[Matilda]One week later."Aunty Julia!" The twins shouted excitedly as we walked into Julia's apartment.She immediately crouched down to their level, wrapping her hand around them."Oh no, my hand can barely contain both of you!" Julia pouted, circling her arms around the kids. "I missed you both so much.""We missed you too Aunty Julia." Aiden smiled, wrapping his tiny hands around her neck.I stood still, watching as she peppered their faces with kisses, like she hadn't seen them two days back."Aunty Julia, did you get the pizza for us? You said you'll get it if we come to your house." Austin added, already shifting his eyes toward her kitchen."How can I forget? That's impossible. I would never!" Julia pouted dramatically, stretching out her hands to them. "You want them now?""Yes!" They both chorused together. I shook my head, walking over to her living room. I plopped down on the couch, watching as Julia led them toward her dining table.I took a deep breath, throwing my head
[Matilda]"So you can walk just fine?" I stared at Kaden, my brow creasing together.His eyes widened immediately as he stared back at me. He opened his mouth to say something but shut it back. His lips stretched into a smile and he chuckled, taking more plates from the table."Let me take care of this first," he said softly, making his way towards the kitchen.My brow creased as I stared at him. He was walking just fine. His posture was straight. His legs are moving well. From his back, you would doubt that he had an injury from a few days back.Like really? Kaden?I shook my head, grabbed the remaining cups from the dining table, and headed straight to the kitchen. He already had his sleeves rolled up, his hand in the soapy sink.He glanced over his shoulder just as I stepped in. "You can bring those here." he smiled, averting his eyes away from me immediately.He seriously knew what he did. But then why? I know he needed someone to care for him and that was why he wanted to come st
[Kaden]It’s been four days of staying under the same roof with the woman I can barely get out of my head. The one I’d risk everything for—over and over again.I could see she was just being kind, probably because of everything that had happened. But she was still clearly keeping her distance.Each morning I’d come down for breakfast, and she’d help me with a few things I was supposedly "still too weak" to do on my own. Like helping me to the washroom. She would stand right out and help me out once I was done. Of course, she does make sure I'm properly covered before helping me out.But the truth is? I was pretending.From the second day of my stay here, I could already walk just fine. But there was no way I was letting her know that. Because if she found out, that means I'll be leaving. I wasn’t ready for that.This felt like home. And I wasn’t trading this feeling for anything in the world.Being here with Tilda and the kids—sitting in the garden every evening, watching them laugh
[Matilda]"Mommy, we were waiting for you and you didn't come!" Aiden and Austin rushed toward me as soon as I stepped into the Donovans' living room.I crouched down to their level, ruffling their hair slightly. "I'm so sorry pumpkins. Mommy had something to do." "What about Daddy?" Aiden asked, pouting his cute lips. I bit down on my lips, staring from the twins to their grandmother who had her eyes on me."Daddy is still busy that's why I came to pick you up myself.""Oh okay!" Aiden giggled, before turning and rushing back to Vivian."Grandma, we're going,""I can see that. And grandma is sad!" "No, Grandma don't be sad okay? We will come next time."Vivian gave them a nod, pretending to wipe off a tear in her eyes.I chuckled, shifting my eyes back to her. "Thank you so much. I appreciate this. We have to be on our way." I said but Vivian's brow only creased as she stared at me."They are my grandkids and I shouldn't be thanked for taking care of them." she smiled and I had to
[Kaden]"Fuck," I groaned, every nerve in my body screaming at once. Pain pulsed through me in waves, sharp and heavy, dragging me out of whatever black hole I’d been pulled into.My eyes peeled open, slow and stinging, light bleeding into my vision. I squinted, blinking fast, trying to make sense of the blurry ceiling above me.I turned my head, gritting my teeth as a fresh bolt of pain shot down my stomach. I had no idea where I was—or why it felt like my body had been torn apart.My eyes shifted to the other side of the room and my breath hitched.I will recognize this woman anywhere. Tilda was curled up on the couch, resting her head on her knee. My brow immediately creased as the memories began to claw back to my head."That bastard!" I growled, shifting my neck slightly so I could get more glimpse of her.Her eyes were facing in my direction, her lips pursed into a thin line. Gorgeous.I bit down hard on my lips as my hand snaked over my abdomen, fingers brushing the thick ba
[Matilda]This was the first time in years that I had to pick up my phone just to call Vivian, Kaden's mother. But at this point, I had no option.Kaden was still right here, unconscious. The doctor had treated and dressed his wound. He assured us that he would be fine and would probably be awake soon but we needed to keep an eye on him.Spider had left a few minutes ago, saying he'd be back soon. That left me alone—right here with Kaden, who was lying motionless on the bed. I sat beside him, staring at his still form. The only thing that reassured me he was still here, still alive, was the slow rise and fall of his chest."Hello," Vivian's voice boomed out from the other end. I bit down on my lips taking a deep breath."It's Matilda," I said, knowing that she didn't know who was calling."Okay, are you on your way for the kids?""Not really. I mean something came up and I don't know. Would it be possible for them to stay with you overnight?""That's not a problem," Vivian said. "And