The Billionaire's Forced Bride

Breakfasti in Bed

Chapter 19

Damian's POV

Breakfast in Bed

The tray for no reason felt heavier in my hands than it should have been in the first place. Toast, scrambled eggs, and even as went as far as squeezing freshly made orange juice, though simple to some people but thoughtful. I wasn’t even sure why my palms felt clammy. It was not a big deal as I see it, just a breakfast, not a diamond ring for proposal. Yet, the more I approached her room, my heart pounded endlessly like I was about to step into a hostile boardroom.

I stood like a statue at the door for a moment, doing my best to steady my hitched breath. The events of the past couple of days had left me restless, completely torn between my own stubborn pride and the undeniable pull I recently developed toward Amara. I knew she deserved more than the cold indifference I am dishing out, especially after everything I had put her through. It was of course worst than what she experiences with her family.

Pushing the door open, it was a great sight to see her curled up on the bed, gazing intensely out the window at the morning sun. The rays as she watched made justice to her beautiful face, and for a moment, I was lost struck by how serene, calm, collected and beautiful she looked, while sleeping peacefully.

“Good morning,” I finally said, my voice coming out softer than I intended, and in a way betraying my vulnerability at that moment.

She turned to face me, her expression totally unreadable. “Good morning,” she replied cautiously, then sitting up in the process.

“I thought it you might wish to have a breakfast, perhaps, it's a necessity.” I walked over, then carefully placing the tray on the bedside table.

I watched the movement of her eyes as it darted to the tray, then back to me. “Breakfast in bed, huh? What’s really the occasion?” Her tone was completely laced with skepticism, and I understand, but even in that, I caught the faint flicker of surprise in her eyes. She wasn't the type used to this sweet side of me, and each time I decide to lower my guides down while with her, it has always ended in tears. I have never come up with the idea of showing her kindness without finding a way to wrap it up with cold attitude later on.

I rubbed the back of my neck trying to get myself together, as I was feeling oddly exposed. “No occasion. I just... decided to do something nice for you today. To at least, make up for my ill treatments, ever since your arrived.”

She arched a confusing brow. “Nice? That’s totally a new one, and for real, caution needs to be taken.”

I sighed, making myself comfortable on the edge of the bed. “I deserve that. Look, Amara, I know I for sure I haven’t been the easiest person to deal with. I’ve been very distant, cold... and totally unfair to you.”

Her expression softened slightly on hearing that, but she said nothing. Not even an attempt to argue or counter what I said, instead, she watched me talk.

“I’ve been...very scared,” I admitted, the words in a way tasting foreign on my tongue. “Scared of giving in to strange feelings, something I can’t control. But seeing you hurt everyday, seeing the doubt in your eyes every time you glance at my direction,... it’s totally unbearable.”

She studied me for a few seconds, her fingers lightly tracing random patterns on the edge of the blanket. “Damian, I don’t know if I can bring myself to trusting this sudden change. You’ve been so mean and cold. I’m not sure where I stand in your life.”

I immediately reached for her hand, briefly hesitating before my fingers brushed hers. “You stand... right here, wth me alone. I’m very sorry for everything, Amara. I just want and desire to make things right.”

Her gaze landed on our hands, her lips pressing into a thin line. “It’s not that simple as you think, Damian. There’s so much between us, many uncertainty...”

“I know,” I said, my voice steady and firm. “But I’m more than willing to do whatever it takes to prove to you that I’m not going anywhere anytime soin. You and the unborn baby... you’re my family now. And I won't allow anything, or anyone, come between us.”

She stayed for seconds before letting out a shaky breath, her resolve visibly crumbling. “You can’t just say things like that, Damian. Words are easy to say, but hard to do.”

“Then give me the chance to show you.” Without thinking, I leaned closer, covering the remaining distance between us, and cupped her face gently. Her eyes widened, but she didn’t pull away as she would have done before. “Let me show you how much you mean to me, how much worth I placed on you.”

Before she could process what was happening, I kissed her. It wasn’t planned; neither was it calculated. It was raw, filled with unending emotions I had been too afraid to voice out. She froze for a moment, and I braced myself awaiting for her rejection. But to my surprise, she gave in and kissed me back with same energy.

The remaining food left on the tray of breakfast was momentarily forgotten as we were totally lost. Her arms wrapped gently around my neck, pulling me even closer, and I felt a warmth spread through me that I hadn’t felt in years.

When we finally pulled apart from the intense kiss, and by now, her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes held a mixture of something with the appearance of confusion and longing. “Damian...”

“I’m not the perfect one,” I said, my forehead now resting against hers. “But I’m trying, Amara. I’m trying to be here for you.”

She didn’t respond immediately and I understand, but I saw the ghost of a smile tugged at her lips. “The eggs are probably very cold by now, I should do and finish up.”

I chuckled at her trick, pulling back. “Probably. But I’ll do my best to make it up to you with dinner.”

“You now cook?” she asked, a hint of amusement evident in her voice.

“Not at all, but for you, I do my best. You should know that's a lot of hard work there you know,” I admitted. “But I can order some takeout like a pro. That's one of my specialty.” I winked.

She laughed heartily, a soft, genuine laugh that made my chest tighten in weakness. For the first time in days, the unbearable tension between us seemed to ease, totally replaced by something lighter, something...very hopeful.

As we sat there, sharing the laughable now cold breakfast and stealing hesitant smiles, I realized something. Maybe love if with the right person wasn’t such a foolish thing after all. But even at that, I still don't know for sure if I can handle what's on the way.

The future is definitely uncertain, will I able to keep up with the pace of making her happy? or will I end up in causing her more pain like her family?

What about the time our child arrives, will I make a good father or turn to be a terror to the poor soul?

How again do I prove to Amara that she's in to get the best, and not making a mistake, how am I going to regain her trust which I shattered with my insecurity, shield and protect her from the likes of Victor?

And above all, what should I do to maintain this new me that's not cold, scared of loving anyone or being loved?