Bound by the CEO’s Baby By SunScar9

Chapter 37 

When they got home that afternoon, she pulled out her phone to text Marcus. She had to go on a single–day business trip. 

<What is your schedule like tomorrow?> 

[The same as usual. What’s up?] Marcus responded. 

<I need more information than that.> 

Marcus responded with a detailed schedule for the day. 

<Care to join me for dinner tomorrow? Going on a business trip.> 

Anastasia knew she had to clear things up with Marcus but she was being selfish. He had been her constant for the past couple of years. He was dependable and caring. She never had to worry about pissing him off or him coming onto her. But she had known he… he had other intentions. 

She pushed back the guilt that she was running to Marcus to forget about the argument with Damien. She called Dianna and asked her if she could babysit in turn with Ana’s parents. And the other readily agreed. 

Apparently, she moved all her meetings around to make time for her grandson. If she hadn’t been able to, Ana would have left Alan with her parents, but she also wanted Alan to spend more time with his other family members. 

After work the next day, she stopped at Marcus‘ apartment. He welcomed her into his apartment with open arms and they spent the next couple of hours cooking dinner and chatting. Needless to say, Marcus was not happy about Damien’s involvement in Alan’s life. 

“Come on, Ana, this is a bad idea,” Marcus groaned. 

“Why?” 

“Because you are going to be constantly monitored by the overprotective billionaire who made your life a living hell for the past few weeks. Do you really think he is going to change and be a good father to Alan because…” he trailed off. 

“He’s not going to monitor me. We are both busy people.” 

“Yeah, right.” 

“And no. He won’t be a good father to Alan,” she quoted sarcastically with her fingers. “But he is trying. Damien is making an effort. Though he can be an asshole at times, he has been great to Alan.” 

“Wow. So, he’s forgiven for everything he did?” 

Ana sighed. “It’s not about forgiveness. It is about trying out what is best for Alan. Let’s not argue about it. I just want to hang out with my friend. You know it won’t be this peaceful forever, so let’s just hang out while we can.” 

“Okay,” Marcus replied sadly. He didn’t question what she meant. She was hoping he would ask so that she could broach the topic and make things clear between them. Marcus was in as much denial as Ana was. 

The rest of dinner was free of talk of Damien. They said goodbye at the airport and she promised to call him when she got home safely. 

When she drove to the Wright family home, Alan was asleep and Dianna was knitting on the sofa. 

“Did your trip go well?” Dianna asked with a smile. 

Ana nodded. “It was good, thank you. I met Marcus and we don’t see each other often these days.” 

Dianna set down what she was knitting and patted down on the sofa next to her. “Marcus…. the one who was messaging you.”, She stopped. “Can I ask you something?” 

“Sure.” 

“Can you tell me a bit about Marcus?” 

Ana bit her lip. “What would you like to know?” 

“You seem to care about him and Alan spoke of him fondly. I understand that he is a part of your and Alan’s life… I would like him to be a part of our life, then. You are family now, Anastasia. I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable bringing him 

around.” 

Ana cleared her throat. “It’s not that 1 am uncomfortable bringing him around, but Damien won’t be accommodating…” 

“Do you love Riley?” 

Ana tilted her head in confusion. Then she understood and shook her head.. 

“Why not?” 

“We are just friends. I don’t know why but I don’t feel romantic love for him. He has always been there for me. He takes care of us and he loves Alan. He is my best friend.” 

“Does he know that?” Dianna asked, her brows furrowed. 

“I don’t think so. I don’t know.” 

Dianna’s eyes were warm, so Ana knew that no matter what came out of her mouth, it wasn’t meant to offend. “That is not fair to Marcus. If he is in love with you and you can’t return his feelings, you need to make things clear.” 

“I know…” 

“Do you?” Dianna questioned. 

“I have known for a while but denied it. I shouldn’t have involved Marcus, but I was pregnant… in a new city, and alone. I wanted to have a friend who loved me and cherished me. Men aren’t looking to get into a relationship with someone like me. So I never had that option in mind.” 

“What do you mean by that?” 

“I have a kid, Mrs. Wright. And as good of a kid Alan is, he still throws tantrums and makes messes when he can. He is a lot of responsibility and no guy would be willing to take that on.” 

Dianna shrugged. “Carl and I fell in love when I was a single mother. He was willing to take that on and he was an amazing husband and father.” 

Ana smiled. “But I have Damien. He might be… different… but he is still the biological father.” 

Dianna sighed. “He is like his biological father like that.” 

“Do you think Carl would have been involved if Damien’s biological father was still there? Even if you were divorced or separated?” Ana questioned. 

“I honestly can’t answer that. I would like to think Carl is my soul mate, but I don’t want to live in “what ifs.” 

Ana had a feeling they were talking about her. Because she was a coward, she refused to acknowledge that. 

“You shouldn’t bottle up your wants and needs because you are scared. Follow your heart. If it leads you to Marcus… so be it. If it leads to somewhere else…” Dianna didn’t finish her sentence.