Returning Home

Elena’s POV

I stood at the center of the busy airport with my eyes scanning the crowd as people hustled past me, dragging luggage, and talking loudly. 

“Mom,” A small hand tugged at me and called softly, pointing at one of the large TV screens hanging above the baggage claim.

He looked up at me with those big, serious eyes. I followed his gaze, and froze.

Dominic West!

The name appeared, and the man on the screen, looked confident, commanding, and unshakable.

“Mom,” Lucas whispered again. 

“I want to be like him, strong, smart, and brave.” He added. 

“You’ll be your own kind of strong, Lucas. Promise me that.”I swallowed hard, forcing a calm smile. He nodded, satisfied, then turned back to the conveyor belt as our luggage appeared.

Five years!

Five long years away. I had built a life for us, a safe, and quiet life. I had worked, studied, invested, and made sure Lucas would never want for anything. 

The ten million dollars I got from the stranger that night had gone into a trust for Lucas. After all, he was the product from that night.

I had poured myself into child psychology, learned everything I could to help children.

And when I got the big offer calling me back home, I didn't hesitate.

My heart pounded as the taxi that carried us drove through the city streets till we made it to the apartment I rented.

It was modest but clean, familiar enough to feel safe. I carried Lucas inside and locked the door behind us. 

He ran to the small window, peeping out at the street. I let him, watching him, feeling pride and fear collide in my chest.

The next morning, I walked into the school. High ceilings, polished floors, expensive, clean, intimidating. I was here for one reason,  to work as a child psychologist, and to help children.

“Nora West!” the principal introduced to me the minute I walked into her office. 

“Has never spoken to anyone before, not even her parents!” She added, and I froze instantly.

Four years old, silent, and fragile, yet there was something about her that drew me in instantly.

She sat alone in a small chair, head down, hands folded, and eyes lowered.

“Hello, Nora. I’m Elena. I’m here to help you. We’ll play games, laugh, and I will help you feel safe.”  I lowered slowly, meeting her level.

Her head tilted slightly, and that small gesture told me she was listening. Minutes passed, and then her tiny hand reached for mine.

“Look at that! She almost never interacts, but she’s comfortable with you already.” The principal whispered beside me, 

“It’s okay, Nora. We will go slow.” I smiled.

The day passed quickly. I learned about her patterns, her fears. And I decided then that I would help her find her voice no matter what it took.

There were other children as well, but there was something special about this girl. She felt familiar in the most strange way. 

Her beautiful eyes, and hair reminds me of Lucas everytime.

Later in the afternoon, the bell rang, and children streamed out of the classroom, laughing. I packed my things slowly as well as I prepared to go home. 

Sudddenly, a man arrived, tall, strong, and imposing. 

I glanced up and couldn't help but notice the expensive custome maid tailored suit he was putting on.

I was immediately captivated by his presence and my breath hitched in my throat. An overwhelming sense of familiarity washed through me, and my eyes stung with tears as my skin crawled with goosebumps. 

I shook my head, and cleared my throat forcing the feeling away

Who is he?

I didn’t know, and it shouldn't matter. 

Then he knelt before Nora, and I figured who he was.

“Are you ready to go home, Nora?” He asked her, but she said nothing, and didn’t move.

And then… 

“Elena… come with me. Please come with me.” Nora’s voice came out innocently, and I froze. 

My heart skipped, and the man’s eyes widened in shock, confusion, and I could hear his breath hitch.

“She… she spoke,” he whispered, almost inaudible.

“Yes! She wants me to come with her.” I said softly, and quickly bit my lips.

The man’s eyes locked on mine, and our gaze locked. His eyes flickered, and I staggered back at the intensity of his gaze. 

“Come work at our house!” He said out of the blue and my eyes widened with shock. 

“What!” I exclaimed.

“My daughter has never talked since she was born. But she talked because of you. This is incredible!” I could hear the excitement in his voice.

“I… I don’t think I…” I shook my head. 

“I’ll pay you ten times your salary at the school,” he interrupted, and my mouth dropped open.

“Mr…” I stammered.

“Come work as Nora's nanny and I promise you will never regret it.” He assured me and I just stared at him. 

Nora tugged at the hem of my gown, as she looked up at me with those bright beautiful eyes and I felt my heart melt right on the spot. 

“I wish I can, but…” My voice trailed. 

“You want more money?” His voice was sharp. 

“No! It's not that.. I uhmmm…” I hesitated.

“You what!” He shot at me impatiently.

“I have a son, and if I'm going to come work for you, he would have to come with me.”I swallowed, my gaze matching his.

“Agreed.” He nodded slowly.

“What!” I was shocked. 

“I will have you picked up tomorrow, so you can resume.” He said with a hint of finality.

The next day, I arrived at the mansion. My heart hammered in my chest. This house was enormous, elegant, fragrant, unfamiliar, and overwhelming.

“Welcome Miss, I'm Mrs. Clara, the head housekeeper. Please follow me.” She led us inside, guiding us to a waiting area. Lucas clung to my hand, taking everything into view.

The door opened, and he walked in, tall, broad, handsome with sharp eyes.

Something stirred inside me, a pull I couldn’t explain, and I had to forcefully look away from him before I would do something I would regret.

“Mom! That’s the man from the TV!” Lucas’s jaw dropped. 

“Oh!” That was all I could say. 

Now I understand why he felt familiar when I saw him yesterday.

“Hello!” He walked up to Lucas and knelt before him. 

“Come here,” he said softly and took Lucas to sit on his chair. My son smiled, mesmerized at his kindness and I couldn’t help but frown. 

Something about this man made my pulse quicken. Something I didn’t understand.

Then, the door opened again. Nora ran instantly to me, and hugged me tightly.

“Elena… come home with me.” She spoke clearly.

“She… she spoke?” Dominic’s eyes widened in shock, and captivation. He can't seem to process it yet.

I froze. My heart leapt. My mind reeled.He knelt. 

“Yes,” I whispered, holding the child close.

Dominic’s gaze shifted from me to Nora, from Nora to me, and back again. 

“Elena!” I heard a familiar voice, and I glanced up in shock. 

My body stilled in shock as soon as my eyes fell on her. 

Mabel!