Chapter Six: Helen's POV

As we stepped off the plane, the kids chattering excitedly around me, I steeled myself for what lay ahead. There was a Holiday party tomorrow night—Christmas Eve night to be precise—and I had been invited by the company. 

Well… time to get settled in then.

“Mommy! I love this place! Look at all that snow!” Kate giggled excitedly, twirling while her brothers tried to hold her to stop her from falling flat on her face.

“Hey, stay put!” Jake snapped.

“You’re gonna get hurt!” Blake held her and I smiled.

They loved their sister so much and were always there to protect her. At this age, they already pampered and treated her like a little sister even though they were triplets which left me wondering what it would be like when they get older.

“Mommy!” Jake held my hand, leading me to the car that was already waiting to convey us to our new house. “The Chauffeur is waiting!”

Jake was the most mature and the one who looked like Ashton the most. His striking hazel eyes and thick dark hair made him stand out, and he always carried himself with a sense of maturity that belied his young age.

As we made our way to the car, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride at how well-adjusted and resilient my kids had become. They were my world, my light in the darkness, and I knew that, regardless of what challenges lay ahead, we would face them together.

The ride to the house was a blur of the kids’ excited chatter, the landscape dotted with snow-covered trees and houses decked out in holiday lights, reminding me of what happened years ago, but I pushed them to the back of my mind.

I was different now. I had managed to build a name for myself through sweat and tears, and became the most popular and influential actress in Europe, and with this new opportunity, I was going international.

We arrived at our house and I smiled. Mr. Anderson was the best. He gave it everything I wanted, from the interior design to the choice of the furniture. He ensured I got the best life could offer, and I was grateful for his support.

The children ran into the house, laughing and squealing with delight as they explored their new surroundings. I followed behind, a small smile on my face.

****

Next day, which was Christmas Eve, I drove myself and the kids to the event center, where the Christmas party was being held. As we stepped into the building, all eyes were on us instantly.

I made sure to dress the part… and my cuties weren’t left out either. I knew they were the center of attention, after all, they were the cutest little beings anyone had ever seen.

We took a seat on one of the tables and I gestured to them to behave while I greeted Mr. Riley, the man who had invited me here.

I listened while he praised my expertise, my eyes darting to the kids who seemed to be having an argument with a kid about their age.

“My apologies, sir, I will be back shortly.” I gave him a slight bow, and he nodded in approval while I rushed to the kids.

A lady, whom I guessed to be the mother of the boy, seemed to be saying something to Kate, and just as I got there, she raised her hand to hit Kate, but I grabbed it midair.

“Don’t you dare!” I snapped, my eyes flashing with rage. No one dares lay a hand on my daughter.

“You…” her words caught in her throat when our eyes met. My anger was replaced with shock as I quickly let go of her hand, feeling like I had touched the most disgusting and repulsive thing in the world.

She stared back at me, wide-eyed before looking at the kids. Her gaze flew back to mine and she smirked. “Helen.”

I felt a bail rise in my throat and I had to clench my fists to keep my anger at bay. The last thing I’d want was a confrontation with her.. “Rose,” I said through gritted teeth.

Rose chuckled. “What a wonderful reunion,” she beamed at me. “Meet Henry, I and Ashton’s son.”

I scoffed, looking uninterested. They had a son? What was my business? “Sure.” I shrugged and her smile faltered, but she regained her composure immediately.

“These kids,” she said, chuckling a bit. “Don’t tell me they are yours,” she sneered, her voice tinged with mockery. “I mean, you used to be barren and all.”

I bit back a curse and smiled at her. “Are you done?” I asked, my tone casual. “If you are, please leave. This is our table,” I folded my arms. 

“And if you aren’t ready to leave, we might as well find a better table. Let’s go, kids.” I gestured to them and they got down from their seats. I held their hands and turned to leave.

“Helen?”

I froze, stopping in my tracks. That voice? I knew that voice anywhere. It’s been six years, yet it hasn't changed. It only got deeper.

Fuck! This was a nightmare come true. I didn’t want to look back, but the kids had already turned and were looking at him now, their eyes wide in shock. 

I slowly turned, and there he was… 

Ashton. 

Standing there in a black tuxedo, his dark hair styled to perfection while his hazel eyes were wide in shock, mirroring my kids’ expression. He still looked as handsome as he did years ago, but that was the least of my problems now.

Ashton took a step forward. “It is you. I thought I’d never see you again,” he said, but I scoffed.

Who would have thought we parted on Christmas Eve, and meet again—Six years later—on another Christmas Eve?

Was fate this cruel? Or was I just unlucky?

I felt one of the kids tug at my dress. I looked down to see Jake, his gaze fixed on Ashton as he asked the question I wanted to avoid answering at all costs.

 “Mommy, this man is our Daddy, right?”