Forgive me...again

Bella was sprinting, her legs burning, her mind scrambled. She stumbled into the street, the screech of tires slicing through the air. Her eyes flew open. She scanned the area, heart pounding, Max was gone. Panic surged through her. She darted out of the bedroom, heading for the living room, when a memory flashed: the same man, a different room, another baby, he’d been so gentle with him. She shook it off and stepped in front of Lucas.

“He woke you up. I’m so sorry.”

“Bella, he’s, my kid. Of course he can wake me up.”

“Lucas… can I call you Lucas?”

“Sit. Yes, obviously. I’m your husband.”

“Why was I running from the house?”

He froze. “You remember something?”

“Just that I was terrified, running for my life.”

His hands trembled. “Okay, I need to tell you the truth, I want you to hear it from me.” He laid it all out. She listened.

“So, you didn’t let me explain? Didn’t trust me?”

“I get the trust thing, I cheated. But not letting me explain?

"I was furious, I couldn’t think straight. Forgive me."

"Forgive you? No. I’ve been living with a stranger because my husband couldn’t wait five minutes to hear me out." She shoved another onesie into the diaper bag.

"Bella, please," reaching for her hand.

"Don’t you dare touch me. You’re a monster."

He fell to his knees. "I am. I know I am. Just give me one more chance."

"Let me guess, I don’t remember, but I will eventually. How many chances do you think I’ve already given you?"

His head dropped. "Please, Bella. If I ever raise my voice at you again, I’ll sign the divorce papers myself. For our son, I’m begging you."

She looked at him, tears streaming down her face. "You hurt me. A year of being alone…"

"I never stopped looking for you. Not for a single second."

I know already I am going to regret this, my gut feeling never stirs me wrong. Lucas, this is your last chance, don’t blow it. And I don’t trust you right now.

He hugged her. She got close to his chest. His scent and standing there brought few kind memories to her head. We used to be happy, she whispered

You remember something?

I did, at least were good memories. Now can you take me to my other son?

Let’s drink some coffee before we go and I will tell you some things about my family, hopefully you’ll remember.

The mansion loomed, its windows dark, secrets buried beneath layers of dust. Lucas stepped inside, one hand gripping Bella’s, the other cradling Max. The room froze, at mid-breakfast, as if time itself had paused. Giana’s glass shattered on the floor, and his mother approached slowly, her gaze locked on Bella and the baby.

“Son,” his mother began, her voice cautious, “are you certain he’s yours?”

Lucas handed Max to Bella without a word, then turned sharply, his hand finding his mother’s neck. “If I hear one more insult,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous, “I’ll kill you. All of you. Do you understand? I’ve been gone for a year, and this is what you have to say to me?”

Elena choked, stumbling back. “What has this woman done to you?” his father interjected, his tone sharp.

Lucas grabbed the nearest chair and hurled it against the wall. “I found her yesterday. A year of searching because of you. But your time’s coming.” He scanned the room, his voice rising. “Anyone else? Come to me. I’m ready this time. Do it!”

The maid flinched as he turned to her. “Bring Oliver. Now.”

Oliver entered moments later, his eyes widening. “Mom? Dad?” He rushed forward, wrapping his arms around them. Lucas lifted him into a tight hug, then turned back to his family, his expression cold.

“I’m done with your miserable lives. Come near her, and you’re dead. All of you. Consider this your last warning.”

His eyes burned with fury as he led Bella to the car, helping her into the back seat before driving off. A while later, he pulled over, opened the door, and pulled her into an embrace. “I’m sorry I scared you,” his voice softer now. He lifted Max and settled beside her, his lips brushing hers gently.

Bella closed her eyes, memories flooding back. “Lucas,” she whispered. Her head dropped on his shoulder.

“Let’s go to the store,” he broke the silence “We’ll get what we need.”

Bella settled by the fireplace after her shower, the babies finally asleep. Lucas’s hand brushed her shoulder, and she jumped.

“Sorry,” “Didn’t mean to scare you.”

She cut him off with a kiss, catching him off guard. He froze for a moment, unsure, then kissed her back, his grip firm but gentle. He pulled her closer, holding her like he was afraid she’d vanish.

“Lucas, I can’t breathe,” she mumbled against him.

“Yeah, well, I missed you,” scooping her up and carrying her to the bedroom. The door clicked shut behind them. Her hair was still damp, her scent faint but familiar. His lips trailed down her neck as he tugged off his shirt, then hers. Skin met skin, and she let out a soft sigh, her eyes closing. It was messy, desperate, limbs tangled, mouths hungry. He held her tight, their breathing ragged as they fell apart. Her body trembled beneath his, his lips tracing her chest.

Afterward, she faced him and lightly touched his chest.  “Missed you too,” her voice barely audible. He pulled her into his lap, her moans muffled against his mouth. When she finally collapsed against him, limped and spent, he chuckled softly.

“Loud,” he teased, kissing her forehead.

“Shut up,” her head resting on his shoulder.

They drifted off tangled together, Bella’s breaths steady. In her dream, Lucas’s eyes burned with anger. He slapped her hard, the sting sharp. She tried to explain, but he hit her again, and again, her screams echoing in the darkness.

“Bella, you’re dreaming.”

Her eyes snapped open, and she jerked away from him, her chest heaving. She stared at him, fear flickering in her gaze, until her vision cleared and tears spilled over.

“I’m so sorry, Bella,” pulling her close, his arms tight around her. “So sorry.” He kissed her face, murmuring, “Forgive me.”

He held her until her breathing evened out and she drifted back to sleep. Slowly, he slid his arm free and sat at the edge of the bed, burying his face in his hands. When dawn broke, he lay back down, watching her sleep, his hand brushing lightly against her back. He fell asleep again, grateful for the second chance he didn’t deserve.