Chapter 91: Three Years Later

Chapter 91: Three Years Later
Cattleya’s POV

I crossed my arms over my chest, my gaze fixed on Vlad, who looked deeply concerned about the babies and the packed bags scattered around the room. It seemed he wanted to flee the city to protect my children from Jaxon and his minions.

"It's time to leave," he said, his voice firm.

I stared at him, a frown creasing my brow. "You shouldn't have acted like that."

He sighed. "I know. But we have to get out of here before those minions find out about you."

And when I turned to the door, Vianne was there, her expression grave. "I've already called the private jet for you and the twins," she said.

I gave her a weak smile. I knew this escape would lead to years of hiding, until the twins were safe from prying eyes. I took a deep breath and glanced at Vlad. "Yeah, we're ready," I replied.

"That's great. We need to go now," Vlad urged.

"I'll take Madison, and you take Matthew," I said softly to Vianne, who smiled at me. She was happy I was giving her another chance, but little did she know I was using everyone to keep my twins safe.

We left that night, and I never knew what happened to Jaxon after that.

THREE YEARS LATER, 

"Mommy..." Madison woke up, squeezing her eyes shut as she tried to adjust to the light. She was wearing her adorable pink pajamas while clutching her doll.

I smiled at her and placed my mug back on the table. "Oh, hello honey... are you ready for school?"

"Yes, but Matthew isn't ready yet. He wants to sleep more, Mommy..." Madison said, sitting down on her little chair while she waited for me to prepare her a cup of milk and her favorite muffins.

She smiled at me. "Mommy, when is Daddy Vlad going to visit us? I miss him."

"Honey, your Daddy Vlad is busy at work. I've explained this to you before, right? He has to work and he has a life to manage on his own."

My little girl nodded and hummed in agreement, but I knew she didn't really understand what I just said. 

It's been three years since I left my old life behind, starting anew with my twins and the people I trust. I've found peace and simplicity in this new life, something I never thought possible.

But each day, a part of me yearns for him. I wish he would remember me, that he would suddenly appear on my doorstep. But I know deep down that he may never remember, that I might forever be a ghost from his past.

How could I ask him to be with me again, to meet his own children, when he doesn't even know who I am?

It's a difficult situation. 

I'm faced with the painful reality that moving on might mean truly letting go of the past, even the parts I cherish.

"Let's go, kids," I said, grabbing their backpacks. My twins were still engrossed in their play, oblivious to the fact that they were already late for school. 

I had to be firm with them; otherwise, they would become spoiled brats, and I couldn't have that.

"Kids..." I warned, fixing them with a stern look.

Matthew stood up immediately, a broad smile on his face. "Yes, Mommy, coming!"

Madison, ever the eager one, ran to the car door and opened it. She buckled herself in happily. "Yes, Mommy, I'm ready!"

Since I got here, one thing that has made me incredibly humble and appreciate my life more is the responsibility of raising my children.

Growing up with a silver spoon in my mouth, I never truly understood the value of hard work and the simple joys of life. Now, driving my kids to school, cooking for them, and keeping the house clean has taught me immense gratitude. I cherish every moment, appreciating the little things that truly matter.

I dropped my twins off at school. They waved happily at me as I drove away. "Bye, love you!" I said.

"Love you a lot, Mommy!" they replied in unison.

I drove away with a sigh of relief, excited to return to my flower shop, complete with a cozy coffee shop and a small library. This had been my dream since childhood, a dream I never thought would become a reality.

Thanks to Vlad's generous loan, I was finally living my dream, and I was determined to pay him back every penny.

"Good morning, Catt!" Vianne greeted me cheerfully, arranging a display of red roses outside the shop. "Yes, Matt & Maddie's Bloom and Brew – I opened up early this morning. Someone booked all the flowers for a wedding."

"Wow, that's good news!" I nodded happily.

I looked around the shop, seeing customers engrossed in their books while enjoying their coffee. My two employees were busy attending to the steady stream of customers in line.

Vianne sighed. "So, Vlad is coming next week."

"Ah, that's good then," I replied.

Vianne said, "He's been loving your kids for three years now, like he's the real father. Are you sure you're not going to fall for him after all these years?"

"Vianne..." I chuckled, sitting down on a chair and crossing my arms. "Well, he's a good guy, but I only see him as a friend. I know how much you desire him – you're secretly in love with him, Vianne..."

She cut me off, nervously laughing. "Yes, but he has no feelings for me."

"How will you know if you don't ask?" I challenged her with a playful smile.

And she laughed softly again. "Oh my god, this is getting crazy. It's difficult to ask that, and it's so challenging. Vlad is different—"

"Yeah, that's what I told you, Vlad is different. His work is dangerous, but he's not a dangerous man. If you want to love him, be ready that your father might find out about it because he's in the same organization as your father," I said softly, a tinge of concern in my voice.

And then she suddenly changed the subject. "How about Jaxon? When are you going to see him again? You don't have any plans?"

The question caught me off guard, and my heart skipped a beat.