Our Little Cupid: The Tycoon's Child In My Arms

Admitting Derek was his father slipped from Lucas for the very first time, even if it happened under such odd circumstances. A silent exchange passed between Allison and Derek. They both knew Lucas wouldn't adjust to this revelation without resistance. The moment Derek stepped into the room, Lucas jumped up and clung to his arm. Paternity didn't matter anymore. The only thing that mattered was his mom about to walk out the door. Tears welled up in Lucas's eyes as he clung tighter. "Please tell Mom not to go! Can't you make her stay?" Rarely did Lucas reach out to Derek. This time, Derek scooped the boy up, holding him close. "She has her own life, bud," he said quietly. "We have to respect what she chooses." "But I need her. I just want her with me!" At his age, reason had no place. All the adults could do was move slowly and try to help him through it. Allison gently wrapped her arms around Lucas, rocking him as he cried himself to sleep. Morning brought a phone call from Allison's mother, Carlotta Wade. Life after the divorce had kept Allison at a distance. She'd offered her parents a brief explanation and poured all her time into raising Lucas, letting them assume she was still working hard in Streley. Her parents never pushed her to visit. Occasionally, they offered to come by, but she always dodged with excuses about business trips. Carlotta sounded tense on the phone. "Allie, if you have a chance, you should come home." That caught Allison off guard. "Mom, what's going on?" Carlotta hesitated before answering, "Your dad was in an accident. A car hit him a few days ago. He's in the hospital right now..." Worry and anger mingled inside Allison. Why hadn't anyone told her about something so serious? Then, a surge of guilt followed. "How's Dad doing? Is he alright?" "He hurt his leg, but the doctor said it's not too bad. Still, he's not getting any younger. He didn't want me to worry you, but he's been anxious ever since it happened. Allie, if you can find the time..." "Mom, why would you keep this from me? I'm coming home right away. Tell Dad not to worry. I'll be there soon." After ending the call, Allison quickly pulled up her phone to secure a flight. On her way out, a sudden thought made her turn and head straight for Lucas's room. Still fast asleep, Lucas looked peaceful. Allison sat beside him and whispered his name until he stirred. His arms instantly wrapped around her neck, as if he could sense she was about to leave. She hugged him close, heart aching. "I have to be away for a little while. I need you to stay here with your dad and listen to him, okay?" She couldn't bring herself to disappear without saying anything, especially now when Lucas clung to her more than ever. Lucas only squeezed tighter. "Mom, can't you stay? Please?" Gently, Allison stroked his back. "My dad's sick, sweetheart. I have to go take care of him, but I'll come back as soon as I can. I promise." The explanation did little to soothe him. He buried his face against her and sobbed, refusing to let go. "Take me too, Mom... Please take me with you..." Life would have been simpler if Derek hadn't entered the picture. If things were as before, Allison would have just scooped Lucas up and brought him home. But now, she couldn't face her parents with a child in tow, not when that would only stir up hope they'd spent years putting to rest. From the doorway, Derek appeared with a furrowed brow and a heavy sigh. "What's the matter this time?" His plan was simple at first—he needed Allison to take the tough role and help his son accept the truth, but he never pictured it unraveling this way. The real reason he'd wanted her around was so she could soften the blow for Lucas, making the transition less painful. Instead, Lucas's constant sobbing wore away what little patience Derek still had. Every tear made it harder for him to keep his cool, and lately, the noise did nothing but get under his skin. Doubts crept in. Maybe Allison wasn't the right person to handle this after all. Although Allison noticed Derek's growing frustration, she was too drained to argue or explain. "My dad's in the hospital, and I have to go back home," she said, voice flat. "Please make sure Luc gets his medicine while I'm gone." Derek's expression softened when he realized how real her concern was. He carefully lifted Lucas from her arms. "The driver will take you to the airport," he said quietly. No argument came from Allison this time. She braced herself, pushed past Lucas's cries, and headed out the door. Her condition wasn't critical, but age had slowed his recovery. The stress had left him weaker than before, so he needed extra time in the hospital. Hearing good news from the doctor eased some of Allison's tension. She sat at her father's bedside, peeling fruit and scolding her parents with a gentle smile. "Why would you keep something like this from me? Am I not your only daughter?" Allison asked, voice sharper than she intended. Her father, Stefan Wade, tried to wave away her concern with a chuckle. "You know your mom—she loves to make a big deal out of nothing. I didn't want to interrupt your work, that's all," he replied, but happiness was written all over his face. Allison had rushed straight from the airport, not even stopping to collect her things. Stefan, always considerate, smiled and said, "Honestly, honey, I'm fine. You should get back to your job before your boss gets upset with you." Hearing that only deepened Allison's guilt. She realized how much she'd neglected her parents while pouring everything into raising Lucas. "Dad, I'm officially on leave. My boss told me to take time off. You didn't throw out any of my stuff at home, did you? I came empty-handed." "Of course not, everything's still there. Why don't you stay a while? Your mom would love to cook for you." Relief spread across both her parents' faces as soon as Allison confirmed she wasn't in a rush to leave. That evening, Allison insisted that her mom get some rest at home, while she kept watch at the hospital. For now, her father had the entire room to himself, making things more comfortable. Caring for Stefan kept her occupied until her phone buzzed, Derek's name lighting up the screen. She stepped into the hallway, answering quietly. "Mom, is Grandpa feeling better? When will you come back?" Lucas's voice carried through. Hearing him call her father "Grandpa" caught Allison off guard. She'd never taught him that. Her heart twisted with longing. If only Lucas truly belonged to her. "He's doing better, sweetheart. The doctors say he'll be out in a few days, but I need to stay and look after him. I promise I haven't forgotten about you." "Just let me know when you're coming back. I'll ask Dad to bring me so I can meet you at the airport." "You're such a sweet boy. Thank you." "Mom, I miss you." The honesty in his voice nearly broke her resolve. She struggled to keep her emotions in check. "Be good for Dad, okay? Grandpa's calling for me, so I need to go. Talk soon, Luc."