Chapter 7: A tough decision

Alexander’s Point Of View

The door to my office swung open without warning.

Damien strolled in like he owned the place, flashing that smug grin I’d known since college. I stopped what I was working on and leaned back in my chair and raised a brow. “You do realize most people knock first, right? what if I was in the middle of something private?

He shrugged, already reaching over to shake my hand. “Most people aren’t your best friend. And what’s so private about you that I haven’t witnessed”

I sighed, shaking my head “You’re unbelievable” i motioning to the chair across from me. “What do you want this time?”

Damien clutched his chest dramatically. “Can’t a man visit his bro without an agenda?”

I stared. Knowing too well Damien wouldn’t drive across town just to visit me

He exhaled. “Fine. I came to check on Nolan. And that hot new nanny. What’s her name again?”

“Annalyn,” I muttered, closing my laptop. The sound of it snapping shut seemed to slice through something inside me.

Damien leaned forward, curiosity written all over his face. “So? How’s it going?”

I rubbed my temple, unsure how to answer. “Shes basically the Center of his life now, The boy can’t even tell the difference between her and Trina.”

Damien’s face sobered. “I don’t blame him, Alex. It’s pretty’s uncanny. Honestly, it’s like Trina reincarnated. The resemblance is haunting. something it scares me to look at her, it’s as if Trina’s staring right back at me”

It was. And not just in looks. The way Annalyn moved, the gentleness in her tone, even the way she looked at Nolan or perhaps the way she tucked Nolan’s hair behind his ear. It gnawed at me like some cruel joke the universe was playing.

I stood abruptly and began packing up my briefcase.

Damien blinked. “Wait, You’re leaving? where are you going”

“I’m going home early today. I want to see my son.”

Damien smiled approvingly. “Good. That kid needs you. I’ve got a few things to wrap up back at the firm anyway. Just dropped by after lunch.”

I gave him a curt nod. “Thanks.”

He left, and I buzzed my assistant.

“Cancel the rest of my meetings.”

“Yes, Mr. Gray.”

The drive home passed in silence, but my mind was far from still. The more I thought about Annalyn, the more my thoughts tangled.

If Annalyn weren’t just twenty-four, I’d have believed she and Trina were somehow related. Twins, even. But Trina would have been four years older. So no matter how I think of it, It made no sense. And yet, every time Nolan looked at her with those hopeful eyes, calling her “mummy”… it sliced through the armor I had worked so hard to rebuild.

We arrived at the estate before I even realized it. My driver glanced at me through the mirror.

“Sir, we’re home.”

I cleared my throat, nodded at him and stepped out. The evening breeze was sharp, but I didn’t feel it.

As I stepped into the hallway, voices met me. Raised voices.

Then I turned into the corner and saw them.

Annalyn stood with her back to me but I could see her hand gripping Vanessa’s wrist tightly. Vanessa’s face visible to me was a portrait of pain as tears streaked down her cheeks, her lips trembling. Annalyn’s posture seemed defensive but why was Vanessa in pains, the tension was undeniable.

“Annalyn,” I barked.

She dropped Vanessa’s arm like it burned her. And moved to stand beside Vanessa and face me. Vanessa immediately bolted toward me, cradling her wrist dramatically, the skin flushed red.

“She attacked me,” Vanessa cried, burying her face into my chest. “I…I was only trying to make peace as you requested and she snapped!”

I narrowed my eyes at Annalyn. “What the hell is going on?”

Annalyn stepped forward, her voice shaking. “Sir, I didn’t..”

“She grabbed me and shoved me!” Vanessa cut in. “Out of nowhere!”

Annalyn’s lips parted, but no sound came. Her eyes were bright with unshed tears, confusion and pain swirling in them.

I didn’t want to believe Vanessa…not completely but the image of Trina’s mirror image lashing out… it ignited something primal in me.

I pointed at Annalyn. “You haven’t been here a week and you are already causing problems, Know your fucking place. You’re here to care for Nolan, not create drama.”

Her face crumpled.

But before I could regret my tone, I turned away. I didn’t wait to hear her defend herself. I didn’t want to see her cry, not when it reminded me of Trina in her worst moments, begging me to believe her over the press, over the lies. I couldn’t go through that again.

At dinner that night, the table was unusually quiet except for Nolan filling his fathers ears with school stories

Vanessa tried too hard, smiling, brushing her hair over her shoulder, sipping her wine as if cameras were on her.

Then my phone rang.

It was Damien.

“Excuse me, I have to take this”

I stepped out into the hall.

“Hey,” he said. “Just remembered, I didn’t tell you earlier why I actually came to see you. I’m hosting a Party at my place this Friday. it’s Lilith’s homecoming. Big event. you have to come .”

“I’ll think about it.”

“No you wouldn’t, You’ll show up. I’ll text you the time.”

He hung up before I could respond. typical of Damien.

When I returned to the table, the energy was was even worse as Nolan had joined he awkward environment so suddenly. Nolan even looked like he’d been crying.

“What happened?”

Vanessa smiled too quickly. “Nothing serious. He just spilled some water and got upset.”

I looked at Annalyn for a bit but she shifted her gaze, i knelt beside Nolan. “Buddy? You okay?”

He didn’t say a word instead he simply nodded.”

My chest squeezed. And I knew just the perfect thing to spice his mood “Sweet heart, Your God father is throwing a party for your God mother and I will be attending, guess who I’d bring chocolates for while coming back?”

As if on cue he immediately looked up at me with those eyes that mirrored Trina’s. “Can I come to the party with you?”

“Oh no Son, It’s not for kids.” I said

“Then Mummy go with you.” He said casually

Vanessa dropped her fork with a loud clatter.

I sighed, rubbing my temples. “Uhh, Nol, mummy can’t go, who will take care of you.”

Nolan’s bottom lip quivered. “Nolan is a big boy, Nolan want mummy and daddy to go”

I looked at Vanessa, whose expression had twisted into fury then to Annalyn who was looking anywhere else except my face, and then back at Nolan.

And I caved.

“Fine,” I said softly. “She can come.”

Vanessa stood abruptly, her chair scraping harshly against the floor.

She stormed off, heels echoing through the marble halls.

I didn’t go after her.

Instead, I looked at my son and smiled. “Eat your dinner.”

He nodded and took a tiny bite, visibly happier.

I pretended to eat too but my appetite was gone.

The weight of the decision settled heavy in my gut.

How would people react when I walked into that party with a woman who looked exactly like my dead wife?

And after all the effort to heal, why did I feel like I was unraveling again?