Get married

A tear slipped down her cheek, but this time it was one of joy. She nodded, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. "I want that too."

He again pulled her into a tight embrace, holding her close as if he never wanted to let go. They stayed like that for a while, wrapped in each other's arms, the promise of a future together hanging in the air like a silent vow.

For the first time in what felt like forever, she allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, everything would be okay.

As they pulled apart, he seemed to hesitate for a moment, as if he was gathering his thoughts. Then, with a determined look in his eyes, he took her hands again.

"There's one more thing," he said, his voice steady. "I've been thinking a lot about what's best for the baby... and for us. I want to give our child the best life possible, with a stable family. So, I have a proposal for you."

Her heart skipped a beat, her mind racing. "What is it?"

"I want us to get married," he said simply, his gaze unwavering. "Not just because of the baby, but because I want to build a life with you. I want us to be a real family. I want to give this child a proper family. And that's only possible when both of us stay together with the child."

A day before

Lucas sat alone in his dimly lit study, a glass of whiskey in his hand, swirling the amber liquid absentmindedly. The house was quiet, save for the occasional crackle of the fire.

His mind, however, was anything but still. It was consumed with thoughts of her.... and the baby. He can't think of any way other than Marriage. The word had lingered in his thoughts all day, whispering to him like a gentle, persistent breeze.

He had always dismissed the idea, assuming it wasn't meant for someone like him.....a man with shadows in his past and blood on his hands. A man who is surrounded by so many enemies ready to take his life any chance they get . Yet, she changed everything.

Her strength, her vulnerability, the way she looked at him with unfiltered emotion, when she told him she's carrying his child....it all struck a chord deep within him. Not gonna lie the news made him happy but it comes with a big responsibility. He need to think the best for everyone involved.

And Rachel, her daughter, had wormed her way into his guarded heart, calling him her "friend" with innocent conviction. How could he give them anything less than the stability they deserved?

But was he worthy of it? Could he be the kind of man who offered safety, love, and a future unmarred by his past? Would he able to protect them? And what if they come to know he is in mafia. The thought terrified him as much as it drew him in.