Chapter One Hundred And Ninety Five

Chapter One Hundred And Ninety Five
Chapter One Hundred and Ninety-Five

The Black’s private jet touched down at Barbados BGI Airport quietly that morning.

Adam’s mind was racing. Today wasn’t just a trip it was a beginning.

He wanted to surprise his father, but most of all, he wanted to make sure Tia and Andy arrived safely. He had promised himself he’d respect Tia’s boundaries.

No rushing. No forcing. But every glance at her stirred something deep inside, something he hadn’t felt in years.

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Tia stood outside the cottage for a few seconds, staring at the little house that had sheltered her for a few days here.

There was that nostalgic sting in her heart the same one that comes when you leave behind something that once felt permanent.

She touched the wooden door and smiled faintly. Life could really change within just one minute. She once thought Barbados would be her home forever, but today, she was returning to the life she once ran away from.

Andy, however, was pure excitement. “Mommy, are we really going on a jet again?” he squealed, bouncing on his heels.

“Yes, sweetheart,” Tia replied, forcing a smile. “We’re going home.”

Adam crouched down to Andy’s level, holding his small hands. “You ready, champ?”

Andy nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, Daddy!”

Adam smiled. He picked up some of the heavier luggage, helping Tia with hers.

The silent understanding between them the way he carried the bags without making her ask was comforting.

Tia felt her heart tugging at something she didn’t want to admit.

He had promised himself boundaries. Respect. Patience. Yet the sight of her pulled at him, reminded him why he had never truly let her go.

When they got into the waiting cab, Andy quickly ran to sit in front beside Adam, insisting like he always did. “I want to sit with Daddy!”

Tia didn’t argue. She simply sat behind, watching them.

Her heart softened as she watched the two of them talk, laugh, and share stories all through the ride. Andy told Adam about his favorite chocolate brand, his little friends at the beach, and how he once tried to catch a crab.

Adam listened attentively, nodding, smiling like a father who had missed too many years and was trying to make up for every one of them.

Tia sat silently behind, just watching. She couldn’t stop admiring the father and son bond that had naturally formed between them. Andy had never looked this happy before. For a second, she forgot all her pain.

For a second, she imagined what life could’ve been like if things hadn’t fallen apart years ago.

When they got to the airport, the private jet was already waiting for them shining under the bright sun.

Two guards dressed in black suits came forward and started loading their luggage.

“Welcome back, sir,” one of the guards said respectfully to Adam.

“Thank you,” Adam replied, leading Tia and Andy toward the stairs.

Andy gasped when he saw the jet up close. “Mommy, it’s so big!”

Tia chuckled softly. “Yes, it is.”

Inside the jet, everything was polished, elegant, and calm. Tia sat near the window while Andy sat across from her, already playing with the buttons on the armrest.

As the engines roared softly, Adam sat opposite Tia, looking at her quietly. She looked peaceful, but he knew how much was running through her mind.

The jet lifted off smoothly into the sky.

About twenty minutes into the flight, Andy fell asleep. He looked so calm —l his small head resting on the seat, clutching a toy car in one hand.

Tia leaned back too. The hum of the jet and the soft lighting made her eyes heavy. She slowly drifted off to sleep, her head resting lightly against the seat.

Adam glanced at her. There was something so natural about her the way she slept, the faint smile on her lips, her calm breathing. He couldn’t help but stare.

He moved closer, carefully covering her with a blanket so she wouldn’t get cold. He then sat back quietly, unable to take his eyes off her.

He remembered the first time he ever saw her that innocent face, that strong will that always challenged him.

He remembered their late nights together, her laughter, the fights, the tears, the warmth.

He leaned back on the chair, his voice low.
“I know we’re meant to be,” he whispered to himself. “And I know one day maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow we both will be.”

The jet hummed softly in the background. For a while, he just sat there, staring at her, memorizing her face all over again.

When Tia slightly moved in her sleep, brushing her hair away, Adam reached forward and gently tucked a strand behind her ear. He froze when her eyes fluttered open.

“Sorry,” he said softly, pulling back.

She looked at him, half asleep. “It’s fine,” she murmured, adjusting the blanket.

Their eyes met again for a brief second, and it felt like time paused. No words — just the silent connection that neither of them wanted to admit still existed.

Adam quickly looked away, pretending to check his phone. Tia stared out the window instead, pretending to watch the clouds. But both of them knew — something inside them had stirred again.

He reminded himself silently: boundaries. Respect her. But it was difficult. His heart ached to reach for her,

Three hours later, the jet began its descent into New York. The familiar skyline came into view — tall buildings, lights, and memories.

Tia felt a strange rush of emotions. New York had once been her home.

“Mommy, look! We’re here!” Andy said excitedly, pressing his face to the window.

She smiled faintly, rubbing his back. “Yes, sweetheart. We’re here.”

The jet came to a full stop. The guards returned to carry the bags. Andy held Adam’s hand again as they stepped out.

When the airport doors opened and that cold New York air touched Tia’s skin, she shivered slightly. She wasn’t sure if it was from the cold or from the flood of memories rushing back.

Adam noticed and took off his jacket, placing it on her shoulders without asking. She looked up at him, confused.

“Don’t argue,” he said simply.

She wanted to remove it, but it felt warm — too warm. She sighed, letting it be.

The car that came to pick them up was sleek and black. The driver greeted Adam, then nodded respectfully at Tia.

The drive to the Black mansion was quiet. Andy eventually fell asleep again, his head resting on Tia’s lap. She gently stroked his hair, lost in thought.

Adam caught her looking at him once. He quickly looked away, pretending to check the route on the car’s navigation screen. Patience. Respect.

Boundaries. He repeated the words silently like a mantra. But the pull, the warmth, the longing it didn’t fade.

When they arrived at the mansion, Adam held the door open for Tia. “After you,” he said softly.

Inside, Mr. Black was waiting, unaware that a surprise was coming. Tia’s heart fluttered as Adam led them through the grand entrance. Andy, curious, clung to her hand.

“Dad, meet Andy,” Adam said quietly, a nervous excitement in his tone.

Mr. Black’s eyes widened when he saw Tia and the little boy. “Tia?” he said in disbelief.

Mr. Black hugged him tightly, his voice shaking. “You look just like your father,” he said. Then he looked at Tia. “Welcome home, my dear.”

Tia smiled gently, blinking away tears. “Thank you, sir.”

Mr. Black’s eyes widened. “Andy? Is this… really you?” His voice shook with surprise.

Andy blinked, looking up at the tall man before him. “Who… are you?” he asked innocently.

Adam knelt beside him, smiling gently. “This is Grandpa, son,” he said softly. “He’s been waiting to meet you.”

Andy’s eyes widened further, a mix of awe and curiosity. Tia smiled, seeing her little boy’s first impression of his grandfather.

Mr. Black chuckled warmly. “Well, aren’t you a little gentleman,” he said, bending to hug Andy carefully.

Tia watched the interaction, her chest tightening in a mixture of nostalgia, relief, and something she refused to name.

Adam stood beside her, q
uietly watching her watch the scene. He didn’t touch her, didn’t speak he simply respected her space, though the chemistry between them was undeniable.

Every glance, every small movement, every shared look was electric.

For the first time in years, she felt a strange peace, even if it was mixed with fear and longing.

She had returned, and though she didn’t admit it, a small part of her still loved him.