Chapter 45
Alaia
“Mother of love!” Tino exclaimed from the screen as I turned around to show off the dress I’ll be wearing tonight. “Look at that derrière, that waist, and those boobs.” He placed his hands on his chest, mimicking a pair of breasts.
“You look stunning, darling,” Ash commented.
“Well, I want to look like that, too, when I have my kids, hopefully, two at once.” Tino flipped his imaginary hair back. “Without killing myself at the gym, though p>
“Honey, you won’t have to lift a finger, even if you have ten kids,” my cousin reminded him.
“Don’t kill my dreams, damn it.” He grimaced.
They showed me how my wedding dress was coming along, and I must say that I love it. It was a design fit for royalty. What woman doesn’t want to dress like a princess? When we finished with the dress, they asked about the kids and didn’t add anything upon learning they were with Nick; they told me Ash was staying at Tony’s apartment while Tony and Tino stayed at my cousin’s house.
“I’m alarmed by what Ash told me, woman. You have to test the water before buying it. How have you not slept with that hunk of a blonde guy? What if he turns out to be a disappointment or something like that? Imagine the tragedy; you’d have to file for divorce the next day,” he said dramatically.
I bite my inner cheek. “I don’t think Cedric is like that, darling p>
“I assumed everything was perfect between you two, but are you sure you love your future husband? If I were his fiancée, I’d have already packed a couple more kids by now. Oh, I don’t know, darling, if I were you, I’d get ready or send him to me, so I can test him out,” he touched his chest and fluttered his eyelashes flirtatiously.
“Tino!” we scolded him.
“Well, the convent is looking for novices; I think you’re perfect material, surely they’re already closed off,” he said, lifting the duster.
“Oh, come on, Tino!” Ash and I shook our heads, but we couldn’t help but laugh.
“We’ll travel next week, we’ll sort that out, I’ll get prepared, I’ll also bring your dress, and we’ll do fittings,” he said excitedly.
We continue talking about what they’ve had to do to keep Ash from being seen in the UK until it’s time for me to leave.
“Now go, go show off that beautiful figure to that poor man you’re keeping on bread and water p>
Tino checked the time, and it was just when my mother knocked on the door to tell me it was time to go.
I read Elise’s message, saying my kids were still asleep. Knowing that, I left my room to head to dinner.
Nick
I watched my kids as they ate. “Strawberries.” Alana lifted a strawberry and quickly put it in her mouth; she’s adorable.
“They’re beautiful, sir.” Sophie smiled, looking at them.
“Yes, Sophie, they are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” I said, unable to take my eyes off them.
“Where are my nephew and niece?” We heard Will from the entrance.
My kids curiously looked towards the voice of my cousin.
“There they are,” he said enthusiastically as he reached the dining room and leaned near their chairs. “Nick, it’s like seeing you as a kid.” He looked at Noah, and I couldn’t help but smile. I like hearing that.
“Look at this little cutie,” he said, looking at Alana. “Hi, I’m Uncle Will,” he introduced himself between them.
“Uncle Uil,” Noah said, and William looked excited.
“That’s right,” he said, gently ruffling their hair.
“And what are Beast and Cupcake doing inside the house?” he asked, petting their heads while they lay on the floor at my kids‘ feet.
“They haven’t left their side since they saw them.” I shrugged, the dogs refused to leave my kids, and they insisted on being with them“, now they can come in and out of the house as they please,” I said.
“You finally decided to end that marriage.” He made air quotes and took a piece of strawberry cake Sophie prepared.
“You know it had an expiration date. I just anticipated it. There were still matters to resolve with Barbara, but I’ll do it without continuing the pretense. My kids and Alaia’s return changed everything,” I said after exhaling.
“Grandfather… he has already found out about the separation. He must be planning
something against you. He’s furious. He called to threaten me, he said everything would return to his hands and told me to enjoy it while we could. Too bad for him. He won’t be able to do anything I’ve made sure of that p>
“I know he won’t.” He nodded.
After the kids finished eating, we went out to the patio. I introduced Elise to Will. She’s a kind woman, though she doesn’t talk much, she just focuses on reading a book she brought.
Meanwhile, for the first time in a long time, I had fun playing with the dogs and my kids.
Hearing their laughter gave me an indescribable feeling.
At some point, I noticed the kids‘ energy waning. It was nap time.
I carried both of them in my arms to their room. The dogs followed us as they had all afternoon. Something inside me melted when I felt Alana and Noah resting their little heads on my shoulders. Elise helped me settle them in bed. We gave them their bottles, and they quickly fell asleep; Beast and Cupcake settled near the bed, and we all stayed with them, watching over their sleep. Will talks about the company in a low tone; it’s hard for me to part from them, knowing I only have a few hours.
Almost three hours later, they woke up, and I continued to play with them. We had dinner, and I tried to understand their words until it was time to say goodbye.
“We’ll go with the bodyguards,” Elise said.
“No, I’ll take them,” I said, holding my kids‘ hands.
“I’ll see you soon.” Will leaned down to the kids.
“Bye–bye, Uncle Uil,” Noah said, and Will smiled broadly. Seriously? He barely knows him and already calls him uncle. I snorted, and Will laughed.
“See you at the office, it was a pleasure to meet you, Elise,” he said goodbye to her and headed to his car.
We arrived at Alaia’s house, and I led my kids by the hand. Elise let me into the living room, where I saw Cedric holding Alaia by the waist. I breathed a sigh of relief seeing them like that. I tilted my head as I noticed him kissing her cheek; they were gathered in the dining room.
“Mommy!” Alana shouted as soon as she saw her, and Alaia quickly turned to walk towards us, followed by the blonde i***t.
“Sweethearts,” she said, and they ran to her, hugging and showering her with kisses. I watched the mother of my children interact with them until I felt Cedric’s gaze on me, so I looked at him without flinching.
“Thanks for bringing them,” the blonde spoke, and I frowned, smirking. Who did he think he was to thank me for bringing my kids?
Alaia noticed our positions and rolled her eyes. “I don’t want to hear another argument between you two, I don’t care that you’re my fiancé, and you’re the father of… my children,” she pointed at each of us“, I won’t allow you back in this house if you keep acting like a pair of idiots,” she said firmly.
“Alaia,” Cedric called.
“Anything to object to?” Alaia placed her hands on her hips, and I crossed my arms, waiting for his response.
“It will be as you wish, darling.” He kissed her cheek and left, giving me one last look. Son of a b***h.
I take a breath and lean down to say goodbye to my kids.
“Bye,” Alana said.
“My girl, I’m Dad,” I said, and they both looked at me. Alaia remains silent, waiting for the kids‘ reaction.
“No, no, no, no, no “she shook her little finger in a negative gesture, and although I wish it were different, I find Alana’s reaction both cute and funny.
“It wouldn’t be so easy, “Alaia said proudly.
“She wouldn’t be my daughter if she did, “I said, looking at the one responsible for my daughter’s behavior.
“We’ll walk you to the door “Alaia’s subtle way of asking me to leave.
I nod and am surprised to feel Noah’s hand take mine. I walk with him while Alaia carries
Alana. At the door, I stopped abruptly, turned halfway, and almost collided with Alaia. I have to hold her to keep her from losing her balance, our faces close. I swallowed a lump in my throat, feeling her so close.
“You look beautiful,” I said, very close to her lips, and she quickly pulled away from me.
“Thanks for bringing them and taking care of them,” she responded quickly.
I nodded and kissed my kids‘ heads before leaving the house. Once Alaia closed the door, I walked to my car, slamming the door shut. I couldn’t keep denying it; it was killing me to know that the woman I love walked beside a man who wasn’t me.