Natalie Pov
"Mum?"
I sniffle, wiping my eyes with the back of my sleeve. The cotton's rough against my skin, but I don't care. I bought this shirt on sale anyway—it's not worth crying over. Not that it matters; it's already covered in ugly tear stains.
I spent the whole morning—and a good chunk of the afternoon—crying like some heartbroken teenager behind a tree at the park. Classy, I know. But how else was I supposed to deal with this day?
I couldn't go back home looking like a complete wreck in front of my kids. Not when they look up to me like I'm some unbreakable superhero. Spoiler alert: I'm not.
And now… all I can think about is Alex.
God, I'm so desperate I'm actually considering begging him.
The humiliation of it all burns my throat, but it's true. I crossed a line with him—brought up the one thing I shouldn't have: his wound. The one he hid so perfectly that no normal person would ever have noticed.
But then again, I was never normal when it came to Alex.
With him, I was either obsessed, unhinged, or hopelessly desperate.
Just not desperate enough to beg. Not yet.
He probably wouldn't take me back anyway. The look on his face when I mentioned his wound—he seemed seconds away from strangling me. And not in the fun, flirty way either.
Maybe if I wait until he cools down, I can talk to him again. That's the plan—approach him when he's not in full devil mode, wearing that damn suit and channeling Lucifer himself.
Which means... I'll need a peace offering. Something small, like a homemade meal. Maybe food will soften his mood? Assuming, of course, he hasn't already put my face on the "call the police if spotted" list.
Still, I'm trying to stay positive.
So I spent the afternoon grocery shopping, telling that snide little voice in my head to shut up—the one that keeps whispering that no amount of food will fix this.
That voice made me cry again. But screw it.
I won't know until I try.
Zade trots ahead of me as I walk into the house, his Minions pajamas swishing with each step. His socks are mismatched—again—but he looks so proud of them.
"You're back early," he says, frowning like a tiny detective. "Are you okay?"
"Of course," I say, touching his forehead. "Your fever's really gone. Thank goodness."
"You didn't believe me?" he pouts. "You called me, like, five times, Mum."
"I was just worried," I say softly. "You know I can't help it."
He tilts his chin up. "Are you in trouble because of me?"
"What? No!" I set my shopping bag on the counter and crouch to meet his eyes. "You're my brave little man. I just wanted to make sure you were feeling better."
He crosses his arms, pretending to look serious. "I'm a man now, Mum. You can tell me if something's wrong."
"Oh, really?" I grin and suddenly attack his sides with my fingers. "A man, huh? Then why is this man still ticklish?"
He shrieks with laughter, twisting away, but I catch him and tickle harder until he's gasping between giggles.
His laughter fills the whole house—light, pure, and so heartbreakingly innocent that my chest aches. For a moment, I forget everything else.
"Mum!" Aaron's voice breaks through the noise.
I turn and find my other two little troublemakers—Aaron, my calm little old soul, and Hayley, my bossy princess—standing in the doorway.
Aaron looks at me with that quiet, serious gaze that always makes me feel like he's the adult here. "You're home early," he says, almost suspiciously.
"Yes, dear," I say, smiling through the sting in my eyes. "My boss let me off early today. And guess what—surprise! I brought donuts from Domino's!"
"Donuts!" Hayley and Zade yell in unison, their excitement echoing through the kitchen.
I pull out the box, and their cheers melt away every ounce of sadness I'd been carrying all day.
"I also got everything we need for strawberry pancakes," I add, grinning. "So... strawberry pancakes and honey syrup for dinner. What do you say, my royal majesties? Will you honor me with your royal company in the kitchen?"
I bow dramatically, and they burst into giggles.
"Yes, ma'am!" Hayley salutes with her tiny hand. "We're delighted to join you!"
Zade jumps up and down. "I call dibs on mixing duty!"
"Only if you promise not to eat half the batter this time," Aaron says dryly.
Their banter makes me laugh. "Alright, team. To the kitchen!"
I lift Hayley onto the counter while the boys drag stools closer. Soon, we're a flurry of motion—flour dust in the air, strawberries being sliced, giggles bouncing off the walls.
Zade spills some milk and tries to hide it with his hand. Hayley keeps eating the strawberries when she thinks I'm not looking. Aaron rolls his eyes but secretly adds extra syrup when I turn my back.
It's chaotic. Messy. Perfect.
For a few precious moments, it feels like nothing bad exists outside these walls.
By the time I'm plating the pancakes, my phone buzzes. I glance at the screen—then freeze.
**Bloody Idiot.**
My heart lurches violently.
It takes a few seconds before I can even breathe, let alone pick up. Finally, I do, voice trembling.
"Hello?"
There's silence. Long, heavy silence.
Then, finally—his voice. Rough. Controlled.
"Ehmm… I sent you some files to review and proofread. I need them by tomorrow morning."
For a moment, I think I misheard him.
"Sir…?" I step away from the kids, my heart hammering. "But I thought I was fired?"
"You were," he says evenly. "So that I could rehire you as my permanent assistant."
I blink. My jaw nearly hits the floor.
"Permanent assistant? You mean… I got the job?"
"Yes. You passed your trial period. I want you back tomorrow."
"Y–Yes, sir," I stammer, my brain short-circuiting.
Then his tone changes—softer, hesitant.
"Nat."
My heart stutters. "Yes, sir?"
"Are you okay? I'm sorry for pushing you earlier. Fuck, please tell me you're not hurt."
I go completely still.
He's apologizing. Alex—the man who never says sorry—is actually asking if I'm okay.
My stupid heart flutters so fast it's almost painful.
I'm about to answer when Hayley's voice rings out from the kitchen.
"Mum! Your pancake's getting cold!"
My breath catches. Fear slithers up my spine.
"Are you with someone?" he asks sharply.
"Yes, sir," I blurt out. "And thank you for your concern. I'm fine."
Before he can ask anything else, I hang up. My hands shake as I put the phone down.
When I walk back to the kitchen, I paste a smile on my face.
"Mum, who was that?" Aaron asks, curious.
"My boss," I say quickly.
Hayley frowns. "Why's he calling? I thought he gave you today off. Is he making you work again?"
"No, sweetheart. He just sent me some things to review. But today," I say, crouching to hug them all tightly, "I'm all yours."
"Movie night?" I ask.
Their eyes light up instantly.
"Yes! Let's watch Avatar!" Zade shouts.
"No! Sofia the First!" Hayley argues, hands on hips.
They start bickering, their voices overlapping, and I don't stop them.
I just watch. Watch the life, the noise, the love.
While they argue, I pack the plates, slip them into the sink, and pop some popcorn in the microwave. A small smile tugs at my lips.
Maybe things aren't as broken as I thought.