Chapter 2. He Was My Knight in Shining Armor

Lucas was a childhood friend who was studying in Chicago at the time. Because Penelope lacked companions, Lucas contacted her, and the two formed an inseparable friendship; they became closer. She had no idea Lucas was harboring affection for her at the time. He was present for Penelope’s agonizing battle, and when Lucas attempted to court her, all his efforts paid off. Penelope acknowledged his love, and the couple had been together for three years.

Lucas cradled Elijah while the toddler slept when they arrived at the automobile parked near the airport. Lucas motioned for Penelope to get into the car and told her not to worry about her child. Lucas carefully placed the sleeping toddler in the rear; Lucas handed Elijah’s favorite toy before closing the door and sitting in the driver’s seat.

When Penelope felt Lucas’s right hand interlaced with hers while his left hand was on the steering wheel, she grinned.“As delicious as ever.” When Lucas kissed the back of Penelope’s palm before starting the engine and driving through their neighborhood, her cheeks burned.“Thank you for being Elijah’s father over the years, Lucas, and u-uh, thank you for loving me...” Penelope rested on his shoulder, tenderly whispering.“You’ve just been out for six years, and I didn’t know you’d gotten more outspoken about your feelings,” Lucas chuckled suavely. Lucas taunted Penelope, who frowned.

She was going to move away from Lucas, but he stopped her. “I’m delighted you’ve matured and become more open. That is a positive development, and I am pleased with you,” Lucas added before looking at her with a teasing smirk.

“Did you fall in love with me again?”“Ugh! Just keep your side of the road and stop taunting me, please.” Lucas’s laughter filled the entire vehicle. Penelope looked in the rearview mirror and noticed Elijah dozing in the back seat.

She wished that this serenity would last forever.***“Are you sure that you are free today? Isn’t it a burden for you to look after Elijah while I’m gone? If you are too busy, I can tell Zayla and the girls that I can’t make it...” Penelope said.

Lucas chose the same apartment so he could approach the two and spend time with them when they arrived at their condominium. One of Penelope’s pals, Tiana, texted her.

They threw her a get-together party, and she told Lucas about it.

Lucas agreed and informed her that he wanted her to relax, that he would look after Elijah while she was gone, and that she should enjoy herself with her friends.“Of course, come here,” Lucas said, wrapping his arms around Penelope’s waist and encircling her. “Don’t be concerned about Elijah. I’ll look after him.”“Mommy, you’re right! Elijah will perform in such a way that Daddy Lucas is not distracted from his duties.” Elijah arrived on the scene with his customary vibrant energy.

“Well, I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Gentleman, please don’t overwork yourself.” Penelope swooped down on Lucas, who was staring at her adoringly.“If that’s what the Commander wants, I promise,” Lucas said as he removed his hands from Penelope.

“I love you,” Lucas said, planting a kiss on Penelope’s lips.“I love you, too,” Penelope replied as if she were a teen who had long been in love with her crush.“Come on, have fun with your pals.” Lucas even called a cab for Penelope. The two waved their hands at her before she left.

Penelope paired her carbon black cami with a dark wash, slender denim pants, and black pointed shoes. Because it was a bar, Lucas offered her a black coat, and she was fortunate to have a kind boyfriend like Lucas.

Zayla texted her when she arrived at the bar. As soon as she went inside, boisterous music began to fill the air. The atmosphere was energizing.“The evening’s star has arrived!” The voices of Zayla and the other girls drew Penelope’s attention. They encircled her and engulfed her in a warm, smothering laugh.“We missed you, babe! It’s been a while, and look at you; you’re just stunning!” Zayla exclaimed as she drew her to sit in their position.

Meanwhile, Dylan and his buddies were on the opposite side of the pub. His friends had already secured their preferred seating. Dylan had been looking for his next woman to entice.“However, weren’t you in the mood to lure your woman?” William inquired, handing him a drink of whisky.“Who says?” he asked, taking a shot.

He was ready to say something to taunt William when his gaze was drawn to a very familiar woman he wouldn’t forget.“Miss Penelope Miller? What exactly is she doing here?”

While fiddling with the new shot of scotch in his hands, Dylan couldn’t help but be fascinated by the woman; his gaze was fixed on Penelope, who was still lovely as before, but her contours had altered, and she had matured.“One of your fuckmates?” William inquired as to who appeared inebriated while massaging the woman on his lap.“Ex-girlfriend,” Dylan elaborated. His hazel almond eyes were locked on Penelope’s face, which was as alluring as ever. She grew even more. Her smile was as dazzling as the disco lights.

Dylan appeared to be stuck; he didn’t move and only watched Penelope. When he noticed the woman standing up, he cleared his throat and placed the glass of whisky on the tabletop. Penelope was giggling and gesturing to Tiana, one of their classmates, that she was leaving.“Maybe she’ll use the restroom. Ladies enjoy grooming themselves in front of the mirror.” Dylan whispered something that William couldn’t hear.“Did you say anything, brute?” William inquired, a mischievous smirk on his face.

Dylan rose up and shook his head. “Nothing, I’m going to smoke,” he said and left without responding to the other woman who offered to accompany him.

Dylan was correct. He noticed Penelope enter the restroom, and when she was finished, he pretended to walk around the corner and bump into her just to see her response.“Please accept my apologies. I didn’t intend to run into you—” Penelope was at a loss for words as she caught sight of the man she had run into, and she was astounded to see the man’s face, which she would never forget.

Her pupils dilated. Dylan was enthralled by what he saw; his lips curled into a smile, and he wished he could see more of Penelope’s reaction.“It’s been a long time, Penelope,” he smirked and said.

Penelope was at a loss for what to do at the moment; her heart was racing. Because of their encounter, she felt weak and out of breath.