Mirabelle’s POV:
Noah had promised to take me to the mall to shop for the clothes I’d wear to dinner and to also pick up gifts for his parents.
But now, it’s past 7, and he’s still not home. When I called him earlier, he said he was stuck at work.
I quickly texted him, asking him to grab some diffusers and scented candles on his way back-it seemed like the most thoughtful and sensible gift for an elderly person.
After texting Noah, I went to the room where the kids had gathered. They had gotten back from school earlier, but I was a bit occupied with an online meeting so I couldn’t play with them all day.
Mika was the first to spot me and practically flew into my arms, a wide smile on her face, though I could already see the hint of disappointment when she saw me walk in instead of Noah.
“Such a daddy’s girl,” I said to myself, holding my laughter
But sometimes, I think she just needs a hug, no matter who gives it.
Tyler wasn’t far behind, clinging to her side like he always did-my little mummy’s boy, full of big smiles whenever he saw me.
Mika and Tyler were already deep into their afternoon energy.
And then there was Skyler, sitting quietly with a toy truck, watching everything with those deep eyes of his. He was always so calm as if he were just a little older than Mika and Tyler.
I sat down on the floor with them, picking up blocks and stacking them in mismatched towers.
Mika giggled as she knocked them down repeatedly, and Tyler did his best to imitate her. Skyler, though, just kept staring at me, and I wondered what was going on in that little mind of his.
“Mummy?” Skyler’s voice came out soft, cutting through the noise of laughter and Mika’s playful shrieks.
I turned to him, surprised. “Yes, love?”
He looked at me, his little brows lifted in a way that was almost comically serious for a child his age.
Just as he opened his mouth, the door swung open.
“Sorry to interrupt, Ma’am,” Jamie called from the doorway. “Mr. Sylvester just got home-he’s asking for you.”
I stood, with a warm smile. Then glanced back at Skyler, who looked a bit annoyed. “Just hold that thought, sweetie. We’ll talk in a minute, alright?” He nodded slowly, but I could feel the question still lingering in his eyes as I slipped out of the room.
As I walked down the corridor toward our room, I could hear the faint laughter echoing from the kids’ room.
‘Jamie really knows how to keep them entertained.’
Stepping into the room, I glanced around for him. The shower was running in the bathroom, so I assumed he was still in there.
My eyes landed on the bed, where three neatly packed boxes sat, each a different size.
I moved closer to the bed and opened the first box, recognizing what was inside immediately-diffusers, just as I’d asked for. In the second box were scented candles, each one with a different fragrance.
Then I noticed the third box, slightly larger than the others. Reaching for it, I expected maybe another set of candles or something along the lines.
But when I pulled off the lid, I found myself staring at a luxurious black dress, folded and draped in soft tissue paper.
My breath hitched as I took in the rich, silky fabric that seemed to catch the light even in this dim room.
I set the box down, as I reached for the smallest box. Inside was a pair of sleek, designer heels that would perfectly match the dress.
I can’t believe this!
I hadn’t expected him to go out of his way like this. He was so busy that he barely had time to come home, and yet he still managed to make me feel like a priority.
‘Just like always.’ I thought to myself, smiling sheepishly.
As I was lost in thought, I felt warm arms wrap around my waist, pulling me back against his chest. Startled, I looked up to see Noah’s reflection in the mirror in front of us.
“Do you like the dress?” he murmured into my ears.
I turned my head, meeting his gaze with a wide smile. “I love it,” I whispered, nodding.
Then he turned me around gently, his hands still resting on my waist. His eyes softened as he looked at me. “I’m glad you love it.” He added.
He slowly began to lean in, and I braced myself, expecting his lips on mine. Instead, I felt him placing kisses all over my neck. I threw my head back, biting my lower lip to keep myself from moaning.
His gentle kisses quickly turned into light nibbles and playful sucking. He was clearly determined to give me a hickey as he softly chewed on my skin.
Suddenly, he paused and looked up at me, his eyes filled with a desire. It seemed as though I was his prey, and he was ready to pounce and devour me.
“If you want me to stop, I will.” He murmured, gazing deeply into my eyes.
Before I could respond, the door flew open, and Mika came rushing in, her face streaked with fresh tears.
Her little cries filled the room as she stumbled forward, her arms reaching up toward Noah. Instinctively, he let go of me and knelt to scoop her up, holding her close as her tiny fingers clung to him.
“Mika, sweetie, what happened?” I asked, crouching down beside them.
She buried her face into Noah’s shoulder, hiccuping as she tried to speak.
“It’s…Ja…Ja-mie…” Her voice was barely a whisper between sobs, and each attempt seemed to catch in her throat, making her stutter.
Noah gently rubbed her back, trying to soothe her. “What is it, honey? Did something happen to Jamie?”
She only nodded, her little fists clutching the fabric of Noah’s shirt. I glanced at Noah.
“Mika, what did Jamie do?” I asked softly, brushing a few strands of hair away from her wet cheeks.
Still trembling. “She didn’t want me to come play with you. She kept saying you were tired and needed to rest. Are you tired of me, Daddy?” She asked, cutely.
Noah chuckled, and we exchanged a quick glance. “Daddy is never tired of you, Mika. And you have to stop crying; it’s already time for dinner.” He reassured her. “Now, will you stop crying for Daddy?” He asked, smiling.
“No!” She declared, shaking her little head.