Chapter 82
8 Months Earlier
Alaia
I adjusted my elegant hairstyle in the mirror of Cedric’s parents‘ house. We were visiting, and he’d asked me to accompany him to a dull gathering with his parents‘ posh friends, as he called them.
“We’re going for a walk around the city,” Ash said, placing Noah in the stroller. My precious babies were taking their first steps. I leaned down to kiss their chubby cheeks. Alana smiled sweetly after my kiss, and Noah blew a raspberry. I laughed, caressing their tiny faces, and, never getting enough, kissed their perfect little hands again.
“I’ll keep an eye on my phone, girls p>
I watched Ash and Loli leave for their walk with my children. My cousin had opted out of attending the event–she wasn’t a fan of such things either. I didn’t particularly enjoy them myself, but Cedric had given me those pleading puppy–dog eyes, and I couldn’t say no. He was always there for me.
A few seconds after the girls and my children left, Cedric knocked on the bedroom door. I lifted the large skirt of my dress and walked over to open it.
“Ready?” He leaned against the doorframe, looking as handsome as ever.
“You look ridiculously handsome,” I said, taking in his appearance before walking out of the room.
“I’ll take it, but I’m very offended,” he replied in his deep voice, making me laugh as I took his arm.
We left the house, and I was surprised not to see anyone else waiting.
“My parents went ahead.” He opened the car door for me, but I noticed him focused on his phone, typing something intently.
“What are you not looking at? Trying to get us killed? I want to return to my children!” I scolded him, giving his shoulder a light smack.
“Calm down, woman. I didn’t see that car,” he said, fixing his hair, still glancing at his phone.
“You didn’t see it because you were glued to your damn phone!” I tried to grab it from him, but he quickly pulled it away.
“It’s just business,” he assured me with a smirk. I narrowed my eyes at him, watching him focus on his screen.
We arrived at a grand old house surrounded by lush gardens. The sky was overcast, which was nothing unusual for the area. As soon as we got out of the car, Cedric took my hand and hurried me along. He was acting strange.
We walked down a series of hallways before entering an elegant living room where several people were deep in conversation.
“Son, Aly.” Freja greeted us warmly. “Darling, you look lovely.” She kissed both my cheeks, and I returned her embrace.
“Mr. Van Holt,” I greeted Cedric’s father, a kind man I’d always appreciated for what he’d done for me and my children. He had moved back to the Netherlands some time ago after Cedric graduated and took over the family business.
I also greeted Cedric’s grandparents–a charming couple, though his grandfather had a stern edge.
“Oh, but how cute you two look together! Such a lovely couple,” Freja cooed, cupping our cheeks. “Our family would be thrilled to welcome you and the little ones when my son-she gave Cedric’s cheek a sharp pinch, and I stifled a laugh-finally stops juggling women and chooses you.” She released him, and Cedric rubbed his cheek in discomfort.
“Stop it, Mom. We’ve had this conversation before.” He pointed at her with the hand holding his glass, keeping his other arm around my waist.
“A girl can dream,” Freja winked at me, and I smiled in return.
“Van Holt.” A man around sixty approached us, arm in arm with a striking woman who appeared to be in her forties.
“Bart Verbruggen,” Cedric’s grandfather said, acknowledging the man first.
“It’s an honor to have our competition here,” Bart Verbruggen remarked, casting a quick glance in my direction.
“The pleasure is mine,” he said, extending his hand to shake mine, though he kissed it instead. “Bart Verbruggen, owner of Biomed Laboratories, the competition,” he said, looking at Cedric’s family with a smug expression.
“A pleasure,” I responded formally, though I caught the subtle disdain he directed at Cedric.
Cedric merely shrugged, clearly unfazed by the man’s arrogance.
“I imagine you’re still working to catch up to our numbers,” Bart said with a condescending smile.
“The fluctuation is minimal. Some days Biomed is on top, other days it’s Sinedine. It’s your turn to step up, Bart,” Cedric replied, his tone amused. I could see why when Bart’s smile faltered.
“Let’s not forget we have business to discuss later. For now, enjoy the evening,” Bart said, shifting the conversation, before leading his companion away.
“Looks like someone shoved a stick up his ass,” Cedric muttered, and I playfully punched his stomach, stifling a laugh.
“Hey!” Cedric protested.
“Thank you, dear,” Freja said, appreciative of the punch. I smiled and sat down with her.
“Let’s get a drink,” Cedric suggested, tugging me away from his family mid–conversation.
“I was talking to your mother!” I protested as we reached the bar.
“It’s fine,” he dismissed, glancing over his shoulder in a particular direction.
“What are you looking at?” I asked, trying to follow his gaze.
“Nothing,” he said, gripping my arms gently. “I’ll be back in a few minutes. Why don’t you take a walk in the garden? You’ll love the lake,” he suggested.
“What’s going on?” I pressed, narrowing my eyes at him.
“We’ll talk later,” he promised, motioning toward the garden.
Reluctantly, I headed that way, knowing he was up to something. Cedric had a knack for stirring up trouble.
“Half an hour,” he called out before disappearing down a hallway.
The garden was beautiful, and I soon stumbled upon a maze of tall shrubs. Delighted, I wandered through it, losing track of time. When I finally emerged, I checked my watch, shocked to see that forty–five minutes had passed.
I made my way back toward the gathering, distracted by the appetizers on a tray held by one of the waiters. I picked one up, about to reach for another, when a strong hand grabbed me, pulling me away.
“What the hell?!” I exclaimed, unable to see who was dragging me.