Chapter 40 - Knight in shining armor

Troy's POV

Suddenly, my phone rang again. I frowned in annoyance and grabbed it.

"As you see." I commented, sighing, and looked at the screen. It was Rose. "It is Rose." I informed my father quickly and picked up the phone.

"Hi. Did..."

"Daddy..." My heartbeats increased as I heard Alec's frightened voice and sobs.

"Alec? What happened?" I asked, worried. "Why are you crying?"

My father gave me a questioning look while looking at me, concerned.

"Grandpa is fighting with Mommy. He is shouting loudly. I am so scared. Please come." He begged in a low voice, sobbing.

"I am coming. Don't worry. Okay?" I assured him and grabbed my keys in panic. "Where are you?"

"In the closet in my room." He whispered.

"OK. Stay there. I am coming." I informed and stormed out, ignoring my father who was calling me behind me.

I pulled my car over in front of the gate as I saw Alec and Rose walking towards her car while she was pulling her suitcases. They turned around when Rose and my son heard the engine noises.

As soon as I got out of the car, Alec released his mother's hand and ran towards me. I bent down and hugged him tightly as I picked him up while placing soft kisses on his hair.

"It is okay. Everything passed. I am here." I reassured him, stroking his back gently while his arms were wrapped around my neck.

"What are you doing here?" Rose asked, confused as she approached me.

"Alec called me. He was scared because of the screams." I replied, giving her a compassionate look. She nodded, full of sadness in her eyes.

"Aunt and grandpa yelled at my mommy. I was so scared. I tried to protect Mommy, but he pushed me. I fell down." Alec said as his eyes welled up.

"What?!" I exclaimed and gritted my teeth in frustration while trying to control myself as much as possible. "Are you okay? Did you get hurt?" I asked, concerned and checked him.

"No, I am fine. He squeezed my mother's arm, shouting. He hurt her more." Alec informed.

I looked at Rose in worry; she averted her gaze, biting her lower lip.

"Are you okay, Rose?" I asked, worried as I hugged my son tightly in my arms and cupped her cheek.

"Yes. Don't worry." She mumbled, forcing a smile.

I breathed deeply, trying to calm down, and suggested. "Let's go. You will stay with me in my penthouse." When she wanted to refuse, I added firmly. "I will not let you stay alone tonight. It isn't up for discussion. Leave your car here. I will send someone to bring it to you tomorrow."

She sighed, nodding, and followed me as I walked towards my car, holding Alec in my arms protectively.

As soon as we got in my car, my phone rang. It was my father. He must be worried; I left abruptly without explaining to him anything.

"Excuse me." I said as I grabbed my phone. She nodded and leaned her head back against the headrest.

"Troy, why didn't you pick up your phone? I was so worried. What happened to Alec?" My father asked in panic.

"I am sorry, Dad. He is fine. They are with me." I assured him and looked at Rose. "I will tell you everything tomorrow." I added, running my hand through my hair.

"Fine. Take care."

"See you tomorrow." I hung up my phone and turned my gaze to Rose. "It was my father. When Alec called me, I was with him. I left in a hurry without managing to explain anything to him when I heard Alec's cries. I couldn't think straight and didn't tell him anything, rushing here. So he was worried." I explained.

Rose nodded and bit her lower lip. "I am sorry." She mumbled as she averted her gaze and looked at the mansion through the window.

"Rose, it isn't your fault." I stated, giving her a compassionate look. "I will not let anyone hurt you or my son even if it is your father." I added, squeezing the steering wheel angrily. She gave me a slight smile. I exhaled loudly and started the car.

I checked Alec in the rear-view mirror while driving my car. He was sleeping peacefully. I smiled, watching his angelic face. Then I turned my gaze from him to Rose; she was leaning her head against the mirror, lost in her thoughts. Seeing her sad made my heart sink.

I rested my hand on top of her hand on her thigh, getting her attention. I gave her a warm smile and squeezed her hand. She smiled as she entwined our hands. My smile widened, and happiness filled my heart by her gesture.

I carried my son to my bedroom while Rose was following me. I placed him on my bed carefully, trying not to wake up Alec and took off his shoes. I stroked his hair gently and placed a soft kiss on his forehead. Rose pulled the blanket over his body and stroked his little hand. Then we left the bedroom.

I grabbed her arm, stopping her after I had closed the door.

"How are you?" I asked softly and cupped her cheek, looking into her eyes.

"Better." She mumbled and sighed.

"It was because of the news, wasn't it?" She nodded. "I am sorry. I should be more careful about the paparazzi."

"It isn't your fault. And it hasn't been for the first time when we argued. It doesn't matter what happens, my father always finds something to get angry at me. But...Kate..." She shook her head, sighing. I gave her a questioning look. "We never were so close, but I didn't think she could think that I would try to seduce you when I tried to do everything for her happiness as much as possible" She ruffled her hair as sadness crossed her features. "I even was ready to sacrifice my own happiness." She shook her head, closing her eyes. "Nevermind. And my father... As always he thinks I am a big disappointment, nothing more. But trying to hurt my son was the last straw. I will not let anyone hurt him." She added firmly.

"I will always be beside you. You can rely on me. And I will do everything to protect both of you." I said, stroking her cheek tenderly as I closed the distance between us. "I love you, Rose." I confessed, leaning my forehead against her forehead.

"I... I love you too." She admitted, catching me off guard.

I didn't expect her to admit her feelings. I was surprised and ecstatic. It was a dream come true.

I grinned happily as I wrapped my arm around her waist, pulling her closer to me and brushed my lips against her soft lips.

I pulled back, smiling as I held her hand and led her towards my study room.

"Would you like something to drink?" I asked as I closed the door behind us.

"A glass of wine, please." She gave me a warm smile and sat down on the chair next to my desk. I nodded and went towards the bar cabinet.

I extended the glass towards her and sipped from my whiskey as I sat down on the chair opposite of her. She took a sip from her wine, ruffling her hair.

"I am planning to tell my mother about Alec tomorrow." I informed. "Of course, if she doesn't know. However, I want her to hear it from me if my father didn't tell her."

She breathed deeply and nodded, biting her lower lip nervously.

"Don't worry. She will be happy. She likes Alec so much." I gave her a reassuring smile as I squeezed her hand. "We should also tell your family the truth." I added, looking at her.

"I don't think it is the right time." She mumbled nervously as she stood up, placing her glass on the desk. "Especially now. My father and Kate are furious, thinking that I want to trap you." She added mockingly and rolled her eyes.

"Because of it, it is the right time. When they found out the truth, they wouldn't think we did wrong. We had met before I met your father and sister. They should know that I haven't stopped to love you. And we have a son. I want everyone to know that Alec is my son." I stated as I stood up, placing my glass on the desk and approached her. She pursed her lips together, thinking. "I want you and our son beside me. I want to see Alec and you when I come back home from the company. I want you to be the first person I see when I wake up." I cupped her cheek, looking her in the eyes.

"Troy..."

"I don't want to stay away from you anymore. I don't want to hide my feelings towards you. I want to tell the world that you are my woman, and Alec is my son." I declared, stroking her cheek gently, and crashed my lips against her inviting lips.