Chapter 154

Richard's POV

I sat in my study, surrounded by smoke. How many cigarettes had I smoked today? I'd lost count. The ashtray on my desk was overflowing with butts, but it did nothing to calm the restlessness within me.

A soft knock came at the door.

"Come in," my voice was hoarse, more tired than I'd intended.

Anna pushed the door open, wearing that expression that told me she was about to say something I didn't want to hear. She carefully closed the door behind her and stood before me, hands folded in front of her.

I turned my chair away from her, looking out the window. "Is she awake?"

"Not yet, Mr. Blackwood. But the doctor says her condition is stable."

I took a deep drag of my cigarette, feeling the nicotine burn in my lungs. Elena's pale face and the wound on her forehead kept flashing in my mind. I forcefully pushed those images away.

"Mr. Blackwood, with all due respect, Ms. Winter isn't a heartless person," Anna's voice was cautious but firm. "Those words she said... they were spoken in the heat of emotion."

I laughed coldly, stubbing out my cigarette forcefully in the ashtray. "She never wanted these children in the first place." My voice was cold and final. As soon as the words left my mouth, I felt that familiar pain—the pain that surfaced whenever I remembered the moment Elena said she was giving up the children.

"That's not true, sir, and you know it," Anna's tone remained respectful but unwavering. "You've seen how she loves them. How they love her."

I turned to face Anna. My housekeeper had rarely questioned my decisions, but here she was, defending Elena.

I lit another cigarette and took a silent drag.

"Her condition is concerning," Anna continued, breaking the silence. "The doctor said her collapse wasn't just from the head injury. She's severely anemic and exhausted. If you keep pushing her like this, things will only get worse. What will happen to the children if something happens to her? She is their mother."

"Enough," I said softly, but without the earlier coldness. Instead, a strange sense of helplessness enveloped me. "Let her stay here. At least until she recovers."

Hearing Anna quietly close the door as she left, I put down my cigarette and stood by the window. I hated the way Elena left, hated that she abandoned us. But what I hated more was that even after everything, when I saw her lying there, pale and vulnerable, I still felt an urge to protect her.

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Elena's POV

When I next opened my eyes, morning light filtered through the curtains. I sat up, supporting my aching head, and looked around at the unfamiliar surroundings. I put on my shoes and went to the window, realizing this was Richard's new home.

Voices in the hallway alerted me to visitors.

"I'm here to check on the returned woman," Emma's voice came from outside the door. "How is she? Was she okay last night?"

"She was very quiet all night," Anna replied softly. "No disturbances at all."

"Ms. Winter, what are you doing standing by the window? You should get back to bed and rest."

Emma was eating an apple, eyeing me suspiciously.

"Just checking what time it is," I turned to face them, keeping my expression neutral. "Where are the children?"

Anna brought over a jacket and draped it around my shoulders. "The children are having breakfast," Anna explained. "They're all fine."

Emma approached. "I need to examine you."

I shook my head. "I'm fine. Just a headache and some bruising."

"I'll be the judge of that," Emma replied coolly, pulling a stethoscope from her pocket.

I stepped back. "No, thank you. I appreciate the concern, but I don't need an examination."

Emma looked like she wanted to argue further but instead grabbed her apple and headed for the door.

Anna lingered, looking uncomfortable. "Ms. Winter, the children have been asking for you. They're worried."

My heart softened immediately. "Are they alright?"

"They're fine," she assured me. "Actually, I need to go shopping for supplies. Would you mind watching them for a while?"

Relief flooded through me. "Of course."

After Anna left, I heard the patter of small feet in the hallway. The door burst open, and three children tumbled in, their faces lighting up when they saw me.

"Mommy!" Lily cried, running straight into my arms. "You scared me yesterday! Your forehead was bleeding."

I hugged her tightly, savoring her warmth and sweet scent. "I'm sorry, sweetie. Mommy just got hurt accidentally."

Max hugged me from the other side, his eyes searching my face with concern. "Are you better now? Do you need medicine?"

"I'm much better," I assured him, though the room still occasionally tilted when I moved too quickly.

Kathy approached with the same concern. When I smiled at her, she stepped forward and grabbed my hand.

Being with the children today made me happy, but fear still gnawed at me. Richard could return at any moment and send me away. I needed to come up with a reason why I couldn't leave.

Perhaps pretending to be ill was a good excuse.

I nestled deeper under the covers, trying to quiet my racing thoughts. Yesterday's plan to pretend illness to stay longer with the children seemed smart, but in the cold light of morning, I was having doubts. Richard's keen senses made him nearly impossible to fool.

The bedroom door creaked open slowly, and I immediately closed my eyes, feigning sleep. Soft footsteps padded across the carpet.

"Mommy?" Lily's little voice whispered. "Are you awake?"

I opened one eye to see my daughter standing beside the bed, her small face etched with concern. "Hey, sweetie," I whispered, extending my arms.

She climbed onto the bed and snuggled against me, her body warm and comforting. "Does your head still hurt?" she asked, her wide eyes watching me as she gently touched the bandage on my forehead.

I hesitated, then sighed. Lily's earnest gaze made lying impossible. "Mommy's not really sick, Lily," I admitted softly. "I just want to stay with you all a little longer."

Instead of looking surprised, Lily's face broke into a knowing smile. "Great! I'll tell Max and Kathy right away. We can all help keep Daddy from finding out!"

My heart swelled with love for this little co-conspirator. I stroked her hair gently. "That's sweet of you, but we have to be very careful. Your father notices everything."

"I know," she nodded solemnly. "He always knows when I hide candy under my pillow," she whispered, leaning closer.

She bounced off the bed, mission clear. "I'm going to tell Max and Kathy."

Because of this plan, the children's behavior became increasingly strange.

Anna asked me if the children were playing some kind of pretend game. Max would occasionally check the security cameras on his tablet. Kathy and Lily would constantly look out the window or peek at the door. Even when Anna spoke loudly, Lily would put her finger to her little mouth in a shushing gesture.

And this afternoon, Richard came home.