Chapter Eighty-eight

Chapter Eighty-eight
They got to Atlanta around 2:45 p.m. The weather was bright but a little cloudy, and the air smelled of rain.

Hunter’s driver… a man she didn’t recognize, was already waiting at the airport with a black SUV parked at the arrival zone. He stood straight in a clean black suit, holding a small sign that said ‘welcome back boss’

Mirabella didn’t bother to ask who he was. She was too tired for small talk. She just followed Hunter quietly toward the car.

“Rio" Hunter greeted and the driver bowed in acknowledgement. The driver opened the back door for her, and she slipped inside, clutching her handbag. Hunter came after, carrying Rena, who was still sleeping soundly in his arms. Tobias joined them, taking the front seat beside the driver.

The inside of the car smelled faintly of leather and cologne. Mirabella turned her head toward the window immediately. She didn’t want to talk.

The sight of the familiar streets of Atlanta did nothing to uplift her mood. The tall buildings, the wide roads, the constant honking… everything was still the same, but it still felt completely different to her now.

Hunter turned slightly toward her. “Baby, are you ok?" He asked with a tight voice. She wasn't talking to him and he didn't like it at all. She hasn't even eaten anything since the flight. He didn't like that she was withdrawing from him at all.

She only nodded her head at his question while still looking out the window.

He sighed deeply and leaned back against the seat. He knew she wasn’t fine. He was going to let it go for now and talk to her later. She looked tired, sad and her eyes were swollen. He didn't like that he was the cause of her current state. But he didn't have a choice. Now was a trying time for him and his enemies are looking for his weakness.

His family was not safe all alone in a far country without him. He would never trade their safety for anything. That is why he did what he had to do. Bring them back home under his watch.

He looked down at the peaceful sleeping child in his arms, his daughter, his whole heart…. And then back at Mirabella, who was staring blankly out the window. He clenched his jaw. I’m doing this for you both, he told himself silently. Even if you hate me for it now.

“So, boss,” Tobias said with a grin, glancing at Hunter through the mirror, “are we going straight to the mansion, or…?”

Hunter gave him a side-eye. “Home first, man. Moreover, Victor is waiting for me in the house already”

Tobias chuckled. “I know. Just checking since no one is saying anything”

Hunter smirked faintly but didn’t answer.

Mirabella remained quiet, her fingers tracing invisible lines on the window. She didn’t even realize she was crying until she felt the wetness sliding down her cheeks.

Hunter noticed. He shifted carefully, still holding Rena, and reached to wipe her tears with his thumb. “Hey,” he said softly, “don’t do that, babe. Please.”

She turned away from his touch. “Just let me be, Hunter.”

The words hit him so hard, that he wished he wasn't holding a sleeping Rena, then he would show her, really show her that she shouldn't ever avoid his touch like that. But he didn’t push further. He withdrew his hand and stared ahead, his jaw tightening again. Tobias caught everything from the mirror but wisely kept quiet.

When they finally pulled into the long driveway that led to Hunter’s mansion, the tall gates opened automatically. Mirabella hadn’t been here in years, and seeing it again made her heart beat faster.

Everything looked the same.

The SUV stopped at the porch, and before the driver could even step out, Tobias had already opened the back door for Mirabella.

“Welcome back, ma’am,” he said with a teasing smile.

Mirabella forced one back, though it didn’t reach her eyes, “welcome back to you too" She stepped out slowly, the slightly warm air hitting her face.

Hunter came out from the other side, adjusting Rena on his chest. She was still asleep, her head resting on his shoulder, her curls bouncing slightly as he moved.

Standing on the porch, waiting with a wide grin, was Victor. His arms were crossed, but his eyes lit up the moment he saw them.

“Devil is finally back to us,” Victor said, walking forward with his usual confident stride. He gave Hunter a firm handshake followed by a side manly hug.

Hunter chuckled, patting his back. “All you pussies can’t survive without me, huh?”

Victor laughed. “Oh, we managed somehow. But we understand that a certain damsel stole our leader’s attention. And we understand you'd choose a damsel over your men. We do…”

Hunter snorted, shifting Rena gently in his arms. “Give me a break, man. You weren't…”

He was about to say more when the front door of the mansion flew open. A blur of long blonde hair came running out. Ashley. Her eyes were bright with excitement and disbelief.

Victor quickly stepped aside. “Oh, she’s been waiting out here with me,” he said. “She just ran inside to use the bathroom for a second.”

Ashley didn’t even hear him. She ran straight past Victor and Hunter, heading right for Mirabella.

“God, is this really you?” she gasped, throwing her arms around Mirabella.

Mirabella froze for a second before hugging her back tightly. “I’m sorry, Ash… I really am,” she whispered into her shoulder.

Ashley pulled back just enough to look at her. “Oh, shut up, girl. There’s nothing to be sorry about. It’s just so good to see you again.”

Mirabella smiled, her eyes glassy. “It’s good to see you too.”

“Oh… my baby girl… where…”Ashley turned her head and spotted the small sleeping figure in Hunter’s arms. “Oh my God” she whispered. “Oh dear!”

Hunter smiled proudly, lowering Rena slightly so Ashley could see her better.

“She’s so cute,” Ashley said in awe. “My God, Mira, she’s beautiful.”

Mirabella laughed softly. “She gets that from her father”

Ashley gave her a teasing look. “You mean from her mother.”

“Whatever you say,” Mirabella murmured, smiling faintly.

Tobias, who had been standing nearby, cleared his throat dramatically. “I’m here too, princess. Don’t I get a welcome hug?”

Ashley turned to him with a roll of her eyes. “You’re not visible to me right now. Maybe later.”

“Ouch,” Tobias said, pretending to clutch his chest. “That hurts.”

Victor burst out laughing, and even Hunter shook his head with amusement.

Ashley ignored their teasing and turned back to Mirabella. “You must be so tired after the long flight. You need to freshen up.”

“Oh yes, I do,” Mirabella said honestly. She looked at Hunter. “Should I take her?” she asked, nodding toward Rena.

Hunter shook his head. “No, babe. I’ve got her. You go ahead. I’ll come behind you.”

She nodded and followed Ashley toward the entrance, adjusting her handbag on her shoulder. The marble floors inside gleamed under the chandelier light. Everything smelled of lavender and polish… just like it used to.

The house hadn’t changed a bit. Same tall ceilings. Same long hallway leading to the sitting area. Same expensive paintings on the walls. It almost felt like stepping into a memory she had tried to forget.