Klaus froze as Morticia cried against his chest, her grip tightening around him. Slowly, he lifted his arms and wrapped them around her.
His fingers stroked her hair, his mind wandering over what could have upset her. Was she no longer mad at him? Could she have found out the reason why he had left?
He stayed still, letting her pour out her emotions through her tears.
Finally, after a long while, Morticia pulled away, her face lowered.
“Bunnie,” he called softly, his hand reaching to hold her face, but she stepped back, pulling out a handkerchief to clean her tears.
Klaus stared at her worriedly, waiting for her to speak. Her red eyes met his as she took a deep breath.
“I met Tasha,” she said, her voice heavy with emotion. “And she told me everything. Right from the day you left.”
Klaus’s breath hitched at her words. “She did?” he asked, wanting to know if Tasha had told the truth. He was sure she had; she knew the consequences of messing with him.
“I want to hear you out,” Morticia whispered. “It’s going to take time for me to digest everything, but… I want to hear your side.”
A small smile tugged at Klaus’s lips. He stepped closer and embraced her. “Thank you.”
—
“Sienna?”
Vincent’s brows furrowed as he stared at Sienna, whose eyes darted between him, Nica, and their entwined hands.
Sienna stepped forward. “Vince, can we… can we talk?” she asked.
“About what?” Vincent replied, holding Nica’s hand a little tighter, as if assuring her of his loyalty. “Whatever you want to say, say it here.”
“I need your help,” Sienna confessed, her fingers fidgeting with her dress.
A pause followed, Vincent’s expression calm yet unyielding.
Sienna continued. “Vincent, I know I wronged you years ago. I know I was a terrible person for everything I did to you…”
“Get to the point,” Vincent cut in, his voice impatient.
Nica remained quiet behind him.
“Vincent, I…” Sienna croaked. “I’ve been a prisoner to Peter. He’s a devil who hits me every day, torments me, and cheats on me every chance he gets. And now…”
“How is that my problem?” Vincent sighed, growing tired of her words.
“Vince… I was just his toy. The police found out he had once murdered one of his artists. Now I’m-”
“Sienna!” Vincent snapped. “What’s your point?”
Tears rolled down Sienna’s face as she sniffled. “Can you forgive me? I still love you.”
Vincent sighed, his disbelief clear. “I’m not mad at you anymore, Sienna. Because what you did led me to the right person.”
He glanced at Nica, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.
“This is my woman,” he said, returning his gaze to Sienna. “She ignored my flaws, gave me a second chance with a pure heart, never judged me, and was patient even when I hurt her. She’s real, and I’m hers.”
He smiled. “Thank you for making me realize that, Sienna.”
Nica’s heart swelled at his words, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. She had waited so long for this moment.
Vincent finally belonged to her. Warmth surged through her, indescribable and overwhelming. Their eyes met, and he placed a soft kiss on her forehead.
Sienna stood frozen, staring at the affectionate couple. She watched Vincent take Nica’s hand and walk away.
“You’re still alive, huh?” a familiar voice said behind her. Sienna turned to see Valerie standing at a distance.
Valerie looked even more striking than before. Her short black hair framed her face, and her outfit radiated her badass personality.
“Hey,” Sienna rasped.
“Hey,” Valerie greeted back.
A while later, they sat for dinner. Valerie paid for the meal while Sienna remained quiet, staring at her plate.
Valerie sighed. “How have you been?”
Sienna kept her gaze low. “How do I look like I’ve been?”
“It was a rhetorical question,” Valerie muttered, making Sienna bite her lip.
“You should eat. This is my last treat,” Valerie said, beginning her meal.
Tears blurred Sienna’s vision. “I’m sorry.”
Valerie clicked her tongue. “This isn’t a reconciliation. I’m here to visit a friend. Eat with me before I leave.”
Sienna sniffed, reaching for her spoon. “I’ll leave for California after this. Thank you.”
Valerie nodded, and they ate quietly.
—
Vincent and Nica sat on a swing, gazing at the moon and stars above.
“Thank you, Vince,” Nica said, meeting his gaze. “For making me so happy.”
Vincent chuckled. “I should be the one thanking you. I haven’t smiled like this in four years. You brought the light back… you and little Evan.”
Nica’s smile widened.
“I love you, Nica,” Vincent said, heat rising to Nica’s cheeks.
“I love you, Vince,” she whispered. Vincent cupped her face gently, capturing her lips in a soft kiss.
When they pulled away, they chuckled.
“Vincent,” Nica called softly.
“Hm?”
She took a deep breath. “Can you go back to dancing?”
Vincent’s smile faltered slightly.
“I know it’s hard, but it’s your calling. Your dream since I’ve known you. I wish to see you dance again.”
Vincent nodded. “I’ll think about it.” His phone buzzed. He pulled it out, seeing it was Old Evan.
Nica saw and snickered. “Our son must be waiting for us. We should head back.”
Vincent put his phone away. “Alright.”
__
Vincent spent the night in his personal suite since it was closer to the hospital where Old Evan was admitted. He planned to stay until the old man was discharged.
Besides, he couldn’t get enough of the sight of Nica and his son. He could hardly tear his gaze away from them.
After spending enough time with them, he finally returned home.
As he opened the door, his eyes fell on an unexpected group of guests: Morticia, Rhea, Valerie, Klaus, and Ava, who looked dumbfounded. Klaus must have confessed something because they all looked down.
Vincent took a seat beside Klaus, the two friends exchanging looks before turning their gaze back to the others.
“I’ll serve dinner,” Morticia said, standing and heading to the kitchen.
“I’ll help,” Rhea offered, standing up and following her.
“You okay?” Rhea asked as Morticia began to serve.
“I don’t know what to feel,” Morticia confessed.
“Me too… I feel terrible,” Rhea muttered. “Morty,” she called softly.
Morticia looked at her and understood the silent concern in her gaze. “I just need some time. I don’t know if I can accept him back. Things have changed a lot. I told him to give me some time to think. I’m just…”
Rhea cut her off with a tight hug. “Whatever you do, I’m on your side.”
Morticia hugged her back, comforted by Rhea’s reassuring words.