Chapter 32 - Tabloids

Troy's POV

I was working in my office when my phone rang. I grabbed it and picked up the call, smiling; it was Rose.

"Good morning." I greeted her happily as I leaned against my seat.

"Morning. Did you see the news?" She asked nervously.

"Oh.... Yes, I saw them." I sighed, running my hand through my hair.

There were my photos with Alec and Rose while we were going to the park in my car in every gossip magazine. They mentioned that I spent my time with my sister-in-law and her son while my fiancée was away.

"Why are you so calm about it? What will happen if the paparazzi don't leave us alone? If they get suspicious?!" She asked angrily while I noticed worry in her voice too.

"Because they didn't write anything to make anyone suspicious. We were just in the car while I was driving." I replied confidently.

She breathed deeply and mumbled. "I hope so."

"Don't worry, Rose. On the other hand, we have to tell our families eventually. They should know that Alec is my son." I stated firmly. "And I don't want to keep my son a secret like I am ashamed of him. Because it is otherwise; I am so happy he is my son. I don't plan to hide my paternity. However, it will be better if our parents find out about it from us. But firstly, I should talk to Kate." I informed honestly.

"Fine. But I don't want to involve my son in this drama. Especially, I don't want him to get the attention of the paparazzi." She said and sighed, depressed.

"Just trust me. I will do everything to protect you and our son. I will handle everything." I assured her.

"Fine." She mumbled and sighed. "I have to hang up; my assistant is calling me." She added as I heard some noises in the background.

"Fine. Take care. And don't worry about anything." I said softly.

"Good bye, Troy."

****

Once I finished my meeting with Steven, he invited me to his mansion for dinner. As much as I refused, telling him Kate and I had plans, he insisted without giving me any choice. Now I had to postpone my conversation with her. At least, I would see my son and Rose today.

As we were about to walk into the mansion, his phone rang. He picked up the phone and gestured to me to go inside without waiting for him.

I nodded and walked in while he was talking on the phone. I used the opportunity and went to see Alec; the maid informed me that he was in his room while Rose was still in the fashion house.

I stopped as I heard Alec and Kate's shouts coming from Alec's room; the door was ajar.

"Don't disturb Troy so much. He is a busy person. He isn't your playmate. Because of you, I can't see him properly. He can spend time with his fiancée instead of taking his fiancée's nephew to the park. Stay away from him!" Kate snapped while grabbing Alec's arm.

"No! I will not!" Alec exclaimed, determined and shook his head as he gave her an angry look while trying to pull his arm away.

"You little devil!" Kate exclaimed, shaking his arm roughly, making Alec scream while tears ran down my son's cheeks.

I couldn't hold myself and opened the door angrily. As Kate saw me, her face paled. I approached Alec quickly and grabbed Kate's wrist, releasing Alec's arm from her grip as I gave her a death glare.

"Shh. Calm down. I am here." I mumbled in Alec's ear and hugged him tightly as I took him in my arms. He wrapped his arms around my neck while sobbing.

"Troy...I..." Kate mumbled anxiously.

I raised my hand up, stopping her, and gritted my teeth in frustration.

"Don't cry, my boy." I said softly, stroking Alec's back, trying to smooth him, and pulled back slightly.

I wiped his tears off his cheeks and placed soft kisses on each cheek. Seeing my son's crying made my heart sink.

"Leave us alone, Kate!" I demanded firmly.

When she wanted to say anything, I gave her a warning look. She sighed and left angrily, clenching her fist.

I carried Alec towards the bed and sat down on it. I placed him on my lap and stroked his hair gently, placing several kisses on his hair and forehead.

He leaned his head against my chest while gripping my jacket tightly. Meanwhile, I was stroking his back smoothly, holding my son tightly in my arms protectively.

When I looked at her, I saw him sleeping in my arms. I smiled tenderly and scooped him up in my arms carefully, trying not to wake him up.

I placed him on the bed and pulled the cover over his body. He sighed as he rolled over slightly. I smiled, leaning towards him, and placed a soft kiss on his cheek, stroking his hair gently.

***

I was checking my emails on my phone while waiting for Kate at the cafe.

"Baby, hi." Kate greeted me, giving me a smile, and placed a soft kiss on my cheek. I greeted her with a nod and forced a smile.

"What do you want to talk about? Is there any problem in the company? Your voice sounded serious." She asked as she took a sip from her coffee.

I cleared my throat as I entwined my hands on the table. "I..."

"Oh, I forgot to tell you. The wedding planner called me yesterday. She told me we need to go to the wedding locations and choose one. She has a few suggestions. I..."

"Kate, I want to break up." I interrupted her and said it all in one breath.

She looked at me with wide eyes, her mouth agape. "What?" She mumbled, her voice was barely audible.

"I want to break up. I am sorry, but I cannot continue it anymore." I replied, giving her an apologetic look.

"Are you kidding me?! We are going to marry in a few months, and you say to me you want to break up?!" She snapped in frustration as she clenched her fist.

I looked around, pursing my lips together as everyone was staring at us now. I breathed deeply and looked at Kate.

"I am really sorry."

"Is there someone else?" She asked between gritted teeth.

"No, it is just about me. I don't feel ready, and I have a lot of doubts about this marriage. Yes, we get along well, but something is missing in our connection. As much as I tried, but..." I shook my head without finishing my sentence.

"I understand you. You got cold feet because the wedding is getting close. If you want, we can postpone the wedding a few months later." She said hopefully as she grabbed my hand.

I sighed as I pulled my hand away. "Please, Kate. It will not change anything."

"Is it because of Alec?" She asked as tears ran down her cheeks.

I gulped nervously, looking at her.

Did she find out?

"You want to break up with me because I got angry at him. Believe me I didn't mean to. You misunderstood." She pleaded.

I sighed in relief. "It isn't about him, despite the fact that I totally don't approve of how you acted towards Alec. You frightened him." I shook my head, giving her a disapproving look. I sighed and continued. "It is just about me. I cannot continue it. Please, understand it."

She gritted her teeth as she grabbed her bag and stormed out without saying anything. I heaved a sigh, leaning back against my seat.

Rose's POV

I was going to my room when I saw Kate rushing into her room, crying. I called her, but she didn't stop. I went behind her, worried.

"Kate, what happened?" I asked, concerned.

"Troy.... He broke up with me." She replied as she burst out crying and hugged me.

I stood there, frozen. I cleared my throat uncomfortably and hugged her back without knowing what to say.

She pulled back and wiped the tears off her cheeks with the back of her hand.

"Troy loves me. I am sure. He is just scared. He got cold feet because the wedding is close. He loves me. Yes, he loves me." She stated, pacing back and forth in the room.

"Kate..." I mumbled in guilt.

As much as I tried to calm her, I didn't know what to do. It was because of me. Maybe, if I wasn't back, Troy would not break up with her.

"I am sure. He needs some time. We will be together again." Kate said confidently.

I pursed my lips together without saying anything, but her gaze was different; it almost gave me chills.