Monica’s POV
THE NEXT DAY
AT NOON
“Hi I’m Monica,” I said, as I walked into the Sterlings mansion with a warm smile on my face.
I was excited to see the kids and I was curious to see how they looked. Throughout the night, I couldn’t get my mind off Nicholas and I also couldn’t get my mind off Ethan’s strange behavior.
“Welcome home darling” An elderly woman engulfed me in a warm hug and for some strange reason, I felt close and safe with this woman
“Hi,” I said awkwardly as her hug started becoming tighter.
“You’re going to suffocate her aunt” I heard a voice say and I looked at the person to discover it was the young man I slapped yesterday earlier in the hospital.
The woman broke the big and held my hand in her with tears gathering in her eyes “I’m so happy to see you. I’m happy you’re alive” the woman said.
“I’m sorry but I don’t know you,” I said and I could see a flash of sadness in her eyes.
“I’m Mrs Clara. I’m your mother” the woman said and my eyes widened in shock.
“My mother?” I said, staring at her one more time as my eyes roamed her face.. I noticed a slight resemblance and I finally understood the reason why I felt safe when she hugged me earlier.
“My husband didn’t mention you,” I said but the man who I slapped in the hospital utterly harshly, glaring at Ethan
“You mean that bastard who lied to you and_”
“Anthony, that’s enough. She didn’t come here for that” I heard a familiar voice and turned around to see Nicholas standing behind me.
His eyes were swollen and red as if he had been crying.
“My poor boy, why are you looking like a mess?” another elderly woman said, staring at Nicholas with sadness in her eyes.
“I’m fine Aunt Ella,” Nicholas said and went to sit in one of the couches.
The woman who Nicholas had called Aunt Ella walked towards me with a small yet sad smile on her face “I’m happy you listened to us and went ahead with the surgery. You might not remember what I’m talking about now but just know that everyone here is happy that you’re alive”
The woman then engulfed me in another hug and I also felt comfortable in her embrace. It was like my body recognized her and relaxed.
“What brings you here?” I heard a cold and distant voice and I landed my gaze on Nicholas whose eyes were empty.
“I came to see my kids,” I said.
“We want to see the kids and take them along with us. The kids deserve to spend time with their mother” Ethan said and noticed everyone glare at him
“Never,” Nicholas and Anthony said in unison and I frowned.
“Why can’t I take my kids along with me?” I asked, my voice drawing everyone’s eyes to me.
“Because they’re also mine and I don’t trust that bastard who is standing behind you. I don’t trust him with my kids”
” He is not a bastard. He is my husband” I said, defending Ethan, and I could see my mother bursting into tears.
“What has he done to you, my dear? What has this monster been feeding you?” My mom asked and I felt sad as I saw tears rushing down her cheeks.
“Please Mom don’t cry,” I said, walking toward her and taking her hands in mine.
“I’m not a bastard and I won’t watch you insult me” Ethan yelled and I knew that if this continued, Nicholas and Ethan were going to fight.
“Why don’t you tell her the truth huh? Why are you lying just so you could have her to yourself? Is this how desperate you are?” Anthony asked, gritting his teeth as his hands trembled by his side.
“I just want to see my kids. We didn’t come here to fight. We came here to see the kids and take them with us” I said and Nicholas instantly replied.
“They are also my kids and you won’t be taking them anywhere,” he said, glaring at me, and sediment chills down my spine.
“I don’t want to argue with anyone. I just want to see my kids and take them home with me” I said, stating the reasons I came here.
“You will see them but you will not take them with you,” Nicholas said, his voice cold and confident.
“All right there’s no problem” Ethan agreed and I frowned at his decision.
“No, I won’t allow it. I want to take my kids with me. They are mine and I have a right to them” I said, shifting my gaze to Ethan and glaring at him
“So do I,” Nicholas said, his voice sharp
“Darling, why don’t we discuss this at home okay?” Ethan said and his soft and pleading gaze made me give up on the argument.
“Okay,” I said and Ethan stared at Nicholas
“Take us to their rooms” Ethan said and Nicholas stared daggers at him.
“They are so beautiful,” I said, staring at the kids who were fast asleep. “Have they eaten?”
“Yes they have” Nicholas replied, his gaze fixed on me but I didn’t want to look at him because of the way my heart raced whenever I looked at him.
We were the only ones in the room and Ethan was strictly asked by Anthony and Nicholas to wait downstairs for me.
“Mason and Macy right?” I asked, wanting to be sure that I was getting their names right.
“Yes Mason and Macy” he replied and I smiled. I reached out to Mason and held his hand tenderly but he wrapped his fist around my index finger while Macy just laid there with her blue bright eyes giggling and laughing.
It was so nice to know I have two beautiful kids. The excitement that seeped into my heart was unexplainable. This is my first time seeing them but I love them already.
“Monica” Nicholas called and with a happy smile on my face, I turned to him and my heart began to beat again.
His blue eyes were a mix of emotions, longing, and desire. I wasn’t comfortable with what I was seeing in his eyes so I averted my gaze.
“Look at me” he ordered but with a soft and gentle tone. He used his hand to raise my chin so I could meet his gaze and leaned forward, coming close to me and capturing my lips in his.
I froze with my eyes wide open as he kissed me slowly, seeking entrance to my mouth. My mind went blank instantly and I didn’t know what to do.
Should I push him away? Was this right? But why did it feel right?
His hands went around my tiny waist and drew me closer to him.