Chapter 90

Serena's POV

"Careful, Milo, it's still hot," I said, cutting his steak into bite-sized pieces.

I caught between helping Milo with his steak and noticing Stella's quiet glances. The girl sat with perfect posture, carefully handling her silverware, but her eyes kept darting between her plate and my hands as I helped her brother.

"Would you like some help too, Stella?" I asked gently, meeting her eyes.

She straightened in her chair, a picture of practiced grace. "I can manage on my own..." But after a moment's hesitation, she added in a softer voice, "Actually... if you don't mind..."

I smiled and reached over to help her, noting how she tried to hide her pleased expression. The warmth in my chest grew as I realized how much these small moments meant to both children.

"Well," Lucas's voice carried a hint of playful complaint from across the table, "I see I've become completely invisible tonight."

Before I could respond, Stella suddenly spoke up. "But Daddy, it's fair! You have Mommy to keep you company, and we have her to take care of us."

I felt heat rise to my cheeks at her innocent observation. Lucas cleared his throat, though I could see the corners of his mouth twitching upward.

The conversation shifted when I brought up Rachel. After the misunderstanding about Lucas and Eleanor, I'd decided to always ask directly about things from now on. As Lucas began to explain, I noticed both twins perk up, their attention suddenly razor-sharp.

"Our grandfathers served together in World War II - mine and Rachel's, so they remained close. Even though our families lived in different cities, they kept in frequent contact. When I was young, my grandfather loved taking me to visit relatives, so we visited the Thorne family in Paterson many times. Rachel Thorne is..." Lucas paused, searching for the right words.

"Your childhood sweetheart," I raised an eyebrow.

"No," Lucas denied firmly. "More like... a family friend's daughter."

*A family friend's daughter?! Somehow that description felt even more ambiguous.*

"When I was young, my grandfather sent me abroad to study, and her as well. After university, I stayed overseas to expand Harrington's international market, while she remained abroad to manage the Thorne enterprises," Lucas continued. "Because of our families' connection, we looked out for each other."

*Looked out for each other? In what way?!*

Lucas caught my scrutinizing gaze and his lips curved into a slight smile. "Don't worry, there was nothing between us."

"Whether there was or wasn't something is all in your past. I don't care," I said dismissively.

Lucas's mood suddenly brightened. "Miss Sinclair, I see you're making progress," he commented.

"Hmm?" I looked at him, puzzled.

"You've learned to use your mouth to ask questions. Unlike before, when you just silently condemned me - "

"Mommy," Stella cut in with startling earnestness, "you don't need to worry. Daddy likes being with you the most!"

I felt my face flush. In that warm and comforting moment, I decided to let it go and put my complete trust in Lucas.

After dinner, I headed home in Lucas's Maybach.

In the back of the Maybach, Stella had gradually shifted until she was leaning against my shoulder, recounting her day at school with surprising animation. Milo chimed in with his own version of events, their voices filling the car with warmth and laughter.

I caught Lucas watching us, his expression soft in a way that made my pulse quicken. When our eyes met, he didn't look away, and I found myself wondering how this evening had evolved from a simple dinner into something that felt so much like... family.

"Mommy," Stella murmured, her voice growing sleepy, "will you have dinner with us again tomorrow?"

The question hung in the air, weighted with more meaning than her young years might suggest. I glanced at Lucas again, waiting for my answer with poorly concealed interest.

"I'd love to," I replied softly, feeling Stella relax against me. "As long as your father doesn't mind sharing my attention again."

Lucas's low chuckle filled the car. "I suppose I'll survive. Though I might need some compensation later."

"Daddy!" Both twins protested in unison, and I couldn't help but laugh, even as I felt my cheeks warm again.

The darkness inside the car wrapped around us like a soft blanket, broken only by the occasional flash of streetlights. As we drove through the quiet streets, the twins' playful chatter filled the comfortable silence.

Then it happened. His fingers brushed against mine, seemingly by accident at first. But instead of pulling away, Lucas gently took my hand in his. My heart skipped a beat, and I felt warmth spread from where our palms touched. I tried to keep my breathing steady, but the simple contact sent tingles up my arm.

From the corner of my eye, I caught Stella watching our joined hands. She quickly looked away, pretending to be fascinated by the passing buildings, but I could see the small smile playing on her lips. Despite my usual composure in business meetings and family confrontations, this innocent display of affection had me feeling like a teenager again.

"Mommy?" Milo's voice broke through my thoughts. "You like sitting next to Daddy, don't you?"

I felt my cheeks warm. "Yes, it's... comfortable," I managed to reply softly.

The car eventually pulled into the underground parking garage of Tribeca Towers. As the engine died down, none of us seemed eager to break the moment. Lucas reluctantly released my hand, and we stepped out into the fluorescent-lit space.

"Goodbye, sweetheart," I said, reaching out to touch Milo and Stella's cheeks. Milo beamed at me, his eyes bright with childish affection.

Before I could step back, Stella moved forward and wrapped her arms around my waist in an unexpected hug. "Mommy," she whispered against my blazer, "will you come see us tomorrow?"

I stroked her soft hair, fighting the lump in my throat. "Of course, if I can."

Lucas stood watching us, his grey eyes soft. "Get home safe," he said, his deep voice carrying across the space between us.

As I watched their car disappear around the corner, I could still feel the phantom warmth of his hand in mine.