Chapter 39
Nick
“I have two children, I just found out,” I said. The woman covered her mouth with her hands. I recounted what happened without giving significant details.
“Understandably, she refuses to let you see your children,” the woman said, “and she asked you to prove that you care about them. The lawyer’s decision seems a bit drastic to me,” she added.
“I won’t be able to get close to them if I can’t see them,” I declared, looking at the trees. “It’s been two years… I’ve lost two years, counting the months the children grew in Alaia’s womb.
I’m not that patient,” I expressed. She just nodded.
“For now, you could approach them in another way,” she explained. I turned to look at her with interest. “You can show their mother that you care about the children by sending them something special,” she suggested, raising an eyebrow in her direction.
“A gift of something they like.” I frowned. I have no idea what they like, and I don’t think Alaia will tell me if I call her. I thought for a moment. “I don’t know, the last day I saw them, the boy was wearing a video game cap, and the girl had a lilac cap,” I explained.
“Perfect,” she said, placing her hands on her chest, looking excited. “I have a teenage grandson and a great–granddaughter who loves Disney princesses. I know someone who can make something very nice for them. Do you trust me?” she asked with enthusiasm.
“Yes.” I believe.
“I’ll be right back,” she said, walking to the house and returning after a few minutes. She showed me the options on her phone.
“One of each.” I pointed to the dolls, and the older woman widened her eyes. “I don’t know which they would prefer, they should have all the options to choose from.” I paid with my card and gave the names of the children–my children.
“I want them delivered this afternoon,” I ordered, and she looked surprised.
“I’m not a patient person, as I’ve already said, Sophia,” I said.
“I understand, sir,” she nodded, smiling.
“I’ll inform you when the little ones have received their gifts,” she said and left when she saw me nod.
After lunch, I went to the office in search of a photo of the newborns. I covered Cedric’s face with my finger and focused on the three of them.
“Nico, dear,” I heard from the living room. It’s Barbie. I put the photo away and went out to see what she wanted now. “There you are,” she said as soon as she saw me. “Do you know anything about your mother? I was supposed to meet her at the club this morning, but she didn’t show up p>
At that moment, Sophia appeared, smiling, but she stopped when she saw Barbie. She just nodded, and I understood that my children had already received their gifts. I turned back to
Barbie as she turned around.
“I called her, but she didn’t answer. I’m worried,” she said, raising both eyebrows. “You know I adore Grace, Nico p>
“Good afternoon, Marshall.” My mother entered, walking quickly as soon as she saw me.
“Nicholas Garnett, you’re going to explain to me right now what you’ve done to your grandfather,” she spoke angrily. “I just left him at the hospital because you’ve left him there in his blood.” She pointed to her face. “Where did I fail? I’ve never been able to understand you, but this has crossed the line p>
“You’ve never understood me because you never took the time to listen to me. You always backed my grandfather, allowed him to move the pieces as he pleased, and never thought about your children,” I exploded, tired of her only caring about Killian.
“Your grandfather has taken care of me since my parents died and has continued to take care of us since we lost your father. He’s done a great job; you are the man you are thanks to him p>
My laugh sounds hoarse. “My grandfather wasn’t the one who made me who I am, it was my father,” I reproached her. “Don’t try to make me believe that my grandfather is good. He only manipulated you to merge the company you inherited with his p>
“Don’t talk about your grandfather like that p>
I inhaled, exasperated. “He told me you have two children, the poor man is delirious,” she said, shaking her head.
“He’s not delirious, I have two children, Mom,” I declared, and my mother blinked in surprise, just like Barbie.
“How is it possible that you have children, and I don’t know about that?” She looked at Barbara, who immediately stepped back, raised her hands, and shook her head.
“Did you betray your wife?” She glared at me.
“No, mother. Do you remember my secret wedding four years ago p>
“How could I forget? I almost had a heart attack when I found out. I remember your grandfather talking about that girl, saying she wasn’t up to our level, that you couldn’t continue with her. She must have been a gold digger p>
I laughed, thinking that now, Alaia has as much or more money than we do. “I’m glad you remember because that girl has two children, and they are mine p>
“What are you saying? Oh my God, how could something like this happen to us? We need to do something immediately. You must take the children if they are yours.” She paced back and forth. “This will mean a huge scandal for our family. We need to do damage control and manipulate everything, so this news doesn’t go public p>
“Enough, Mom!” I said, and she stopped to look at me. “You won’t do anything against the mother of my children, and you should know that I don’t give a damn about this family and what might happen p>
“Don’t talk to me like that, Nick… you should allow me to see those children, do the tests to confirm they are yours p>
“You won’t see my children,” I snapped. “I don’t want you or Killian near them, understand?” I said in a firm voice.
“That woman could be lying p>
“Understood?!” I spoke louder, and both of them flinched.
“I can’t believe you’re treating me this way. I only want the best for you. Your grandfather is right; you’re out of control p>
I showed a gesture of annoyance. “Calm down, Grace.” Barbara hugged her and took her away with her.
“You shouldn’t talk to your mother like that. You can’t even be sure p>
“Barbara!” I didn’t let her finish whatever she was going to say.
“What did Josh say?” Will questioned,
“He’s processing the children’s paternity. I’m waiting,” I responded.
“I never imagined a guy who dislikes kids would have children,” he said.
“We never really thought about having them. We took precautions. I don’t know when I stopped liking kids, but now, that doesn’t matter. I just want to see my children p>
“Damn, Nick, I think it’s because of the way you loved your ex. Now, knowing you have children with her has changed the way you see many things p>
“Loved?” I asked, and Will looked at me.
“Sir, your lawyer just arrived,” Kathe spoke over the intercom.
“Send him in,” I ordered.
“Nick,” he said as soon as he saw me.
“Josh,” I stood up, shook his hand, and proceeded to introduce him to my cousin.
“What do you have for me?” I asked, and we sat down.
“The paternity process and voluntary declaration of paternity for the children are complete. They will have your last name, and you can start visiting them. You must assume financial responsibility, and present them as your children. Your obligations are detailed in the document. This process could have taken longer, but as you requested, I got some contacts to make it happen in a few days.” He handed me a folder.
“You need to talk to the mother, agree on visitation details, and other aspects you will start assuming as a father. If Miss Russell refuses, we will have to take the case to a judge p>
“Understood. Thank you, Josh. Kathe has transferred your fees just now,” I said, looking at my phone. I just saw the p t confirmation in my email.
“It’s been a pleasure. I’ll be available for anything you need, Nick, Will,” he said and bid us farewell.
Without waiting a second, I grabbed my jacket and headed out of my office.
“I won’t ask where you’re going because it’s more than clear.” My cousin stood up. “Go, I can’t wait to meet those little ones, but for now, I think this moment should be just yours.” I nodded and left my office.