Chapter 40
Alaia
“Alaia, Mr. Darius is here and has asked to see you,” Ignacio said through the intercom. I stopped paying attention to my laptop and frowned; it was usually my father who communicated everything related to Darius.
“Let him in,” I said, returning my gaze to the document on the screen.
“Good morning,” he greeted them as he entered.
“Good morning,” I responded, turning my chair towards the door. “How can I help you?” I asked, feeling curious.
“I won’t beat around the bush, Alaia. As you know, I’ve seen the children several times since I arrived in Los Angeles,” he said, approaching me.
I nodded in acknowledgment.
“I want you to allow me to visit them at home,” he said, and his request caught me by surprise.
“I feel it’s better to see them in a familiar environment like I did while they were in the UK,” he added, seemingly struggling with his pride, judging by his demeanor.
Even though our relationship remained distant, I must admit he hasn’t opposed any of my decisions regarding the company and has even accepted that I will take over in the future, despite being the owner of everything. He was the one who took his parents‘ fortune and built an empire.
“It’s clear that my children love and accept you as their grandfather, so I can’t deny your request. You may visit them as you did at the house in the UK,” I said.
“Thank you. I’ll come by later to see them.” He nodded seriously and left.
I exhaled, realizing that Darius made me see that my children were capable of melting the largest iceberg.
I spent a few more hours in the office until Ashley came to get me; it was time to go home. I counted the minutes until I could see my children. I haven’t heard anything from Nick these past few days–did he give up?
“Let’s go, darling. I left my new design pad at home; I have the latest sketches there,” Ash said, hurrying me,
“Why didn’t you send someone to get it?” I asked.
“I just noticed it an hour ago. It would take longer for someone to bring it than for me to get home,” she explained.
We heard a knock on the door, and I imagined it was Erika or Ignacio.
“Come in,” I said as I walked to fetch my coat.
“Good afternoon,” Nick’s unmistakable voice came from behind me.
“Good afternoon,” Ash responded, and I turned around.
“Good afternoon,” I said, walking to my desk. He followed me there.
“I want to see them,” he said in a tone that I couldn’t quite describe.
He handed me a folder, which I took with some distrust. I felt like I should sit down to read its contents.
It was a document in which Nick acknowledged the paternity of my children. Among other things, it stated that I must allow him to see them. I raised my eyebrows, surprised that it only took him a couple of days. Though I shouldn’t be surprised, it was evident he used his influence.
“I see you’re serious,” I looked up at him.
“I’m very serious, Alaia.” He looked me in the eyes.
“You can visit them this weekend, at which time we’ll organize your visitation schedule,” I said, closing the folder. Ash looked at me as if to say that I was terrible.
‘Well, I was just testing him, Ash, I thought to myself.
“I’m not here to play games. I want to see them today. We can organize the schedule this afternoon,” he said.
I exhaled and avoided rolling my eyes; it seemed that I couldn’t delay this meeting any longer.
“Fine, you’ll see them for a moment before we meet to discuss this.” I showed him the folder. “We’re leaving,” I stood up and grabbed my purse. “You know the way,” I said, passing by him.
“You’re quite something, Alaia,” my cousin whispered in my ear as we headed to the elevator. I didn’t see Ignacio or Erika, and now I understand why no one warned me that Nick had arrived.
We entered the elevator, and as we turned, I saw Nick enter behind us, his expression as serious as ever. Two other girls joined us; I think they’re from the sales department.
Both seemed impressed by Nick.
Ash nudged me discreetly, and I sighed softly. If only they knew what kind of person he is.
In the underground parking lot of my building, we looked for the car, and Nick headed to his SUV.
“You should buy a car, Ash,” I said as I started the engine, noticing my security team moving.
“And give up having you as my designated driver? No way,” she said mockingly, making me laugh.
“Seriously, you could go out more, and meet some guys,” I said.
“I’m not interested in dating a gay guy. What will happen when he sees my lady parts? He’ll run away,” she said, and I couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
We continued chatting cheerfully, and I occasionally saw Nick’s car following the same route as us. I didn’t know why, but I thought he’d disappear at some point; however, he didn’t.
“The unknown car belongs to Nick Garnett. Let him through,” I told the house security as soon as we arrived.
Nick
I entered the house, and I was sure that it had been a long time since I connected with my emotions, but today I must admit I felt a tingling in my stomach.
I climbed the stairs, and Alaia was waiting for me with her arms crossed. She had changed her heels into comfortable sneakers that still looked perfect with the beige suit she was wearing today. I couldn’t help but remember the time in college when she always wore comfortable shoes.
I reached her, and she reached towards the living room. I mimicked her movement to see the children sitting on one of the couches while the blonde and Asher talked to them.
“Come in,” she said reluctantly, and I followed her.
My heart pounded, my emotions were all over the place. I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this way or if I’ve ever felt like this at all.
My heartbeat only quickened with each step I took towards them. When I reached a reasonable distance from the couch where they sat close to each other, I observed them without missing a detail.
Alaia leaned down, smiled at them, and said something I managed to hear. She caressed their cheeks, and they smiled at her, leaving me paralyzed. My chest swelled, and an unknown emotion took over, bringing warmth to that place. I could barely digest what was happening to me.
“Nick,” Alaia said, stepping aside. I approached her.
“Someone has come to meet you,” she told them, and the little ones looked at me, then at each other, furrowing their small brows as they turned back.
I stood there, speechless, noticing the small similarities between them–their eyes, eyebrows, eyelashes. Noah’s hair is just like mine, and Alana has curls at the ends of her light brown hair. Their small, perfect hands resembled Alaia’s features.
“Hello,” I said almost breathlessly.
“Hello,” their small voices responded, and it seemed incredible to me that I was standing before my children. I could only observe them in silence, like a fool.
To my surprise, Alana held one of the stuffed animals I sent.
“I’m Nick,” I declared, and they just watched me. I know they were too young to understand who I was, but they’ll understand through my actions.
“Ik,” Noah repeated.
“Brave,” Alana showed me the doll.
“Brave, it’s a Disney movie,” the blonde who was always with them clarified.
I nodded towards her as Noah got off the couch and took some figures from a coffee table.
“They’ll be entertained for a while before their nap time,” Alaia explained, looking at her watch.
“We can talk now p>
Alana joined Noah at the table.
“She’s Loli,” Alaia introduced the blonde, “the children’s caregiver, the only person besides family members that I allow to stay with them p>
“And Cedric,” I said with annoyance.
“Cedric is part of my family,” she explained, and I snorted.
“Nice to meet you,” I said to the blonde, who just nodded.
Alaia’s brother came out of the office.
“This is Aidan, my brother,” she introduced the boy, who observed me with both curiosity and confusion.
“I’m Nick.” The boy extended his hand towards me, looking serious.
“I see,” he said, looking at his sister.
“Mami, play,” Alana said, reaching Alaia. I couldn’t even react to what they just said.
“Of course, my love,” Alaia said, picking her up. “Wait for me in the office,” she directed at me.
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to spend more time with them,” I said before she left.
She looked at me silently and then at the others, who were waiting for her response.
“Fine.” She sighed. “Follow me p>
Loli picked up Noah, and they went upstairs. Alana’s cousin and brother watched me until I disappeared up the stairs.
We entered a playroom decorated in soft colors. The children ran around the room, and I felt a pang in my chest, realizing I was just a stranger to them.
“I’ll be back soon,” Alaia said to someone who had come to fetch her, leaving me with the children and the nanny.
I focused on observing them while Lola played with them and occasionally included me in the conversations. The children seemed receptive.
“You must be patient, Mr. Garnett,” Loli said. I nodded after a sigh. It won’t be easy.
Aidan entered the room, carrying two bottles. He left them on a dresser and exited, not without looking at me first.
At one point, I saw Noah go for one of the bottles. He settled on the couch next to me and began drinking, quickly falling asleep. I watched him, mesmerized.
Loli turned and saw Noah.
“It’s nap time,” she whispered, and Alana nodded.
“Can you help me?” she asked, looking at Noah who was asleep. The blonde took Alana’s bottle and picked her up.
“Yes,” I stood up quickly, feeling unsure of how to carry him.
“You can do it. Place one hand on his back and head, and the other on his thighs and hips,” she instructed. With great care, I picked up my son, holding him close to feel his slow breathing on my neck. His small body felt warm against my chest, and something inside me broke, letting emotions flood through me.