Chapter 49
Nick
My children finished dinner, and it was time to take them back home. The dogs remained their guardians, and I was glad about that. They had an instant connection, better than I could have imagined.
“We need to go home to Mom,” I told them once I got them out of their chairs. They both nodded, and Elise accompanied us.
“Goodbye, my lovely children,” Sophie said as she hugged them. Marshall is a bit more formal, though my kids have grown fond of both of them.
“Bye–bye,” they said, waving their little hands.
We headed to my car and quickly arrived at Alaia’s house. I held Noah’s hand and carried Alana in my arms.
“Good evening,” I greeted Paula and Loli, the children’s nanny. I looked around for Alaia, but she was nowhere to be found. I set Alana down and was ready to leave, but she grabbed my hand.
“Ik, stories,” she said, and I looked at her, not understanding what she meant.
“I don’t understand, my angel,” I said, getting down to her level.
“Loli, stories,” she repeated.
“Alana wants you to read her a story,” Loli explained, and I felt a pleasant sensation in my chest.
Alana led me, and Noah followed. I looked at Paula, waiting for her permission to go with my daughter. Only on the first day I came to see them was I allowed past the first floor of the house.
“Go with them, Loli,” Paula said, and Loli accompanied us.
We reached the children’s room, and it was everything one might expect.
“What story do you want Mr. Garnett to read today, sweetheart?” Loli asked my daughter.
“Duckling,” she said, jumping a little.
“Okay, duckling it is,” Loli started looking through the books on a shelf, but it seemed she
couldn’t find the one Alana asked for. Both children watched her closely. “It’s not here, darlings. I think it might be in Alaia’s room,” she said as she continued searching.
“Mommy,” Alana said to Noah. They both walked over to me, took my hand, and guided me out of the room.
“Here,” Alana pointed to the door next to their room, and I watched her. “Duckling, here.” She tapped the door with her small hand. I assume she was telling me the book was in there. She looked at me expectantly, and I knocked on the door. My two kids ran back to their room, leaving me confused. The door opened, and my body reacted quickly to the sight before me. I slowly took in Alaia’s form before either of us could react. I swallowed hard and was left speechless; it was the most perfect image I’ve ever seen. Alaia is still perfect.
“Nick!” Alaia shouted, searching for a silk robe to cover herself. “What are you doing here p>
she asked angrily, approaching me. I barely noticed Valentino with an amused expression on his face.
“Alana wants me to read her a story,” I barely managed to say, still picturing her skin in my mind.
“And?” She crossed her arms.
“The book is in here,” I pointed to her room and could only focus on her features. “She mentioned something about a duckling,” I pointed. She narrowed her eyes and went into the room. She returned with a small book in her hands.
“Make it quick,” she said, handing it to me. Our hands touched for a moment, and she pulled away as if my touch burned her.
“Alaia, I will find them, I promise,” I said because if our relationship had been complicated and cold before, the situation at home would have made it even more difficult.
She just looked at me seriously and closed the door in my face.
Damn, how I’ve missed her.
“Well, that was… interesting,” Alaia’s friend commented from inside the room. I was preparing to leave, but then I was intrigued. “Who would have thought the first one to see your wedding night attire would be your ex–husband p>
My back tensed, and my blood boiled.
“Ik,” the little angels called out, and I walked towards them, moving my neck to release the tension.
“He found it,” Loli said as soon as she saw me enter the room, but I couldn’t get Valentino’s words out of my head.
I left my kids at the house after reading to them and headed home. I could hardly focus on the damn book. I went up to my room and took a bath. I felt my member react again at the thought of Alaia, and I couldn’t stand the idea of Cedric being by her side. I have to stop that wedding at all costs.
I closed my eyes and remembered her skin, her curves, now more defined, her beautiful, round breasts. I didn’t want her image to fade from my mind.
“Nick!” I heard and opened my eyes. My mother closed the door to my office. I remained in my position, waiting for her to state her purpose.
“How is it possible that they don’t let me see my grandchildren?” she said angrily, raising both eyebrows. “I know you can see them, but you haven’t talked to me about taking me with you. You can’t just push me aside,” she said, touching her chest.
I watched her silently. Alaia told me about my mother’s visit, and I can understand her anger. Honestly, I hoped that after what Alaia said, my mother would stay out of it, but I see she doesn’t give up.
“I heard about your visit,” I said, straightening in my chair.
“And are you going to allow them to keep me from seeing the kids? To treat me that way? I can understand that she’s upset about what your grandfather and I did two years ago, but that should stay in the past,” she said indignantly.
“The past doesn’t just go away,” I know that well. “You’re not doing things right, Mom. I
imagine you also know that Killian threatened her to abort my children,” I said, and my mother opened her eyes wide but shook her head.
“Your grandfather couldn’t have done something like that; it’s impossible,” she said, pointing at me. It’s no surprise she doesn’t believe me. Killian has managed to deceive her very well, and the fact that she sides with him doesn’t even bother me anymore.
“Stop insisting on seeing my children, Mom. Stop pretending you care. I’ll make sure you never see them p>
“You’re a bad son,” she said furiously.
“I’m not going to mention your role as a mother. I just need to warn you that if you continue with this, I’ll make sure the money you receive monthly for your expenses decreases by 90%. It’s up to you. Your image will be affected when you can’t indulge in your monthly whims. Now, if you’ll excuse me,” I pointed to the door.
“I don’t know what I did wrong with you.” Her eyes were filled with tears as she left my office.
I exhaled deeply.
I looked at the folder on my desk once more.
In war and love…
“Was that Aunt Grace?” Will entered, looking outside. “She was a mess of tears p>
“Don’t believe her tears. It’s likely because I threatened to take away her luxurious lifestyle p>
Will stepped inside and shook his head, noticing the folder under my hand.
“You did it,” he said, sitting across from me.
“I had to. I need to delay that wedding. I haven’t managed to find out the date of the ‘big event,‘ but things between us couldn’t be worse. I’m sure if I tell her the truth now, she won’t believe me. I need to buy time, find a woman, make her believe in me again p>
“It won’t be easy. Alaia will be very, very angry. I’m surprised she hasn’t come to confront you yet.” Will crossed his legs.
“I’m sure she will, and I’m ready to face whatever comes. She already hates me. I feel it’s better she hates me than be indifferent to me.” I shrugged. “The important thing is that I’m going to screw Cedric,” I asserted, and Will laughed.
Alaia
“This came for you,” Ignacio entered my office with an envelope in his hands, and I proceeded to open it.
I started reading its contents without understanding what was happening. I read it again. It’s a copy of a document; the original is torn, judging by the cut lines crossing the copy.
I grabbed my purse, and the papers, and rushed out of my office. Ash looked at me as I was leaving.
“But woman, where are you going in such a hurry p>
“I’m going to see Nick,” I said, stepping into the elevator.
“I’ll come with you,” Ash went behind me. I breathe deeply. What kind of game is this?
Ash made us take the SUV with the bodyguards.
“What’s going on, sweetheart?” my cousin asked, and I handed her the papers. She read them and looked confused.
We arrived at the Garnett building, and I hurried inside. As it has become my habit, I head to the office without knocking. Nick’s secretary just watches me without saying anything.
“Can you explain what this means?” I threw the papers onto his desk. He looked at them and then at me.
“It means… you are still my wife, Alaia,” he said, leaning back in his chair.