Chapter 6 - Don Julian meets the boys

***Megan's POV***

“Ethan, Cole, darling, come over here” I called out to my boys who were all dressed up.

“Momma, where are we going again?” Ethan shrugged.

“Darling, we're going to somewhere fun, where you'd get to meet new friends.”

“You mean school?”

“Yes, school” I said grabbing his cheeks, he pouted his lips. I turned to find Cole folding his arms and standing at a corner.

“Cole, honey, what's wrong?”

He shook his head.

“Nervous?”

“Well… a little, meeting new friends is fun but I'm sad.”

“Why?” I said adjusting his collar. “Don't be so sad, okay, your new friends would love to meet and you don't want them seeing a sad face do you?”

He shook his head.

“Good, now let's put on a bright smile…”

“And go conquer the world!” They shouted in unison, lifting their little hands in triumph.

“That's right!”

They had on their new school uniform and were looking sharp as ever. Backpack all packed and ready for a fresh start.

I ushered them into the waiting car, Kai had offered to get me some guards but I didn't want the attention in this new town, besides the boys hated the crowd.

Just a driver and a caretaker were enough due to my very busy schedule combining as a mom, being Lady and my new business Raven Vogue.

For today I was driving my kids to their new school by myself.

I made my way to Moore academy and I must say, Kai really outdid himself.

“Woah..” Cole was the first to react, I smiled lightly.

“Uncle Kai really gives his all out for you boys doesn't he?”

“Momma, this school is too big!” Ethan gasped, his tiny face pressed to the car window.

Cole nodded slowly, eyes wide. “It looks like a castle.”

I smiled, getting out of the car while holding their hands as we walked past the gates. “It’s not a castle, my love, but it’s a place where you’ll learn and grow. Remember what we said? New friends, new smiles.”

We were greeted warmly by one of the teachers, a kind woman with glasses who crouched to their level. “Welcome, Ethan and Cole! We’re so happy to have you here.”

The boys gave shy nods. Ethan hid a grin while Cole clung tightly to my hand. I bent down and kissed their foreheads.

“You’ll be fine, okay? Mommy has to go to work now, but I’ll check on you later. Be brave.”

Ethan puffed his little chest. “I’ll protect Cole.”

Cole frowned. “I don’t need protection.”

I chuckled, ruffling their hair. “Both of you protect each other. That’s how it should be.”

After handing them over to their class teacher, I lingered a moment longer, watching them settle into their seats. They looked so small, yet I knew they carried my whole world in them.

Taking a deep breath, I left the school. My heart tugged, but I reminded myself this was the start of something beautiful.

I pulled out my phone and dialled Kai's number.

“Meg” his voice rang out. “Settled the boys in?”

“Yea… they seem to love it here, thanks Kai, for all you do.”

“Come-on, it's nothing, they're just like sons to me you know.”

I cleared my throat.

“So, about the caretaker you would be getting for the boys, I'd like to interview her myself.”

“That's alright, you should come over to the warehouse by 9 then. You could meet her there.”

“What? A caretaker who knows about my identity?”

“Don't worry about that, you'll know why when you see her.”

“Alright, if you say so, got to go now, got some business to handle.”

“Ciao”

*****

***Narrator’s POV***

The day went by quickly at Moore Academy. Children played, laughed, and scribbled in their new books. By the closing bell, the halls were filled with chatter as parents and caretakers came to collect their little ones.

Ethan and Cole waited quietly on a bench near the fountain. Their driver had been delayed in traffic, so the twins swung their little legs and hummed a song they both made up.

Just then, a tall, older man in an elegant suit walked through the yard. His face carried the marks of age, wisdom, and power. It was Don Julian. Joe's father.

He had come to speak with the school board about a charity project. But as he passed by the fountain, his steps slowed. His keen eyes softened when they landed on the two boys sitting together.

Ethan spotted him first and whispered to his brother, “Look, Cole. That grandpa looks really rich.”

Cole blinked. “And scary.”

Don Julian couldn’t help but chuckle. Something about the twins pulled him closer. He walked up and stopped before them.

“Hello, boys,” his deep voice rumbled kindly. “Why are you sitting here all alone?”

Ethan tilted his head. “We’re waiting for our Mom.”

Cole, more cautious, studied him. “Who are you?”

Don Julian’s lips curved into a rare smile. “Just an old man passing by. But I must say, you two look very… familiar.”

The twins glanced at each other, clueless but curious.

“You talk like a boss,” Ethan said innocently.

Don Julian raised a brow, surprised at the boy’s straightforwardness. “And what makes you think that?”

“Because everyone around here looks busy, but you walk like you own the place,” Ethan replied, grinning.

Cole tugged at his brother’s sleeve. “Don’t be rude.” Then, looking up at Don Julian, he added softly, “Sorry, sir.”

The old man chuckled, the sound deep and genuine. “No need to apologize. Your brother is very observant.”

He crouched down so he was closer to their level, his eyes studying their faces. The brown hair, those green eyes, so familiar it made him uneasy.

“What are your names?” he asked gently.

“I’m Ethan,” said the bolder one, pointing proudly to his chest. “And this is Cole. He doesn’t talk much.”

Cole frowned. “I do talk.”

Don Julian smiled at their playful bickering. “Ethan and Cole… strong names. How old are you?”

“Five,” they said together, their voices almost identical.

He nodded slowly, his thoughts racing, though his face remained calm. Five years old. That would mean…

The caretaker finally hurried over, bowing quickly when she saw him. “Sir Julian, my apologies. Their driver is almost here.”

Don Julian straightened, giving her a polite nod. Then he turned back to the boys, his expression softening once more. “Be good, Ethan and Cole. And remember…” He tapped a finger lightly to Ethan’s chest, then Cole’s. “Courage and kindness will take you far.”

Both boys smiled, though they didn’t fully understand.

As he walked away, something lingered in Don Julian’s heart. Maybe he was just an old man but he definitely wasn't clueless, those boys reminded him of a younger Joe.