Emma nodded, satisfied with this answer, and went back to watching the baby sleep. Noah found Victoria in the kitchen making tea, looking more rested than she had in weeks. Emma wants to be Lucas’s sister, Noah said. Victoria smiled. I heard. She told me yesterday that she’s going to teach him everything important.
Reading, swimming, how to make the perfect grilled cheese. She’s very serious about grilled cheese technique, as she should be. Victoria’s smile faded slightly. Noah, we need to talk about what this is, what we’re doing. I know because it’s not just the two of us anymore. Emma’s involved. Lucas is involved. If we’re going to, she gestured helplessly.
Whatever this is, we need to be sure. Noah leaned against the counter. Are you asking me what my intentions are? I’m asking if you’re ready for what dating me actually means. The media attention, the scrutiny, the people who say you’re with me for money or access. Victoria’s voice was careful. I need to know you’ve thought about it.
I’ve thought about nothing else for weeks. And, and it terrifies me, Noah admitted. The attention, the judgment, the chance that this could blow up and hurt Emma or Lucas, all of it scares the hell out of me. Uh, Victoria’s face fell. So, you don’t want Ish. Um, I’m not done. Noah moved closer. It terrifies me, but I want it anyway.
I want you. I want this weird, complicated family we’re building. I want Sunday mornings with spit up on my shirt and Emma teaching Lucas completely inappropriate songs. I want all of it. Victoria’s eyes filled with tears. Even though it’s going to be a disaster sometimes, especially because it’s going to be a disaster sometimes.
Perfect is boring. Give me messy and real any day. Victoria laughed through her tears. You’re ridiculous. You like it? I really do. She kissed him and it felt different from the tentative kiss at Christmas. This one felt like a promise. They were still kissing when Emma appeared in the doorway. Gross, she announced.
Also, Lucas is awake and probably needs his diaper changed. Victoria pulled away from Noah, blushing. I’ll get him. After she left, Emma looked at Noah with raised eyebrows. So, you’re dating Victoria now? Looks like it. Good. She needs someone to make sure she eats actual food instead of just coffee. Emma grabbed a juice box from the refrigerator.
Also, you’ve been sad for a really long time. Dad, it’s good to see you not sad. Noah pulled Emma into a hug. When did you get so smart? I’ve always been smart. You’re just now noticing. The official announcement came 2 weeks later. Not because they wanted to make it public, but because photographers caught Noah leaving Victoria’s house at 6:00 in the morning, and the speculation exploded.
Billionaire CEO Victoria Sinclair, Dating Foundation director, read the most polite headlines. The others were more invasive, questioning everything from the timeline to Noah’s motivations to whether the relationship was appropriate given their professional connection. The foundation’s board called an emergency meeting.
Noah sat in the conference room feeling like he was on trial while seven people in expensive suits debated his relationship like it was a line item on a budget report. The optics are concerning. What? One board member said it appears as though Mr. Bennett leveraged his position to pursue a relationship with Ms. Sinclair.
I or it appears that two adults developed feelings while working together, Victoria said coldly from the head of the table, which is what actually happened. Nevertheless, there are questions about propriety. Then, let me be clear. Victoria’s voice could have cut glass. Noah and I are in a relationship.
This doesn’t change his role at the foundation, his qualifications, or his commitment to the work. If anyone has a problem with that, you’re welcome to resign from this board. Barramit. The room went silent. David Reeves, who’d been quiet until now, leaned forward. Victoria, we’re not questioning your personal choices, but there are legitimate concerns about how this looks. The foundation is still new.
We can’t afford scandals. This isn’t a scandal. It’s a relationship. Victoria looked around the table. Noah has built something remarkable in 6 months. The programs he’s developed are helping real families. The partnerships he’s formed with community organizations are exactly what we need. His personal relationship with me doesn’t change any of that.
It changes the perception, Reeves argued. Then we change the narrative. We’re honest about it. Victoria’s expression was firm. I’m not hiding this relationship and I’m not apologizing for it. If that’s a problem for anyone here, say so now. No one spoke. Good. Then we moved forward. Next item on the agenda. After the meeting, Noah found Victoria in her office staring out the window.
You didn’t have to defend me like that. Yes, I did. They were treating you like you did something wrong. Victoria turned to face him. I’m tired of letting other people dictate how we live our lives because they’re uncomfortable with things that don’t fit their expectations. Your board could make things difficult.
