Bound by the CEO’s Baby By SunScar9

Chapter 31 

Ana’s mother was waiting for them when they pulled up at the house. Ana had barely pressed the safety lock when Alan ripped off his shoulder straps and leaped in his grandma’s direction. 

“Hello, little man,” she said, scooping him up and giving him a tight hug. 

“Ello, Gamma,” Alan squeaked. “Did ya know what I did today?” 

“What did you do?” the other asked. 

“I went to the park with Unca and Aunty and I went all the way across the monkey bars by myself!” Alan beamed. 

“You beamed,” Ana’s mom responded animatedly. “You are super strong!” 

“Wanna see my musckows?” Alan asked as he bent his elbow in an attempt to flex his biceps. 

Grandma played along. “My god, you would win against me! Wanna arm wrestle?” 

Alan nodded enthusiastically 

“Oh! Damien helped me fill my truck.” 

Ana’s mom looked at Ana in confusion. 

“I’ll tell you later,” Ana placated. 

Later that night, Alan Sr. sat down and tried to teach the finer points of basketball to Alan Jr. Ana was cleaning up after dinner when her phone buzzed on the counter. She picked it up without hesitation before wiping her hands on a towel. 

“Hey Marcus called from the other side. Marcus was her neighbor until a month ago. They had become fast friends and he had helped her through pregnancy and bringing up a child. For all intents and purposes, Marcus was the uncle Alan Jr needed. “What are you doing?” he asked. 

Anastasia snorted. “Cleaning up.” 

Marcus laughed. “Exciting stuff.” 

“What are you doing? How is the project?” 

“Just checking in on you. I haven’t heard from you in a few days. I was getting worried, not gonna lie.” 

Ana sighed. “Yeah Things have been a little crazy recently.” 

Marcus responded curiously. “Oh, did the dad get the result?” 

“Yes.” 

“And?” 

“And: He got the proof he needed that I wasn’t lying to him.” 

“Damn. Just wait until I meet that guy. I will rip him a new one for even insinuating that you would do something like that.” 

Ana rolled her eyes and shook her head. Thankfully, Marcus couldn’t see her. “It really doesn’t matter…” 

“It doesn’t? Tell me you rubbed the result in his face…” 

Chapter 31 

Anastasia responded sarcastically “Of course, there weren’t enough issues between us to be worked on completely I wanted 

to add onto i 

Marcus didn’t respond immediately. “So, is he going to stick around?” There was something in Marcus‘ voice that made her 

uneasy 

“I don’t know yet. We sat down for dinner and he showed up at the park this morning. He is trying but I don’t think he knows what he wants right now.” 

Marcus growled. “I don’t get it. I understand he is upset you didn’t tell him, but it’s Alan! Alan is not a hard child to love” 

“I don’t think that is the issue.” Ana prompted. 

“Then what is?” 

“Mc.” Ana lowered her voice. “He never meant for me to sleep for him. Maybe he was drunk and I was there. I think he looks at Alan and is reminded who his mother is.” It hurt to say it out loud. The thought had been in her mind forever, but it was her first time admitting it. 

“That’s a crock of bullshit, Anastasia, Marcus snapped. “There is no way he didn’t know what he wanted or what he was doing. You have never seen yourself the way others do. I have no idea why he didn’t snatch you up before that night.” Marcus snorted. “Drunk? No. He took you because he wanted you.” 

Ana stood there, with her cell phone clutched to her ear. Damien had looked at her that way? Yes, maybe he had. but he had never wanted her for a long–term relationship. It was a mistake. Anastasia was a mistake. 

“That doesn’t change a thing.” 

“I didn’t mean anything by that, Marcus defended quickly. “All I am saying i 

g is Alan and you deserve more than an obligatory parental figure.” 

Ana felt the prickle of tears in her eyes. She needed to change the conversation. “You never told me how work was.” 

“I miss you too,” Marcus responded cheekily. “When am I going to see you?” 

“A good question. But I don’t know the answer. I am busy with work and can’t leave town now.” 

Marcus paused thoughtfully. “Why don’t I come to see you guys?” he questioned. 

“I don’t have space…” 

Marcus sounded hurt. “I could stay in a hotel..” 

“… Things are a little complicated right now.” 

The line was silent for what felt like forever, but Ana could hear Marcus breathing, so she knew he hadn’t hung up. 

“You think that I will make things worse?” 

Ana sighed. “That is not it. I just need to sort a few things out. And having my mom tawning over you right now isn’t the best option 

“Does everyone know about me?” There was an edge to his voice that told Ana he was frustrated and upset. 

“Of course they do.” 

“All of them?” 

Ana paused. “Are you asking if Damien knows about you?” 

“Yes, I am asking if Damien knows. And what he thinks about us being friends” 

Chapter 31 

Ana laughed humorlessly. “Dainien and I can barely hold a conversation without screaming at each other. You don’t need to worry about your status as Alan’s best friend.” 

“That is not what I am worried about,” Marcus said, frustrated. 

“Then what are you worried about?” 

“Anastasia.. did you tell your baby daddy that I helped you through pregnancy?” 

“No.. Marcus…” Ana stopped. The truth was, Ana had never considered telling Damien that some other man had taken up the role of a father while he was not around. “Shit.” 

“Wow, you didn’t even mention me, did you?” 

“I didn’t do it on purpose…” 

This… Anastasia… these things matter to men.” Marcus had always seen Alan as his own. He did have a problem with the biological father coming and stealing the child away. “I want to come over.” 

Ana groaned. 

“It doesn’t have to be tomorrow, but it needs to be soon.” 

Ana swallowed her frustration. She knew what Marcus wanted. He wanted to present himself as Alan’s father figure, he wanted to stake his claim. But the problem was, Alan wasn’t his to claim. She thought Marcus was a good friend, but she wasn’t willing to be a family with him. 

There was only one person that could take that place…. 

“After Damien makes his decision and realizes I don’t want anything from him.. I will tell him. I can’t allow his masculine need to be the only father figure to taint his ability to decide.” 

Marcus huffed. “And how long does he have?” 

The conversation ended. She didn’t want to fight with her best friend. She was tired of fighting. So she hung up and poured herself some wine before joining the two Alans in front of the television. 

SEND GIFT