Submitting to My Best Friend's Dad by Scarlett Rossi
Chapter 424 -

*Elena*

To take a step forward, sometimes you have to take a step back. That's what I'd learned as I watched Giovani's soft lips kiss Olivia before, peppering them across her face in pure joy.

I didn't join the celebration after the positive pregnancy test, even after the offer, for a very good reason.

I hummed softly in tune with my heels as they clicked on the pavement leading up to the mansion. The red skirt of my dress fluttered around my thighs with every stride. It matched the color of my lips perfectly as I smiled politely at the setting sun.

The fabric had yet to stretch around my soon-to-be swollen stomach, but it wouldn't be long before I wouldn't be able to wear such beautiful clothing. I had barely convinced Olivia to buy the matching dresses, but luckily she was still so young.

I glanced at the mismatched shrubbery on either side of the walkway heading to the gate, sneering at the uneven trimming. That would have to be fixed first thing.

I paused in front of the large gate just outside the mansion, smiling brightly as I tapped my knuckles against the sleek wood. Soon, I wouldn't have to wait for the guard to enter, I thought, a curl of excitement wrapping around my heart. I heard the sound of someone approaching. All the extreme security measures they had on the property seemed excessive to me, but I knew Gio was a cautious man-my apartment neighbors had let it slip that someone had been asking around about me. There was no one else it could be, after all.

Though not necessary, I had to admit if he was curious about me, he could've just asked me anything he wanted, and I would've answered. But that shy side of him was cute too.

I feigned my usual softness, relaxing my body as the guard approached. Recognizing me from before, he let me in, and I trotted confidently toward the mansion's front door. My knock was soon answered by one of the maids I didn't recognize -short and squat and clearly not Italian by her darker skin and Hispanic features.

"Hello," I chirped, giving my best smile. "I'm Elena. Olivia asked me to come over."

The woman frowned, tilting her head, and I saw her eyes glance me up and down as she hesitated. "Senora is not here," she said, a hint of suspicion in her eyes. By the heavy accent in her voice, she was Spanish.

"I know," I giggled, feigning innocence. "She's on a date with her husband, right? She told me to wait here for her. I'm a bit early, I know, but I figured it was better than late. I don't mind waiting."

I laid a hand gently over my flat belly, too early to be showing, but by the way her eyes flew wide open, she was clearly aware of who I was now.

"Si, si, senorita." The woman, who I had a sneaking suspicion was the famous Maria, quickly ushered me inside, acting much like a mother hen.

I stepped inside the hallway, breathing in deeply as I glanced at the chandelier above. The light from the windows poured through, creating an illusion of colors as they reflected and danced upon my skin.

"Thank you so much, Miss Maria," I smiled at the Spanish woman, whose eyes widened at my use of her name, "I don't want to take too much of your time. You must be busy, after all, so I'll just wait in the living room, if that's okay."

"Ah, si." Maria smiled, all of her suspicions having been left behind like a snake shedding its old skin. She pointed to the left, and I thanked her again, making my way to the room.

I glanced over my shoulder, watching as Maria disappeared into the kitchen. I pivoted on my heels, changing directions easily as I headed not into the living room but up the staircase and down the empty hallway.

It was the last door at the end, I remembered from the tour a few weeks ago. I'd never gotten to see inside due to Gio's insistence, but they wouldn't mind just a peek.

Not with the baby in my stomach.

The metal door handle was cold, and I turned it, quietly pushing open the door and sliding inside. If Maria came back, hopefully, she'll think I went to the garden or something. It didn't really matter.

The door shut behind me, and I leaned my back against it, taking a small breath as I glanced around the room... not just a bedroom as I expected but a luxury suite hidden right behind a simple little door.

I hummed, taking in my surroundings. I let my hand trail against the fabric of the white L-shaped couch, rounding into the little sitting room. The fireplace was empty, not having been used in months, it seemed.

On top of the marble stones were little knick-knacks, including a photo of Olivia and Gio taken at what seemed to be a garden filled with roses but not their own... Giardino Delle Rose, I thought. Other photos of the two together peppered the suite in between the simple and nearly bare surroundings. I twisted my mouth unhappily. This was how they were living when the rest of the house was decorated to the nines?

There was nothing expensive decorating the walls, just sentimental junk. Even the plant in the corner lacked any flowers; it was just too plain.

Average.

I had no doubt this was due to Olivia. She seemed like the kind of girl to expect simple things, even forcing Gio to live like this just for her own comfort-a bit selfish, if you asked me.

I made my way to the next door, opening it wide. The bedroom was a little better, but not by much. The king-size bed was exactly what I expected from someone of Gio's stature. I did hate the neutral coloring, however, but it could be repainted.

To the left was an open doorway, and I peeked inside, a smile curling up my lips as I found the walk-in closet. One side was filled with an endless rack of suits and male formal wear, the other with designer dresses.

I ran my hand against the various fabrics, pausing at the ones that felt best to me and taking note to ask Olivia to borrow them. It would look better on me anyway.

But the real prize was on the other side. I smirked, running my hands up the soft suits. I leaned forward, breathing in the scent that lingered... woody and addicting.

But time was not on my side today, and I knew I couldn't linger here any longer.

"Don't worry," I smiled, rubbing a hand along my belly. "It won't be long, baby."

It would be our room soon enough.

I slipped out of the suite, making my way down the hall when I heard voices from the entrance speaking in low tones.

I hurried down the stairs and as I turned the corner, Gio's gorgeous visage came into my eyes. He turned to me, a little frown on his lips, and I beamed, tucking my hands behind my back as I resisted grabbing him into a hug. But of course, he was never alone, was he?

"Elena!" Olivia broke our gaze, jumping forward with a worried look. "Are you okay? Maria said she left you in the living room, but you weren't there. We were just about to go looking for you."

"That's right," Gio's eyes flickered in the direction I had just come from, a suspicious look in his eyes as he narrowed them on me. "Where were you?"

"I just had to go to the bathroom," I lied easily. "But I got lost and forgot if it was upstairs or down. I'm usually not so forgetful, but I guess the hormones are getting to me already."

I hoped they didn't catch a glimpse of the silver on my tongue, but Olivia was a trusting woman. She wouldn't suspect the woman carrying their child.

"Oh, the best one is upstairs actually," Olivia said, relief sliding onto her features. "I can take you there."

"No need." I giggled. "You mentioned that every guest room had a bathroom, so I just used one of those."

"Oh, okay," Olivia paused, a weird look on her face as she tilted her head. A bead of sweat dripped down the back of my neck.

It was a believable excuse. Even if Gio didn't buy it, the simple-minded Olivia should've. So why did she look so awkward?

"That reminds me, I needed to talk to you about the baby," I distracted her with a perfectly timed smile. "Could we sit down, if you don't mind?"

"Of course," she shook off the weird look, beaming as she grabbed my hand and led me back to the living room. A breath fell out of my mouth as I followed her. I could feel Gio's eyes on my back, watching me like a hawk.

As soon as we settled into the living room, the two took up the couch as they curled together and unfortunately left me to sit in one of the chairs.

"I was just wondering how involved you wanted to be with the pregnancy?" I asked with a patient smile. "It's still in the early stages, but I figured we should talk about this sooner than later down the road."

"What do you mean?" Olivia frowned. "We're going to be involved, of course. We wouldn't just ignore you and the baby until it's born!"

"That's not what I meant," I said, soothingly. My gut clenched in envy as Gio's large hand rubbed circles on her back, his eyes adoring her. "I just meant that some parents like to be more involved than others. Of course, there are the basics like doctor's appointments and meetings, but some surrogates even live with the parents until the birth date to make the pregnancy easier."

My smile was polite and professional, any hidden motives securely hidden behind my eyes as I played the part of the caring surrogate. I surveyed their reactions, portraying nothing but kindness.

The two looked startled.

"They do?" Olivia asked, a look of discomfort crossing her face. "I had no idea that was an option."

"Of course it is," I pushed a little further, keeping my tone even, "But every couple is different. If the idea makes you uncomfortable, that's okay too. Some parents like to be less involved in the process until the baby comes. The decision is totally up to you."

Olivia flinched, a wounded look crossing her face, just as I predicted it would.

"Well, that's not-" She hesitated. "Of course, we want to be involved, but living here is... that's-"

"I'm sorry," I said, frowning. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I just wanted you to know all your options now that I'm pregnant. I can manage on my own if that's what you want."

If possible, her face fell even more, and her mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water, struggling to say something, anything. Put on the spot, there was no way she could say no now... or so I thought.

"We understand," Giovani interrupted, sending me a scathing glare. I flinched, shrinking under his gaze as he held Olivia protectively in his arms. "We will discuss the matter privately. If that's all, Miss Greco, I think you should leave." My jaw snapped shut at the sound of my last name.

"You're right," I immediately said, sending Olivia an apologetic look. "I'll talk to you later after you decide. I didn't mean to put any pressure on you. This is your decision as parents of the baby."

"Yeah," Olivia said shakily. "I'll see you later."

There was conflict in her eyes, and I smiled, nodding to her as I made my way out. I hummed softly, my body singing with victory as I left the mansion and the couple.

I paused, sparing the huge, beautiful building one last look before I went on my way. I patted my stomach softly, a smile on my lips. I was both hopeful and confident that soon, I wouldn't be living in my simple little apartment anymore. Soon, the mansion would be my home.