Christiana’s POV.
The plane had barely touched down, and already I could feel the kids‘ excitement buzzing in the air. Ethan’s eyes were wide, scanning everything around us as if seeing it for the first time. Beside him, Emma was practically bouncing, her little hand clutching mine tightly.
“Mommy! We’re home!” Emma squealed, her voice full of unrestrained joy.
“Yes, sweetheart, we’re finally home,” I replied, smiling down at her.
Ethan tugged at Alex’s hand, his face glowing with a shy but unmistakable happiness. I could see the healthy flush in his cheeks….a comforting sign. Three weeks ago, I’d been so worried, watching him struggle with his recuperation, but after our time away, the difference was night and day. He was vibrant, laughing more, and it melted my heart.
“Daddy,” Ethan said, looking up at Alex with a small, proud smile. “Can we go to the park again? Like before?”
“Of course, buddy,” Alex replied, his own smile warm as he ruffled Ethan’s hair. “We’ll do all of that. I promise.” He was keeping close to both children, his arm wrapped protectively around Ethan’s shoulders. Ever the caring father, even as we made our way through the airport, Alex’s eyes would dart around, alert, watchful…his powerful billionaire presence never quite allowing him to relax completely.
“Alright, let’s get you two fed and settled, huh?” Alex said, glancing at me with that familiar smile, though I could sense something more behind it… hesitation, maybe even a hint of worry.
“Where are we staying, Mommy?” Emma asked, peering up at me with big eyes.
“Sweetheart, we’re going to the same hotel. Our things are already there, remember?” I answered.
At that, Alex’s expression shifted, and I could tell he was about to say something. We had gone over this already, but he wasn’t one to let things drop so easily. His brow furrowed just slightly, a sure sign he was about to argue.
“Christiana, you know they’d be more comfortable at my place,” he said, keeping his voice level but firm. “I want you all to be somewhere safe. Somewhere I can be with you, and not some hotel suite.”
I took a steadying breath, matching his gaze. “Alex, we’ll be just fine at the hotel. It’s closer to everything we need, and it’s easier for us. You’re welcome to visit any time, and we’ll come by too.”
He exhaled, clearly reluctant. “But it’s not the same, Christiana. I’d feel better if you and the kids stayed with me.” He looked at Emma and Ethan, his gaze softening. “I want to be there for them, especially for Ethan.”
I touched his arm gently, offering him a reassuring smile. “Alex, I understand. But we’ll manage. Besides, it’ll give us a little space, you know?”
“Space…” he echoed, his jaw tightening, though he tried to keep his tone calm. “Christiana, it’s been five years. Space isn’t exactly what I want between us right now.”
Emma looked up between us, sensing the tension. “Daddy, are you mad at Mommy?” she asked, her voice small.
Alex’s expression softened instantly, and he crouched down to her level, taking her tiny hands in his. “No, sweetheart. I’m not mad at Mommy.” He glanced up at me, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes. “I could never be mad at her. She’s just…very stubborn.”
I couldn’t help but laugh softly, shaking my head. “I think that goes both ways, Mr. Alistair.”
He stood up, sighing as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Fine. But I’m still coming by every day. And if anything feels off, you call me, alright?”
“Yes, I promise,” I said, holding his gaze, grateful for his protectiveness. Even when he didn’t agree with my decisions, he was there, always looking out for us. It was something I’d never doubted, and something that warmed me every time.
“Alright, then,” he murmured, his eyes lingering on mine, full of something unsaid.
Ethan and Emma tugged on his hands, pulling him into quick hugs. Alex bent down, wrapping his arms around them both tightly, pressing a kiss to each of their foreheads. “You two behave for Mommy, alright?”
“We will, Daddy,” Ethan promised, his little arms wrapped around Alex’s neck.
“Yeah, Daddy, we’ll be good!” Emma chirped, her eyes bright as she kissed his cheek.
Reluctantly, Alex let them go, standing back and watching as we made our way towards the exit. I could feel his gaze following us, and when I looked back, he was still there, hands shoved in his pockets, watching us with both longing and warmth.
As we stepped outside, I felt a strange mix of emotions….relief, excitement, but also a small, undeniable ache. We were back, and things felt better than they had in a long time. The kids were laughing, chattering away, and I was back in the city with Alex, who was finally in our lives again. Despite everything, I could feel something shifting, something hopeful, and I couldn’t help but smile.
1/2
1
7:24 PM
Chapter 130
13
As we arrived at the hotel suite, I felt a surge of determination and caution settle over me. After everything we’d gone through… Bianca’s attempt to kidnap and kill me, and the brutal realization that she was willing to go that far, I wasn’t taking any chances. She’d sent hitmen to carry out her plan, and the only reason I’d escaped was because of Marco, the lead hitman. He’d let me go out of gratitude, reminding me that I’d saved his mother’s life once, and now he’d returned the favor. But Bianca had been arrested, only to walk free with the help of a ruthless lawyer… and Madam Margret
Alistair, Alex’s mother.
I shook the thought of them out of my mind as we walked inside. My children’s safety was all that mattered now.
“Mommy, look! The room is still big!” Emma’s delighted gasp broke through my thoughts, and I forced myself to focus on her excitement. She and Ethan looked around, eyes wide, taking in every corner of the luxurious suite. It was beautiful and safe as it used to be, but I still felt myself scanning the room, making sure everything was as it should be.
“I’m glad you like it, sweetheart,” I said softly, wrapping an arm around her. Ethan held my other hand, leaning into my side. He was getting stronger, recovering well, but I’d seen the toll it had taken on him.
“Mommy, are we safe here, like before?” he asked, looking up at me with those gentle, questioning eyes.
“Yes, love,” I said, bending down to his level, my hands on his small shoulders. “I’ll make sure nothing bad happens, okay? We’re here together, and that’s what matters.”
He nodded, and I kissed his forehead, then led them to the large bathroom to get them cleaned up and comfortable. I started with Ethan, filling the tub with warm water and helping him ease in. Every moment was careful, almost reverent, as I gently washed his hair and made sure he was relaxed. He closed his eyes, letting himself enjoy the warmth, and my heart felt heavy and light all at once.
When Ethan was bathed, I wrapped him in a soft towel and guided him to sit on the bed. “Just a moment, love,” I whispered. “I’ll be right here.”
Emma was next, and she was a bundle of energy, splashing water and filling the room with her joyful giggles. Her laughter was soothing to my tired heart, and I couldn’t help but smile as she made faces in the mirror, giggling as I rinsed her hair.
After they were both dried off and in their pajamas, I decided to make them dinner myself. The hotel staff had offered, but I couldn’t shake the need to oversee everything, down to their food. A simple meal, warm, familiar, and made by me…was exactly what they needed tonight. I watched as they ate, savoring every bite with sleepy smiles.
“Thank you, Mommy,” Ethan said, looking at me with those soft, appreciative eyes.
“You’re welcome, my love,” I replied, brushing a stray curl away from his face.
Once they were settled in bed, I felt a wave of relief, though I couldn’t entirely relax. They were safe, here with me, but I knew Bianca was out there, biding her time. I’d protect them with everything I had, but it didn’t mean the fear wasn’t there, lurking in the back of my mind.
I went to the small desk in the corner and opened my laptop. Grace, my assistant, had sent over updates about my jewelry and accessories lines, and I had a dozen messages waiting. I dove into the work, focusing on each em
ail and note, reminding myself that my business was a part of what kept me going.
