Paragon

Chapter 23

Paparazzi are lined up along the building. I can see them from our table, peering in through the tinted windows. Normally, I'd be upset but not today. I'm overjoyed...

I'm having a girl. A baby girl with the man I love. Not much else is on my mind right now but that. I lean against Stellan's arm, sighing. "It's been a while since we've gone out like this."

"I know. That's my bad."

I shake my head. "No way, I'm so grateful. You've done so much for the company- in such a short time. That sell off could have screwed us over."

"Yeah, that was a bad card dealt. Thankfully, we bypassed that."

"You bypassed that. Don't give anyone else the credit for your work. You deserve the recognition."

He smiles, exasperatedly and sighs. "You honestly are the bossiest woman I've ever met."

"I know... I've gotten better though, haven't I?"

He grimaces and I hit his arm, to which he chuckles, shaking his head. "Yeah, you've gotten better."

"Now, I don't believe you."

He presses his lips to my hair, still chuckling. "I'm happy."

Warmed by his words, I press my lips to his neck. "Me too."

...

As Stellan turns on the light in our bedroom, I set down my purse. "Uh, I wanted to tell you that- uh, Viktor is coming here tomorrow."

Stopping by the bed, he grabs his tie. "... Really?"

"Yeah."

"You haven't seen him in a while," he observes quietly and calmly, how he always does when something displeases him.

"I know. He said he's going through some rough stuff- none of the gigs I've tried to get him have panned out. I-I feel bad."

Loosening his charcoal tie, he nods. "What time is he coming?"

"I think noonish?"

"Well, I'll move back the conference call with Derek till later in the evening."

"What? Why?"

"Because I don't want you to be alone with him, Iris. Eric is not here and Pat is in D.C."

"So, what? You're going to stand guard over us?" I laugh, shaking my head. "That's ridiculous. He isn't going to do anything to me."

"Iris, if he is coming here, I will be here as well! I don't trust him," he states with finality, looking rather angry. I close my eyes as he throws his tie on the bed and leaves the room, regretting ruining the wonderful day we had.

But I had to tell him. I know he'd of blown up tomorrow if I hadn't. Turning, I go after him, determined to make him see my side of things.

"Stellan."

He's on the phone, no doubt talking to Olivia about moving back the appointment.

"Yeah, later. Five is fine... thanks." As soon as he hangs up, I shake my head.

"You understand why I don't want to turn my back on him, right? I've known him since I was really young. I relied on him for everything! I-It hurts me to imagine that he thinks I've abandoned him."

"You have tried to get him jobs, Iris. You took him a couple months ago to a fashion show to promote him. You have done enough- whilst he has not done anything for you!"