Chapter Twelve

The sound of the ticking clock was nerve-wracking. Belle was seated on the edge of the sofa, waiting for Nikolai to knock at the door. She didn't have to wait for so long. There was a gentle knocking on the door, but it was quiet and deafening.

I have to do this. I need to. She repeatedly told herself as she took what felt like heavy footsteps towards the door.

"Come in." Belle invited Nikolai in, something she never thought she would be doing.

"Is he…" His eyes were glued to the single bedroom door with a slightly opened door.

"The baby's sleeping. Let's be adults about this and try not to raise our voices." This was a statement directed at herself. Belle knew she needed that reminder more than Nikolai. For the first time, they are alone in a closed space: her, Nikolai, and Liam. "The last thing I would do is to traumatize my child."

"Our child," he corrected.

This will definitely need a lot of practice and patience. Even with the voices in her head, Belle decided not to choose violence today and stopped herself from reacting. It certainly wasn't easy.

Nikolai has been stealing glances at the crib. It must feel weird to be in such close proximity with the child he just recently found out existed. Through their few interactions, Belle is already learning new things about the man she thought she knew too well.

"I'll allow you to see Liam under my terms. I would be fair. You can see him, but I need to know where you will bring him in advance."

"Of course. I wouldn't bring him anywhere you wouldn't agree." He replied almost immediately. "I will shoulder the cost of his studies until university, and if ever he plans to, post-grad, as well. I have a little saved up that L-Liam can have once he's of legal age."

Belle almost smiled. It was Nikolai's first time saying Liam's name out loud. It sounded like he was still practicing a newly-discovered word.

"He can have an idea the amount shouldn't be disclosed, not even to me. He has to earn and learn his money's worth when the time comes."

"Don't make a big deal out of it. We're not talking about trillions."

It sounded suspicious. Belle now knows how rich Nikolai and his family could be. This might affect Liam, and she wants to minimize the negative part of that aspect. He is a precious son, but being a son of an heir shouldn't be a personality.

"Are you making an exaggeration for emphasis, or did you purposely not mention millions and billions?"

Nikolai cleared his throat. Uh-oh. That is not a good sign. "We can talk about the specifics some other time. Let's not make a big deal out of this for now."

"I'm putting a pin on this. A trust fund is a big deal, quite literally, I must say. And I also have another demand."

"Sure, what is it?" 

"Liam should never be in the same room with Stella, or your future girlfriends. In case the two of you break up. If you plan to introduce him to anyone who would be involved with you, I should be the first to know. I don't care how over-protective you think I am. This is non-negotiable. It would be a different thing if you decide to marry. Obviously, your wife will be involved in his life too."

"Isobelle, we are still married, and you are my wife. There's no other woman."

She had to let his response sink in. Even when she tried, she still wasn't sure what he was implying. Talking about that right now would make their conversation longer than it should be, with the same unresolved ending.

This is about the baby. This is for the baby.

It was that moment when Liam was heard crying before one of them could initiate the topic of divorce or the lack thereof. His cooperation and openness to her demands was much appreciated.

"I need to check on the baby. You can leave if you want."

She went to the kitchen to prepare the baby's milk. She thought Nikolai would have already left or just sat in the living room. He went with her and observed Belle. Under his stare, it was almost impossible not to feel conscious. She could feel Nikolai observing her every move. It was a good thing that what she was doing was already a routine.

Without a word between the two of them, Belle entered the room, and Nikolai followed. As soon as the feeding bottle was in the baby's mouth, he stopped crying. "You can come inside if you want. You want to see him, don't you?"

Nikolai stood silently in the corner before coming closer. What could he possibly be thinking at that moment? For the first time, he was seeing his son up close. 

"I'm not saying this because I'm angry, Nikolai. I chose to live and raise the child alone. I do not want you to force yourself to do something you never wanted to do in the first place. If you want to leave, or if there's even a teeny-tiny possibility of you living, I am giving you the chance to walk away right now. We can amicably walk our separate ways."

Nikolai touches her hand as she carries their child. "I hope this is the last time I hear anything about me leaving. I am not. He's so adorable, Isobelle. He's my child. How can I not be part of his life?"

"Are you sure?"

Nikolai's eyes were locked on their child. They stood so close together they could hear each other's breathing. Liam is probably aware of his father's presence. The kid didn't cry or make a noise. He was staring wide-eyed at this man he had just seen for the first time, a stranger about to play a significant role in his life.

"Let's start anew. You, me, our baby."

There are doubts and hesitations. The way Nikolai said those words made Belle want to believe in new beginnings. This is what she wanted. After falling for Nikolai, this is what she has been wishing for.