Meanwhile, Rafael glanced at the man seated beside him with his eyes closed. He was now so used to his cold aura.
“You’re not going to see her? I mean, Mr. King’s mother?” he asked.
“I’m not going to meet her.”
“Why not?” Rafael asked, curious.
“Can you keep your mouth shut? I’m trying to meditate here.”
“Says the man who used me. I’m still mad at you, you know… But weirdly, I’m glad you found me,” Rafael mumbled. “So what are you going to do with me?”
“Your choice. Either you stay and get the hell out of my way, or you come with me and become like me,” Silence said curtly, standing to leave.
He had gone far when Rafael ran to walk beside him.
“You called me your apprentice. I’m going to stay that way. My place is with you,” Rafael responded, and the man shot him a glare.
“You wanna die? ‘Cause I’m damn sure you won’t last a week.”
Rafael laughed confidently. “Try me.”
Silence’s lips curled up. “Fine then,” he muttered, continuing to walk with Rafael beside him.
“What are we going to do with Maximus?” Rafael asked.
Silence’s eyes gleamed with excitement. Oh, he was going to ruin that motherfucker beyond repair before ending his miserable life.
“You’ll find out,” he answered.
“What should I call you now? Master? Boss? My Lord?”
“Call me that, and I’ll kill you.”
“Haha… You’re so cold!”
___
Cassius stepped into the mansion and found everyone waiting for him. His eyes met Tatiana’s, whose face contorted in relief.
“Cash!” she exclaimed and ran to hug him tight. Damn, he missed her-her scent, her voice, everything. He hated himself for making her worry, but he had to do it.
“Why did you have to do that? Do you know how scared I was?” she whispered, burying her face in the crook of his neck.
“I’m sorry, wife,” he whispered, kissing her cheek.
“Dad!” Dylan ran toward him and wrapped his tiny arms around his thigh.
“Tatie,” Maya’s voice called, drawing Tatiana’s attention, and she gasped.
“Maya!” Tatiana hugged her. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”
“I’m glad you’re okay too.”
They all greeted each other. Jolene got emotional, pouring out how relieved she was and how much she loved this family. Jason was beside her, calming her down.
Cassius explained his encounter with Silence. After his words, they all realized why Valentino was afraid of that man.
Cassius’ gaze met Butler Conrad’s. The man simply smiled as he approached.
“Really?” Cassius crossed his arms.
“I’m sorry, master. I was just following orders,” Butler Conrad said.
“Orders? So what if he turned out to be an enemy and asked you to hurt me? Would you do it?” Cassius asked.
“No, master,” Butler Conrad replied. “Because he’d never ask me to harm you. Instead, he’d ask me to harm those who are against you. Your father loves you a lot, and so do I. This family… is my family too.”
Cassius nodded with a smile and hugged the man. “Thank you.”
After others left, Cassius went to his mother’s room. She hadn’t spoken much since his arrival.
“Mom,” Cassius greeted, sitting beside her.
“You’re not going to ask about him?” Cassius asked.
“What can I say? I’m just glad it’s all over.”
“Mom,” he called softly, then explained what Silence had said.
“Oh, I see. No wonder Karin and Williams became so rich overnight, then died tragically in an accident,” Aurora mumbled. A worried look flashed across Cassius’ eyes. “I’m fine with not seeing him, as long as he stays good to you. I’m also glad you finally met your father.”
Cassius smiled. “Thanks, Mom.”
“Now go to your wife. I don’t want to be the one stealing you away from her. Trust me, she’s even scarier while pregnant. I’m so proud of my daughter-in-law.”
They both laughed.
___
“Really?” Indigo’s eyes widened as Hudson explained all that had happened. Everything was a big shock. She pouted. “So much happened, and I wasn’t there to help.”
She glanced over at Tatiana, whose eyes brimmed with tears.
“You did a great job staying alive, baby,” Tatiana said, caressing her hand.
“Welcome back, Dee,” Cassius said.
“You all owe me a dinner,” Indigo smiled, her heart filled with warmth.
“I’ll buy you plenty of fried chicken once you’re out of bed, okay?” Hudson said, and she nodded. He gave her a swift kiss on the forehead, and she fell asleep after a while.
She was still a bit weak but recovering fast.
___
NEXT DAY
Cassius carefully led both his wife and son down the stairs, with Jolene’s help. Tatiana and Dylan were both blindfolded and still in their pajamas.
“Please tell me where we’re going,” Tatiana said, recalling how he did the same on their wedding.
“It’s a surprise, little Rebel. It has to be this way,” he whispered, his hand on her waist.
“Woo! I’m excited!” Dylan squealed.
As they reached the living room, the blindfolds were removed, and they both gasped at the sight before them.
The living room was exquisitely designed, transformed into a wonderland of warmth and elegance. Twinkling fairy lights hung from the ceiling, casting a soft golden glow over the room. A large banner stretched across one wall, hand-painted with the words “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” in delicate calligraphy. The center table was filled with a variety of mouth-watering dishes that left them drooling. The ground was scattered with numerous gifts.
Her family and friends chorused, “Happy birthday!”
Even Isabella and Catelyn were there!
Tears welled up in Tatiana’s eyes. Dylan, on the other hand, couldn’t take his eyes off the big cake.
“Cake!” Dylan looked at his father. “Dad, can I have some?”
“Not much,” Cassius responded.
The room was filled with tranquility, and the smiles on everyone’s faces showed the joy swirling in the air.
They all chatted and laughed.
If this was a dream, Tatiana didn’t want to wake up. It was perfect.
“Mom, I made you a gift. Aunt Jojo helped,” Dylan said, bringing out a box.
“Aww, thank you, sweetie,” Tatiana said, taking the box. She opened it to find a handmade birthday card with his drawing of three human figures surrounded by hearts.
“That’s us,” Dylan chuckled.
Tatiana kissed his head. “I love it. Dylan, you also have a present.” She caressed her stomach, and Dylan stared at her with curiosity. “You’re going to be a big brother soon.”
Dylan’s eyes widened, his lips parted in surprise. His head snapped toward his father, who nodded in confirmation.
He looked back at his mother and exclaimed, “Really?!”
“Yes, really,” Tatiana chuckled at the shock on his face.
“I’m going to have a little sister or brother. Oh my God!” he squealed, jumping on his feet.
“What are you going to say to them?” Tatiana asked.
Dylan chuckled. “Well, if it’s a boy, I promise to be the one he looks up to. We’ll play lots of games together while eating cookies. If it’s a girl, then I promise to protect her, just like how Father does for you.”
“Aww,” those who heard it gushed.
Dylan suddenly recalled something. “Ah!” He looked at his father and called, “Dad?”
Cassius raised a brow.
Dylan grinned. “Since Mother carried me in her tummy before… how about you carry this one?”