom know about your situation?"

"Not yet. Mom's sick, and I don't want to worry about her more."

"But you can't hide this from her forever, Eli. It's better to tell her sooner rather than later."

"But how do I start, Stella?"

"It's simple, just tell her the truth. Bring your husband, Cassian, with you. You can tell your Mom that everything is okay between you and Cassian regarding your situation, that he accepts your baby."

"I'll talk to Cassian later when we get home," I replied.

"You have no idea how happy I am to see you again. Have you contacted the man who got you pregnant? Is he single, or is he married too, like you?"

I didn't know how to tell Stella the truth. What would her reaction be if I told her that the man who got me pregnant was also married? Would she reject me, for the foolish thing I did in my life?