All Chapters of Aaliyah’s Return : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Monday Morning I woke up early, my body a bit sore from yesterday's emotional weight, but my mind is sharp like I received some extra sparkle overnight. It’s the beginning of the work week and it will set the tone of how my week will go. I have to start it on a positive note. Brandon was already up, sipping a cup of coffee and reviewing something on his tablet. We shared a quiet morning routine, sitting side by side in the home office. The hum of the city buzzed faintly outside but inside was peaceful. Amanda, my manager, called promptly at nine. She briefed me on the just-completed renovation of Mr. Young's house. It had taken weeks of precise design and patience to bring that project to life. Her flight back to Manhattan was scheduled for the next day, so we went over the final figures and wrapped up every last detail. It felt good to close a chapter successfully. Brandon stayed close, working quietly beside me. Occasionally our elbows brushed, and once or twice, he'd pass me a n

Amanda arrives promptly at 9:00 a.m. for work that's what I love about her the dedication . She shows up with coffee and some pastries. Another plus. Noah is watching cartoons, half-asleep on the couch. I leave him with his nurse and slip into my office, leaving the door slightly ajar. Gabe arrives thirty minutes later."Apologies for being late," he says, breathless. "I was moving into the flat next door."I wave it off. "No problem, Gabe. We have a few meetings, then we'll be heading out in the afternoon." We get to work. After a round of remote meetings Amanda is taking notes in her precise manner , a call comes in. I check the caller ID - It's Shawn."Hello, beautiful," he says with that casual charm."Oh, I'm still beautiful to you, right?" I tease, voice light but firm. "Where have you been?"He answers, "I went to Washington for a conference. I just got back."I'm still pouting. "Why didn't you tell me? Or call me from there ? I don't chase Shawn. I attract. “There's a pause

Now that I finally have a studio, the next step is shopping for furniture that emphasizes the Feng Shui of the space. I sage it every time I visit, letting positive energy seep into every corner. Amanda always watches quietly. One afternoon, we decide to take Noah with us to shop for center tables at the antique wood store on Oak Street, a couple of blocks from our flat. Gabe and Amanda sit in the front, while Noah and I sit in the back. He’s showing me a funny TikTok video on his phone when Gabe mutters,“Boss.…it seems we’re being followed again.” I sigh, trying to steady my racing heart.“Are you sure it’s not Mr. Luka?” I ask, using Desmond’s alias, trying to keep the tremble out of my voice. Amanda gives me a look, trying to understand, but I quickly return one that says: “Noah is here. Be strong.”“It’s okay,” I say aloud. “Let’s proceed to our destination. It’s a public place. I’ll call Brandon and have him meet us there.” Noah is distracted, watchi

I stirred awake before dawn, my body already attuned to the long day ahead. For a few extra minutes, I lay in bed, letting my thoughts settle as the pale sun crept lazily through the sheer curtains. Today would be hectic—two different store trips on opposite sides of town with Desmond and Brandon. Between the wallpaper and the sanitary fittings, I knew my energy had to be at its best. Slipping out of bed, I ran a warm bath laced with calming lavender oil and soaked in silence. When I was done, I meditated briefly, centering myself before the day. Once refreshed, I tied my robe and padded into the kitchen. Breakfast first. A large one with all the errands ahead, a hearty breakfast was necessary. I whipped up pancakes, scrambled eggs, and bacon strips, brewing a strong pot of coffee to go with it all. Brandon was supposed to arrive early to spend quiet time with Noah before the day got too busy. We planned to tell him the truth today everything. This ho

Noah stands before his grandparents, shoulders squared, speaking with surprising confidence.Alpha Jack offers him a firm handshake.“Hello, Noah. I am your grandpa.”“Good afternoon, Grandpa. It’s nice to meet you,” Noah replies without hesitation.Luna Carlista smiles warmly.“Hey, Noah. I’m your grandma. I’m so happy to meet you finally.”“Hello, Grandma,” he answers, and they invite him to sit between them. They exchange pleasantries, asking about his favorite color — green — and his favorite toy, which turns out to be the newest toy car Brandon bought him. “ The one that drives me wild at home,” I add, making everyone laugh. The moment breaks the last of the tension in the room. A knock sounds at the door. Alpha Jack answers, and the butler steps in with a large bag of gifts. He sets it in front of Noah and bows.“For the young master, from his grandparents. It is lovely to make your acquaintance. My name is Kincaid, and I have worked here since before your father was