Chapter 21
“What a crazy day,” Ash said, sinking heavily into the couch after they put the kids to bed. We were exhausted.
That morning, after father left the room, I didn’t know how he had managed it, but he took Nick and his family away from there. I noticed Nick glanced back at the house several times before leaving. Once they were gone and things were calmer, we changed the kids, had lunch, and returned to Los Angeles. Father still hadn’t arrived; I assume he was held up a bit.
“It seems fate insists on placing him in my path,” I said, sitting beside her. “I’ll have to be more careful with my children. Now that I think about it, I was somewhat careless. My father and Nick’s family have lived in the same environment for years; the likelihood of them knowing each other, even by name, was high p>
“I agree, the existence of the kids seems like a ticking time bomb, and the fuse is getting shorter every day.” Ash rested her head on my shoulder, and I sighed.
“I’m not going to deny that I’ve thought about the possibility of Nick discovering my children. When that moment comes, I’ll have to see the scenario and decide what to do. In the meantime, I’ll avoid it with all my might because I don’t want him or his grandfather near my babies p>
“You know I’m with you unconditionally.” She hugged me, and I hugged her back.
“You’re the best,” I said to her.
“I know,” she replied mockingly, making us both laugh.
“I’m going to get comfortable and relax. I don’t think I managed to do that today.” Ash stood up and walked towards her room on the second floor.
I headed to the kitchen and served myself some ice cream. I watced the garden as the wind rustled the leaves of the trees. I heard a noise and peeked out to see my father entering the house.
“Ali,” he said, walking towards me.
“How did everything go?” I asked calmly, taking a bite of my delicious red fruit ice cream.
He stopped. I offered him some of the desserts. He accepted and I proceeded to serve a cup for him. We sit on the furniture outside, overlooking the pool.
“I invited them to my favorite restaurant. After we left, things felt tense between Nick and me. I told them about a kitchen malfunction and that it was best to leave since the technicians would arrive soon. I had to apologize several times to Grace p>
“Nick’s mother,” I confirmed. He nodded silently. That was my signal that it was my time to talk.
I began to tell him everything, and my father just nodded and shook his head occasionally.
“I don’t want him to know about the kids now. I don’t want to expose them to someone who didn’t want them from the moment he knew about them. I want to protect them from that, I said.
My father looked ahead thoughtfully.
“They have you and Darius.” I shrugged. “It’s clear that our relationship isn’t great, but he adores my kids, even Aidan. You all love them unconditionally. They do not need anyone else p>
My father sighed. “It must have been very difficult for you, daughter.” I smiled at him.
“I’m not going to say it was easy, but I’m strong, and I managed to get up from that fall.” I adjusted my hair since it was all over my face, thanks to the wind. “You all made everything easier with your unconditional love. Well, shopping and trips helped, too,” I joked, making him laugh, but it was also true that after ending a relationship, dedicating time to yourself and distracting your mind with things you enjoy helps a lot.
“I’m glad, daughter. I’m glad to have been your support during those days.” He patted my hand.
“Now, I think this changes everything. If, as you’ve expressed, you don’t want him to see the kids, this company merger puts that decision at risk. We can withdraw and leave the project to them, thus reducing the probability of it happening.” I immediately shook my head.
“No, we won’t do that. We won’t lose this opportunity because of my issues, much less lose the project and leave everything in their hands. If it happens and Nick sees them, I’ll think about what to do at that moment. For now, I’ll do everything I can to prevent it p>
He inhaled, but his silence told me there was something else.
“Ali, I’ll agree with everything you do. You’re a great woman, an excellent mother, and you know perfectly well what decisions to make regarding yourself and the kids. Don’t get me wrong, but as a father, I don’t know how I would have felt if your mother hadn’t told me she was pregnant with you. Though I’m not saying you should do it, sweetheart p>
“It’s different, Dad. You decided to take responsibility as soon as you knew about my existence, while Nick knew he didn’t want them as soon as he heard about my pregnancy,” I said.
“You have a point, daughter,” he just commented, finally giving up and eating the ice cream that he just ignored earlier.
We arrived at my office, and my babies immediately headed to their playroom. I had been more discreet since Nick almost saw them twice.
“Tasks for today,” I said to Ignacio when he entered with the tablet in hand.
“Organize the logistics for the upcoming projects, meeting with Caro and Antonio, lunch with the Garnetts.” I looked up.
“Oh, the lunch,” I said with annoyance.
“I think it has taken too long to meet, Alaia. The start of the works is being delayed,” he stated.
“I’ll take care of it. I’ll ask Caro and Antonio to join me,” I said and made him leave already.
I sent a message to Ash, telling her she’ll go with me to that lunch.
When lunch came, I asked that Loli and my kids be taken home. We’ll go as soon as the meeting ends.
“Bye, Mommy p>