Chapter 6: I WANT TO TAKE CARE OF YOU

Laura's Point of View

"Clara, I can still handle the cleaning, and it's actually some good exercise for me," I say with a smile, trying to sit down but struggling a bit because of my growing belly.

But Clara, my roommate, won't have it. She insists on taking over where I left off. "Don't be stubborn! Your due date is coming up, and who knows what might happen," she says.

I just smile and stop arguing with her.

It's been seven months since I divorced Kairo.

I've been living quietly in Paris, figuring things out on my own. Between my studies and pregnancy, it's been pretty hectic. Thank goodness Clara's been a big help, making things a bit easier for me.

“Jonathan's coming today, and it'd be embarrassing if he sees how messy the room is," I mention, pitching in to help Clara little by little.

"I knew it!" Clara giggles. "I'll make it quick with the cleaning because I've got to head out for something. We've got that project due next week."

Clara hangs around the apartment for another hour before she heads out, and a few minutes later, Jonathan shows up. When I open the door, I find him holding a big bouquet and a basket of fruits.

"You didn't have to go to all this trouble," I say to Jonathan as he places the fruit basket on the table.

"What do you mean, 'don't bother'? You know the twins will be here soon. Mom needs to eat fruits so they can be healthy."

His smile brightens even more as he hands me a bouquet of flowers.

"You know, you're just throwing money away on these. The last bouquet you gave me is still in a vase and hasn't died yet," I chuckle.

"Then, swap them out for these," he insists, prompting a sigh from me.

Jonathan Scott was the first guy I met in Europe, and we hit it off right away because we're both from the States. He's got this natural warmth and charm, always making people feel comfortable with his easygoing attitude and good looks. Plus, he comes from money, with his dad running a bunch of local businesses in Texas.

"Laura, stop turning down what I'm giving you," he says firmly. "I'm not going broke just because I gave you a bouquet of flowers and a basket of fruits."

I can't help but laugh at his words and playfully hit his chest. "It'd be nice if you only gave these once in a while! But nearly every day? They're expensive too, so it feels like such a splurge!"

As my due date approaches, he's been visiting me almost daily with a variety of nutritious meals.

"But anyway, thank you," I say with a smile.

"You're welcome, Princess."

My cheeks flush at the endearment, and I quickly change the subject. "Have you eaten yet? If not, sit down and I'll whip something up."

I set the flowers next to the vase and start heading toward the kitchen, but he blocks my path.

"I already ate before coming here. But besides the flowers and fruits, there's something else I wanted to talk to you about," his expression turns serious.

I furrow my brows and give him my full attention. A few seconds pass before I nod and take a seat, with him following suit.

"What's on your mind, Jonathan? Don't tell me you've got a girlfriend now," I joke.

He shakes his head and maintains his serious demeanor, causing me to close my mouth in anticipation.

"Laura, with the babies almost here, I need to tell you how I feel," he says calmly, taking my hand gently. "I know you already know how I feel about you."

My heart races, not because of what he said, but out of fear of what comes next.

I want to interrupt him, but my mouth stays shut.

"I want to take care of you and the twins. I want to be there for them, Laura."

My throat feels dry, and I don't know what to say. I'm frozen in my seat as I let him continue.

"I know things didn't end well with your ex-husband, and I know you've been through a lot," he says sincerely, holding my hand against his cheek. "But Laura, I'm different. I'm not like your ex. I won't be irresponsible. I'll love you and take care of you. I won't let you go through the pain you've experienced before."

My mouth opens, but words fail me. I don't know what to say to him. Even though Kairo and I have been divorced for a long time, I'm not ready to jump into another relationship yet.

I gather my thoughts, take a deep breath, and gently withdraw my hand from his face. After a moment, I finally find the words.

"Jonathan... I'm sorry," I say softly, avoiding his gaze out of guilt. "I know your feelings for me are genuine, but... I can't accept that."

"But why, Laura? Am I missing something?" he asks earnestly.

"No, please don't think that," I reply gently. "But Jonathan, I care about you deeply, as a friend. You've shown me so much love and care, but... I'm just not ready to be in a relationship again. Your time with me would be for nothing.”

He's stunned by my words and struggles to respond. A heavy silence hangs between us, and unable to bear it any longer, I reach for my wallet on the table.

"I'm going out now. I need to pick up groceries for dinner," I explain, my voice wavering slightly. "If you get bored... you can leave and not wait for me."

Without waiting for a reply, I leave him there and walk out.