Married for His Secret Heir

“Thank you.”

Elena hugged her back. But she couldn’t help wondering if this was all for real or if Annabelle was trying to make the best of an awkward situation. Maybe in the rush to the altar, they should have given more thought to their families. Suddenly Elena felt very guilty for leaving them all out of it.

There were hugs all around with the parents and words of congratulations exchanged. Everyone seemed to be taking the news well.

Before the rest of the guests could congratulate them, the staff arrived with trays of food. Everyone took their seats to make things easier for the waitstaff.

Luca leaned over to Elena. “Did you know about this?”

“I had no idea. So how did your sister find out?”

“I don’t know, but I intend to find out.” He leaned over to his sister. “So how exactly did you find out the news?”

Elena, curious to know the answer herself, leaned closer.

“You mean besides you two acting rather oddly?” When Luca frowned, his sister continued, “Well, there was a delivery for you from the courthouse. I happened to be in the foyer at the time. So I signed for it.”

“You read my mail?” Luca asked.

“No. But I do have eyes, and I read the return address. It wasn’t hard to put two and two together. With a little research, I had confirmation. It would have been nice if you’d told me.”

“We were trying not to ruin your big week.”

“You didn’t ruin it. I couldn’t be happier to know that you are settling down, and with the one person in the world I’ve always thought was made for you.” Annabelle reached out and squeezed his arm.

“Thanks, sis.”

Elena blinked repeatedly, hoping to keep her makeup from smearing. She had no idea that his sister’s opinion of their marriage would hit her so emotionally. These pregnancy hormones were going to turn her into a crier if she wasn’t careful.

When Annabelle’s gaze met hers, Elena mouthed a big thank-you.

All the while Luca continued to hold her hand. And it was like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Now if only everyone was excited about the baby, but that would wait for another time.

* * *

His sister hadn’t been kidding.

Luca was impressed. Somehow in such a short amount of time, she’d thrown together a beautiful reception. There was a receiving line, where he and Elena were given best wishes by everyone. Hugs abounded, including another from his father. Two hugs in one night was a record for sure. Maybe the years had mellowed his father.

Small tables with white tablecloths surrounded the dance floor. Each table had candles as well as pink, purple and white flower centerpieces. Purple, blue and pink spotlights added a fun vibe to the room. Luca wasn’t much for decorations and weddings, but he was touched that his sister had gone to so much trouble for them.

There was only one thing missing from this impressive event—his uncle, the king. It saddened Luca to know that the king was so distraught over events that were not his fault. Still, it was the king’s lord-in-waiting who had not only been a spy, but had also murdered the king’s sister—Luca’s mother.

The king had taken the responsibility for the horrific event personally. His dubious health had declined even further, and he remained sequestered, only dealing with his secretary—Elena’s father. It was a sad state of affairs, but Luca refused to let it ruin this moment.

In the background, a live band played. His sister insisted that he and Elena have the first dance. With so many people watching them, it wasn’t nearly as intimate as the dance on their wedding night.

He glanced down at Elena, who was suspiciously quiet as they moved around the dance floor. A frown pulled at her lips, but when she noticed that he was looking at her, it disappeared.

“Is everything all right?” he asked. “I mean, you are feeling all right, aren’t you?”

“Yes. Why do you ask?”

“Just checking. I’m not used to being around a pregnant woman. So if there’s anything you need or want, let me know.”

“I will.”

They continued dancing. He glanced around at the people and the decorations. “Can you believe my sister went to all this trouble?”