Chapter 41
Alaia
“You realize you’ll have to see him more often,” said Ash. I knew it; that was one of the reasons I didn’t want him to know about them. Even if I denied it, there was a small chance this could happen, and I’d have to accept his presence in my children’s lives. I sighed. I just wanted to fulfill the contract and return to the UK to forget about Nick Garnett and his family.
“I know,” I exhaled and reached for a glass of water. I felt like it was better to give Nick this moment. If I entered the room, my babies would focus their attention on me.
“I have to accept whatever happens from now on if Nick decides to stay. The children are a big responsibility. Nick must prove to himself and to me that he can be the father my children deserve,” I said. I hid them for years and tried to keep him away, but it seemed that their connection was stronger.
“So, I was right. He is the father of my nephews, Aidan said seriously. My cousin and I turned to look at him.
“That’s right,” I said, approaching him and hugging him by the shoulders.
“I don’t like it,” he explained. Ash and I exchanged glances. “I’ll be watching what he does,” he said protectively. His words made me love him even more than I already do.
“I don’t like it either. I love you, little guy,” I said, kissing his head.
“Hey, I’m just a few inches away from catching up with you!” He stood up straight, and I raised my hands in surrender.
“I like your attitude, big guy,” said Ash, ruffling his hair. They hugged.
“I’ll go see them. My kids must be ready for their nap p>
I climbed the stairs to find Nick, but I stopped when I saw him coming out of the playroom with my son in his arms. I noticed how he wiped his eyes with one hand and then held Noah again. I watched in disbelief at how moved he seemed to be by being close to my children. I followed quietly and watched him carefully place my baby in bed. I observed his actions without saying a word. He took out his phone to take a photo. I think I couldn’t stop him, not after what I just saw.
“She fell asleep, I heard Loli say, and then I felt it was time to talk to him.
“Nick,” I said softly as I opened the door fully. I didn’t need to say anything more. He looked at them for a second before coming with me.
We walked together to the office, and I let him in. After closing the door, I walked over and picked up the folder to start reading its contents again, while I showed him the chair in front of the desk. I noticed he was sitting down with a tired sound.
“The surname, my children will continue to bear the Russell surname until you prove to me that you want to be by their side, that you won’t leave, and that this isn’t just a whim, only to disappear from their lives unexpectedly after they get used to you.” I observed him and saw him scoff. “It’s also important that they accept you p>
“My children are not a whim, Alaia.” He looked me in the eyes, and I looked back at the folder.
“I don’t want any member of your family near my children. Nobody; your grandfather is first on the list, and I think I don’t need to explain the reasons.” I fixed my gaze on him. “I also don’t want your mother near them.” Nick raised an eyebrow. “I had an encounter with her, and I don’t like her. Needless to say, Barbara can’t come near them either,” I ordered.
“I’ll buy a new house to take my children to, one that Barbara won’t have access to,” he said, and I was suddenly curious. I doubt a wife would accept that kind of behavior, but that’s not my problem. I just have to ensure the safety of Noah and Alana. “Regarding my grandfather and mother, I agree with you, I won’t let them see my children,” he assured, and I raised both eyebrows.
“As you can see, I don’t trust you, so I’ll be watching everything that involves my children and you p>
“It’s not an idea that displeases me,‘ he said with a smirk that managed to irritate me. I rolled my eyes.
“Therefore, Loli will always be keeping an eye on you during visits and will be present at any outings or meetings with you. I won’t allow you to hire anyone else for their care. I don’t want strangers near my children. That doesn’t exempt you from paying for the days she works for you. I believe you know that Loli is a well–prepared woman and earns much more than an ordinary nanny,’ I explained.
“Do you see me hesitating?” he questioned, continuing to look at me intently while I spoke.
“The visits,” I took a breath before saying what I was going to say, “will be in this house under the strict supervision of Loli or a member of my family if she’s not available. We’ll start two or three days a week. You’ll have to inform me before coming. It’s necessary for them to gradually adapt to you. After that, everything will depend on the relationship you build with them p>
“Why not every day?‘ he questioned, confused.
“Why not just one day a week?” I quickly responded. “I don’t want to impose your presence on them. As I explained, they need to adapt to you.” He didn’t like what I was saying.
“Is that all?” he questioned, standing up.
“No,” I walked around the desk and reached where he was. “I want to be very clear about
something, Nick. They might try to mess with me, confront me, or hurt me…” I looked him in the eyes. “I will face them without a doubt but if they try anything–no matter how small- against my children, I won’t hesitate to destroy everything that belongs to them,” I said firmly while Nick watched me seriously.
“I won’t tolerate anyone that would dare to touch our children,” he assured.
“I think we should consider today’s visit over,” I said.
“Do you think today’s visit was a visit?” he retorted, annoyed.
“It is, and if the children are asleep, there’s no point in us sharing the same space.” I crossed my arms.
“It wouldn’t be that easy, would it?” he stated, and I said nothing. “I’ll come tomorrow at 2:00
P.M.” He looked at me for a few seconds before leaving the office.
Nick
Frustration took over me as I left Alaia’s house. She was convinced that everything Killian said was true. She even thought that I would dump them again. That won’t happen.
As I was about to get into my car, a truck parked behind me, and a man quickly walked over to open the rear door. I saw Darius Russell get out of the car, and he soon noticed my presence.
“Nick Garnett,” he said, walking towards me. I shook his hand as he observed me in silence. “Of course, why didn’t I see it before?” he said, shaking his head. “It’s true, you’re their father, you’re the father of my great–grandchildren,” he said with false sympathy, the old fox.
“I am,” I said after a sigh.
He looked at the house, patted my back, and led me to a side garden at the entrance.
“I’ll get straight to the point, Garnett. I can’t imagine why Alaia went to the UK alone, just when she was pregnant with your children when it’s evident that you could perfectly take responsibility for my great–grandchildren and granddaughter,” he said seriously, but from afar, one might think he was being pleasant. “To which I see no problem, it’s possible my story with the children would not be the same if you hadn’t made a mistake, because it’s clear that you did.
“Mr. Russell,” I said.
“Let me finish,” he raised a hand, “and I imagine this separation also has to do with your grandfather p>
I looked at him, confused.
“Alaia and Killian had an unpleasant encounter at the company’s presentation gala. I suppose you remember that event p>
I fixed my gaze on him, feeling furious to know that Killian fixed an opportunity.
“Luckily, he didn’t manage to do anything against her. I’d like to know what Killian has against Alaia and the Russells.” I’d like to know that too. This insane obsession has crossed the line. “Oh well, I’ll find out at some point, but I want you to know that we are not a small enemy, and you won’t want to face us. I’ll put everything I have in my hands to protect my great–grandchildren and every member of my family. The warning goes for him and for you, too. I hope you know how to do things right, because as you can see,” he gestured around, “Alaia and my great–grandchildren don’t need you, and I’ll support any decision my granddaughter makes p>
Although the way he spoke hid a couple of threats, I found an ally in Darius–though he didn’t like me for now.
“I’ll let my actions speak for themselves regarding my children. I’ll be an ally to face Killian.” He looked at me, confused. I extended my hand and gave him a shake. “Have a good night, Mr. Russell,” I said goodbye, allowing him to digest my words, and headed to my car.