Chapter 76
A R I A N A
It has been five years, five long years since I ran away from New York, from Dante precisely.
Life has not been easy but it is comfortable now, I have a good job at a small design firm here in London.
It pays the bills.
And I have my children.
My son, Asher, is now eight years old he is smart and kind and I have the twins, my two little girls, they’re four years old.
I named them Sofia and Isabella.
Sofia and Isabella look so much like their father they have Dante’s dark, serious eyes and his dark hair but they have my smile and my nose.
Every time I look at them, my heart aches with love and sadness.
I let out a breath as I head to my boss’s, Mr. Davies office.
I knocked slightly waiting for permission to come in.
I hear a faint come in before slipping in.
“Ariana it’s good that you’re here” he said, smiling. “I have a very important job for you, our company is trying to sign a big deal with a new client. Their CEO is coming from America to oversee everything I need you to be the main contact, you will work directly with him p>
I felt nervous, a big client? “I… I am honored, Mr. Davies p>
“I trust you,” he said. “You are one of my best employees do not disappoint me p>
“I will not. I promise,” I assured him.
“Good,” Mr. Davies said. “I will email you all the details. The new CEO arrives tomorrow you will start working with him then This is a very big opportunity for our firm p>
“I will not let you down… I promise”
I left his office, my mind already thinking about the work. A new CEO from America I hoped he would be easy to work with.
I closed my laptop a little early today my mind was tired from thinking about the new project a new CEO from America.
It made me a little nervous, but I pushed the feeling away.
Working for Mr Davies hasn’t been too hard over the years, he was a kind and easy going man, the thought of working with someone new made me feel uneasy.
I packed my bag and said goodbye to my coworkers before heading out of the company.
The London weather was cold and drizzly, like it often is I pulled my coat tight and walked to the bus stop.
I didn’t go straight to my apartment I stopped one floor below, at Sarah’s apartment, she picks up the twins from preschool for me while I’m at work.
Asher goes to a different school that ends later, so a neighbor’s son walks him home.
I knocked on Sarah’s door as soon as she opened it, I heard two little voices scream, “Mummy p>
My twin girls, Sofia and Isabella, came running at me full speed as they wrapped their little arms around my legs, almost knocking me over.
“I missed you!” Sofia said, her face pressed against my coat.
“Me too! Me too!” Isabella chimed in.
I knelt down and hugged them both tightly, kissing their soft hair.
They smelled like crayons and the apple snacks Sarah gives them. “I missed you both so much,” I whispered, my heart feeling full.
Sarah smiled from the doorway. “They were angels, as always we drew pictures. Sofia drew a dinosaur, and Isabella drew a… well, I think it was a very tall cat p>
Just then, the elevator dinged and Asher stepped out, his backpack slung over one shoulder.
He saw me and gave me a big, gap-toothed smile. “Hi, Mum p>
“Hello, my big boy,” I said, standing up to hug him too.
The walk from Sarah’s door to my apartment down the hall was chaotic and wonderful all three of them talked at once, telling me about their day.
“Asher helped me with my puzzle!” Isabella said, pulling on my hand.
“No, I helped Sofia!” Asher corrected gently.
“My teacher said my drawing was the best!” Sofia announced proudly.
I listened to their stories, my heart swelling with love this was my life now.
It was noisy and busy and sometimes exhausting, but it was filled with so much love.
We finally reached our apartment, I unlocked the door and a wave of warmth hit us.
The small, cozy space was our safe place.
“Okay, everyone,” I said, hanging up my coat. “Shoes off. Who wants to help me make dinner p>
Three voices shouted, “Me!” It was the best sound in the world for a little while, surrounded by my children, I could forget about my past, my guilt.
This was everything that mattered.
“Mum?” Asher calls out snapping me out of my train of thoughts.
I smiled keeping down the knife, “Yes dear p>
“Uhm… Is it okay if Uncle Phil comes to my soccer match tomorrow?” He asks.
My heart dropped.. I am a little bit too concerned about the way Asher is attached to Phil.
Phil is my coworker, he lives just few walks away from our building.
He’s been trying to court me for the past few years making sure to get it Asher and the twins good sides, they love him so much and having him around has touched their lives, and it almost feels like he’s part of the family.
Phil has tried all way possible to convince me into giving him a chance but my heart was already with someone else, someone that wants nothing to do with me, someone that’s would destroy me in snap of finger.
Dante Russo.
No matter how long it has been, my heart still beats for him.
I may have changed for the past few years but my feelings for him, they remain the same.
“I’ll talk to him and see, if he isn’t too busy” I say.
“I already asked him and he said I had to ask you first and if you agree, he’d go with me” he adds.
Curse you Phil.
“Please Mum p>
I let out a sigh rubbing on my temples, “Okay Asher”
He jumped in excitement, “Yes! You’re the best, I love you”