Anastasia’s POV
Five years later……………..
“Mommy!!!” Jamie runs towards me happily, freeing himself from his nanny’s grip. His face lights up with joy and I can’t help but smile when I see him sprinting in my direction.
I quickly signal my employees to postpone any ongoing discussion for now after hearing his voice. “My handsome baby bear has finally arrived,” I gently squatted and opened my arms wide to meet him at eye level. I extended my hands invitingly and turned my palms upwards, as if my touch could protect him from the world. From my world.
We hugged and my body enveloped him. I looked at him in the eyes and peppered him with kisses all over his body which caused him to giggle. His infectious laughter started filling the room. “Hee-hee-hee, mommy, it tickles,”he giggles, squirming in my arms.
“Oh really, that’s bad, because I am not planning to stop anytime soon,” I tease before continuing the kisses as he wriggles with more delight.
After some -mommy and son-moments later, I finally released him. “How was your day my love?” I asked with a beaming smile.
“It was really nice, we had so many candies and treats, mommy I really wished you were there. There were so many sparkling lights and so many of my friends too were present,” he said with joy.
My secretary comes over to inform me about Kilian’s arrival, gently disrupting Jamie and I’s moment. I nodded and dismissed her with a wave, turning my gaze back to Jamie.
“Awwn, I am glad you liked it,” I said, pecking him one last time. “Jammy, you need to stay with your nanny for a while, mommy will quickly get some things done before we leave for home together, okay?”
He nodded, always being an obedient child. “Now, that’s my baby bear, off you go,” I said, patting his head and waving, his nanny coming forward to receive him. Jamie has always been an understanding child, he rarely throws tantrums like other children do. And I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. Only time will tell.
I walk back to my cabin after finally seeing him walk off with his nanny. “You really like to make unexpected appearances happen, don’t you?”. I said, taking a seat on my chair.
“My apologies,” Killian responds smoothly, offering a small, disarming smile. “It’s out of habit.”
I glance at an envelope placed conspicuously on my desk. Its sleek, elegant design immediately draws my attention. Curiosity piqued, I reach out and pick it up, noting its careful placement.
“And what’s this?” I ask, holding the envelope up for him to see.
Killian leans back slightly, his expression unreadable. “Your award ceremony,” he says, his tone casual but with an edge of seriousness.
“For the best businesswoman this year,” he adds.
I pause, processing his words. “Another one?” I say with a touch of amusement as I set the envelope aside. “Fine, I’ll attend. It seems like just another part of the routine now.”
Killian’s gaze follows the envelope as it lands on the desk, then returns to meet mine. “You’ve done quite well for yourself,” he notes, a hint of respect in his voice. “Your company is not only one of the best in the country but almost globally unmatched.”
“Yes,” I say quietly, a note of pride mingled with weariness in my voice. “It’s been a long road. Every achievement comes with its own set of challenges.”
He nods, his gaze sharp. “It’s been five years since you left everything behind.”
“Yes, five years,” I echo, my mind briefly drifting back to the moment I walked away from my old life. “And a lot has changed since then.”
Killian’s eyes narrow slightly, his tone shifting. “You’ve fought hard for every bit of success. But I know it hasn’t always been easy. I am impressed”
I look at him, understanding the unspoken question behind his words. I gently stood up and walked towards the window “I vowed to fight for Jamie. Everything I’ve achieved, every late night, every sacrifice-it’s all been for him.”
I paused for a moment and turned back to face Killian. “To give him a life where he doesn’t have to worry about the things I had to.”
Killian’s expression softens, a flicker of recognition in his eyes. “And you’ve succeeded,” he says quietly. “But what about your own dreams? Have you achieved what you wanted, beyond the success and the accolades?”
I pause, contemplating his question. “Success is part of it, but it’s not everything. My goal was always to build something that lasts, to make sure Jamie has a future free from the struggles I faced. If I can achieve that, then I’ve accomplished what I set out to do.”
Killian nods slowly, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Sometimes, it’s not just about the goals we set, but how we get there.”
“True,” I agree, meeting his gaze with a newfound determination. “But I’ve learned that every step, every challenge, shapes who we become.”
As we delve into the details of the upcoming board meeting, the conversation shifts to business strategies and future plans. The past is set aside as we focus on what lies ahead. Yet, beneath the surface, there’s an unspoken acknowledgment of the struggles and triumphs that have brought us here.
And with that, the discussion transitions into more practical matters. But the weight of our shared history and the drive for a better future linger, unspoken but understood.