Chapter 18
“How about we grab something to eat and then head to the beach?” Ash asked as she reached me, catching her breath.
“I’m more than ready, “I said, taking her arm as my kids ran towards us. Aidan rushed ahead to wash his hands with Loli.
We returned to the table in the covered patio area, where everything was set for brunch. We eat happily, listening to the sound of the waves.
“Do you like it here?” I asked Noah while giving him some fruit.
“Yes, mommy.” He nodded, their cheeks turning rosy, making them look even more adorable.
“Mommy, beach,” Alana said pointing at the beach.
“We’ll go in a bit, but first, we need to get ready, okay?” My baby nodded, chewing on a piece of kiwi.
A little while later, we were getting the kids ready for the beach, applying sunscreen on them. Once they were set, Ash and Loli took them so I could change. As I put on my floral bikini and knit dress, my phone rang with a video call. I smiled, seeing Cedric’s photo on the screen.
“Honey,” I said, seeing him behind his desk in a white lab coat.
“Princess, you look more beautiful every time I see you,” he said, making me smile.
“Princess” is the nickname he gave me when he found out who my father was; he couldn’t believe it. “How are you? How are the kids? Have they adjusted p>
“I’m fine, busier every day. The kids are great; we’re heading to the beach now. I’m sure they’ve already forgotten about the UK. ” I laughed, picking up a brush to comb my hair.
“I can imagine. They’re still so young, and as long as they’re with you, any place will feel like home. I’ll be visiting soon. I’m sorry I can’t be with you right now; developing this new equipment has taken all my time, and the launch date is near,” he said and I just nodded. I understand that our work often keeps us from being with those we love.
“I understand, my love. I know how important this is for your company. I can’t wait for you to come; the kids will be so happy to see you. He laughed; he and the kids have the best relationship.
“How’s the new project going?” he asked curiously.
I sat on the bed.
“Well, I’ll have to work with the Garnetts.” I made a face, and Cedric’s jaw dropped.
“Wait, what?” He sat up straighter in his office chair. I proceeded to tell him everything that had happened.
“I think it’s a terrible idea to work with that piece of trash,” he said angrily, adjusting his chair.
“I know, but we’ve already committed time and money.” I exhaled. “And this time, I’m prepared to face him. The scales are balanced,” I said confidently.
“I know you can handle it, but I don’t want you to take any risks.” He paused. “The kids…” He leaned on the desk.
“He won’t see them. I’ll make sure he doesn’t find out about them while he’s here. Our relationship will be strictly professional, and I’ll keep him away from me and my babies this year p>
He nodded, though he didn’t look convinced. He turned to someone who just called him.“I have to go. We’ll talk later. Enjoy your beach day with the kids and hug them for me. See you soon, I love you, princess p>
“I love you too.” I smiled. I ended the call to finish getting ready. When I went downstairs, I found Ash in a sexy bikini and a beautiful sarong.
“You look stunning,” I said; Ash has a gorgeous figure.
“You’re not too shabby yourself, look at all those curves!” We both laughed. “I’m taking advantage of my dad being in Bosnia looking for me.” She twirled and we laughed again.
My father hasn’t returned since he left; Maybe he’s found his group of friends. We headed to the beach and enjoyed the water. My kids were happy, and so was I. We lay under parasols, and I started reading the book Loli was reading entitled “Bought a Husband.” It was a beautiful story, though I currently hate the protagonist, Aithana. My kids built sandcastles, and by noon, we returned to the house for lunch and relaxed on the loungers. My kids soon fell asleep. I gazed at the beautiful blue sky, thinking this was the perfect place to not think about anything. I sighed. Ash and I took advantage of the kids‘ nap to go back to the beach for a bit since the day was lovely.
“What a pleasure,” Ash said, coming out of the water.
“I love it here. We should do this more often,” I replied. “I’ll schedule our next weekends here; it inspires me more,” she said with a bright smile. I smiled back. I liked that idea. Time flies, and before we knew it, it was already 5 PM.
The sun began to set, and the breeze got cooler. We left the water. Ash went ahead, and I followed her up the stairs. I grabbed a towel and headed to the lookout, watching the clouds and waves as I dried my hair, feeling enchanted by the peace of the moment. Suddenly, a moving figure in the distance caught my attention. It was a man in white pants and a royal blue shirt, walking alone and tossing a few stones into the water. As he got closer, I took a few steps forward, realizing he was identical to”
“Ali, darling, get ready, we’re having a barbecue,” Elise called, making me turn to her.
“I’m in,” I said, smiling.
“Then come on.” She motioned towards the house, and I nodded.
I looked back to where the man was, but he was gone. It can’t be that I’m seeing him everywhere now.
My father arrived after we’d made dinner, and we enjoyed the evening together, playing board games while the kids played with their uncle “Ayan” until it was bedtime. Ash, Aidan, the kids, and I made a big bed with mattresses and had a sleepover, having fun until late at night.
The next day…
“Darling,” I heard my father’s voice. I opened my eyes groggily. Since the kids started sleeping through the night, I haven’t stayed up this late.
“Dad,” I said with my eyes closed.
“I forgot to tell you I ran into an old friend yesterday and invited her for lunch,” he whispered. I opened my eyes and saw him crouching, smiling at the mess we made last night.
“What friend?” I asked, thinking my mother wouldn’t like this.
“I met her here in Malibu many years ago, before you were born p>
“That’s fine, Dad, but we were planning to go out for lunch today. Ash and I had already planned it p>
“I’ll recommend my favorite restaurant then p>
“Sorry, I won’t meet your friend. I think my social battery is drained for the weekend,” I said, still closing my eyes. I heard him laugh.
“I love you, daughter. I’ll send breakfast up shortly; I hope you’re awake p>
“I love you too, thanks.” “Mommy,” a while after my father left, I heard Noah beside me, touching my face.
“Mommy,” I said again. I kept my eyes closed. He pressed my cheeks a bit more with his little hands.
“Mommy, mommy, mommy,” he whispered, and I continued pretending to sleep. “Mommy!” he said louder, starting to kiss my cheek repeatedly. I couldn’t hold back and started laughing, pulling him close and opening my eyes to see the sweetest smile right in front of me. His hair was all over the place, making him look even cuter.
I kissed him. repeatedly, making him laugh. My little Alana joined us, and I pulled her in with the other arm, showering them both with kisses. Their laughter was music to my ears. Ash and Aidan woke up, and Ash checked the time on her phone.
“We’ll have breakfast, and I think it’s time the kids learn to swim,” I said, watching them stand and jump on the mattress with Aidan as they brought our breakfast.
“That’s a great idea.” Ash sat up, and Alana fell onto her. The giggled. “Tell me, princess,
what’s your name?” Ash asked, holding Alana’s hands and helping her stand. She loves
hearing the kids say their names; it’s been a while since she last did.
“Lana,” Alana said sweetly.
“And you, my love, what’s your name?” she asked Noah.
“No–ah,” he enunciated, melting our hearts completely. She kissed them, showering them with affection. Our breakfast arrived, and we ate in the room before getting ready for our morning at the pool. We were more than ready. I decided to wear my beige bikini with a beautiful knitted sarong. Ash wore the same but in black. Of course, the kids had their matching blue swimsuits. My babies enjoyed the water, slowly learning to swim. They loved the game of jumping from the pool’s edge while we caught them in the water. Alana’s excited screams could be heard all around.
I decided to get some drinks and snacks for the kids. I dried off and walked towards one of the house’s side entrances to avoid the patio, where my father was likely with his guest.
I opened the glass door and turned to close it when someone grabbed me, pinning me against the wall. His body pressed against mine as I struggled, his hands trying to restrain me.
“Stop,” the man said, and I recognized his voice almost immediately.
“Nick p>