### AMANDA ###
"What? You're calling off our engagement because of this little thing?" Juliana exclaimed, her voice ricocheting off the walls, as she shot me a glare that could have withered a less resilient opponent.
The intensity behind her eyes made it clear that she was not accustomed to being challenged.
I let out a scoff, the sound dripping with derision.
A woman like her could never truly be my equal. Her priorities and values were too different from mine.
"Watch your tongue, Juliana," Killian interjected, his voice steady but firm. "I was never engaged to you.
That arrangement was made by Vanessa and your parents, and just so we're clear, I'm her step-son." He wrapped his arms around me protectively, a gesture that sent a reassuring warmth through my entire being.
I couldn't help but steal a glance at him, momentarily captivated.
His chiseled features were striking, with a straight and pointed nose that added an air of refinement to his face.
His lips were enticingly full, and his deep-set eyes seemed to hold galaxies in them, mysterious and alluring enough to drive any woman to the brink of madness with affection.
In that moment, I realized that he was mine. After everything we had been through, he was finally, truly mine.
"This isn't over, Killian," Juliana declared, her voice dripping with a mixture of anger and possessiveness.
"You're mine, and nobody can come between us." With that, she stormed off, her bags trailing behind her like a storm cloud.
Killian let out a heavy sigh, the kind that comes from deep within your chest, laden with exhaustion and unresolved tension.
He then turned towards me, his brow furrowing slightly.
"Why didn't you tell me about the child?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
I blinked, taken aback by the sudden shift in our conversation.
"I didn't know how you would react," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "I just found out during the Gala night, and everything was so chaotic..."
"Amanda," he said, his eyes softening with worry and deep affection as they bore into mine, "you scared me. Please, don't ever put yourself at risk like that again."
Feeling vulnerable, I hesitated before asking the question that had been nagging at the back of my mind.
"Do you love me, Killian?" I ventured, my heart pounding in my chest as I awaited his answer. I had already fallen head over heels for him, and I desperately hoped he felt the same way.
"You want to know the truth?" he asked, his gaze unwavering.
"I've always loved you from the very beginning, but you couldn't see it. All you chose to focus on was the bad side of me."
A wave of joy washed over me, causing my heart to dance with elation.
Without thinking, I leaned forward and pressed my lips against his with fervor, pouring all of my feelings into that kiss.
To my delight, he met my enthusiasm and kissed me back just as passionately.
Unfortunately, the moment was abruptly interrupted by an awkward throat clearing. "Ahem."
Startled, we turned to face the intruder, who happened to be Reid.
He was dressed casually today, which felt oddly out of place.
"What are you doing barging in here?" Killian snapped, visibly irritated that our tender moment had been so rudely disrupted.
"I'm sorry, Boss, but it's important," Reid replied, his tone serious.
"What is it?" Killian asked, impatience simmering just below the surface.
"Vanessa has escaped," Reid informed, his expression grave.
Killian's face contorted with anger and disbelief.
"What? How could this happen?" he shouted, his voice echoing eerily in the room.
"There must be someone on the inside aiding her, otherwise there's no way she could have escaped from such tight security," he added, frustration spilling over.
"We're actively searching for her, Boss," Reid assured him.
"Make it quick! Search everywhere for her, she cannot be allowed to roam free without consequences," Killian commanded with a fierce intensity, his protective nature surfacing.
"Yes, Boss," Reid nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation.
"Inform the Board Directors that I won't be in today. I'll be working from home," Killian said, glancing back at me with an expression that simultaneously conveyed determination and concern.
Reid nodded and promptly left the room, leaving just the two of us in a charged silence.
"And as for you," Killian continued, turning back to me,
"I owe you an apology. I've been a coward, and I punished you for things that weren't your fault."
"I forgive you, Killian," I replied softly, appreciating his humility.
"Can I go to the gym and resume work?" I asked, perhaps a little too eagerly.
"You can't hit the gym or do anything too strenuous," he replied, shaking his head firmly. "It's not good for your health."
Before I could protest, he swept me into his strong arms, lifting me effortlessly as if I were weightless.
"Killian, what on earth are you doing? Put me down!" I exclaimed, laughter bubbling up despite the confusion.
"Just let me take good care of you and our baby today," he said, a grin spreading across his face.
"Honestly, you're crazy," I teased, shaking my head in mock exasperation.
"Crazy over you," he admitted, his eyes sparkling with mischief as we both laughed joyfully.
He carried me into the bedroom and gently laid me down on the bed, ensuring I was comfortable.
His gaze remained fixed on me, his handsome face a source of comfort.
"I promise to be a good husband from here on out," he declared earnestly, his voice low and sincere.
"I'll make up for my past mistakes. I want to be a good father to our child. Even if our marriage is still in its infancy, I will work diligently to make every single day special for us. I love you, Amanda, and that's what truly matters, our family is what counts."
With a tender movement, he wiped away the tears that had unconsciously started streaming down my cheeks.
"I've always dreamt of having a happy marriage," I confessed amidst my tears, "one where my husband and I can share each other's pain and joy. I longed for a relationship that differs from the one my parents had, a marriage filled with genuine love and affection."
Gently, I reached for his hand, intertwining our fingers as I searched his eyes for reassurance.
"Promise me, Killian, that you'll love me until death do us part. Promise that you will show me the love and affection that I've never truly known before. I've never been truly loved; just promise me you'll be there for me, always."
"I promise," he said, determination etched into his features.
"I'll be there for both of you," he vowed, his voice strong and unwavering. "I won't let anything happen to you or our child."
"Thank you, I love you so much," I whispered, my heart swelling with emotion as he claimed my lips in a passionate, lingering kiss that made me lose track of all rational thought.
"Wait," he eventually chuckled, pulling back slightly. "We can't do this right now, not with you being pregnant."
Just then, a low rumble emanated from my stomach, betraying my sudden hunger.
"Are you hungry?" he asked, raising an eyebrow with a mischievous smile.