Chapter 30 Peaceful Morning
Tears ran down her cheeks, hot and unchecked. Her chest ached from all the emotions, each breath coming in a shaky gasp.
A strange warmth spread through her chest until she felt dizzy, feeling both empty and full at the same time.
Eva didn't try to stop them.
For the first time in what felt like years, she let herself feel it all—relief, longing, the fear and hope churning inside her.
Her shoulders trembled, her hands twisting in her lap as if to anchor herself.
She pressed her hand to her heart, feeling it beat fast and steady, a clear reminder that she was still here.
Still alive. Still capable of feeling and being loved.
Instead, she leaned forward, closing the space between them, and pressed her lips to his.
The kiss was soft and gentle, more of a promise than a show of passion.
But when she pulled back, out of breath and shaking, Eva saw something in Adrian's eyes that made her heart soar.
Hope.
The same hope she had thought died seven years ago was reborn.
"Take me home," she whispered.
Adrian smiled, a real smile that changed his whole face.
"Okay."
Eva woke up the next day to sunlight streaming through unfamiliar curtains.
For a moment, she felt confused, not knowing where she was or how she had gotten there. Then the memories came rushing back.
The scenes of Reena's penthouse incident. The great escape from the knife attack. Of Reena's arrest. The drive back home.
And the kiss.
She sat up so quickly she lost her balance and fell back onto the bed. Confusion, embarrassment, and disbelief crashed over her in waves; she screamed into her pillow, then turned over and slowly sat up, trying to gather herself as she looked around.
Looking around to see the man in her memories.
Her cheeks turned red with embarrassment from last night's memory.
Oh no, how could I do that? Have I lost my mind?
Uhh!!
What will he think of me now? Oh no.
She was in a guest room at her father's house, tucked into a soft bed covered with blankets.
Someone had taken off her shoes and coat but left her dress on.
Was it Adrian or the maid who did it?
A knock at the door made her jump.
"Mommy?"
Eva's racing heart melted. "Come in, sweetheart."
The door opened, and Lily ran inside, her dark eyes shining with excitement. Ethan followed more slowly, looking cautious but hopeful.
"Good morning, Mommy!! You're awake!" Lily launched herself onto the bed, wrapping her small arms around Eva's neck. "Grandpa said you had to work late last night and we couldn't wake you up."
"Grandpa said that? That's right. Mommy was busy yesterday and had to sleep late." Eva hugged her daughter tightly, smelling the sweet scent of her hair. "But I'm awake now. And you're such a good girl for listening to your grandpa and letting mommy sleep."
"I am, I'm a good girl! I'm the best."
"Yes, my Lily is the best."
"And Brother Ethan too!!!"
"Oh, how could I forget my darling. Ethan is the best, too. My precious boy!" Eva leaned in and kissed Ethan's head.
The shy boy glowed with happiness, and his cheeks tinted light pink from the praise.
"Mommy, Grandpa said you were not coming back yesterday..." Ethan said softly. His eyes were full of tears.
"Aww, my baby. Don't cry, Mommy will always come back to you no matter what."
"Promise?"
"I Promise."
Ethan was very close to Eva. Derek, Eva's ex-husband and the children's father, had often been mean to her in front of the kids. Seeing Derek hurt her made Ethan even more protective of his mother.
He could only sleep well when Eva sang him a lullaby, telling him everything was alright. Being with Eva calmed his fragile heart.
Ethan climbed onto the bed more carefully, settling beside Eva with a serious expression.
"Uncle Daniel said the bad lady was arrested," he said softly. "The one who was hurting you."
Eva felt her chest tighten with worry. Realizing the children knew more than she expected, anxiety mixed with protectiveness as she prepared to answer.
"Yes, sweetheart. She was."
"Good." Ethan wiped his eyes roughly, his jaw set with a strong determination beyond his six years. "No one should hurt you, Mommy. You're the best mom in the whole world."
Eva's eyes filled with tears.
She gathered both children into her arms, holding them close, feeling their small hearts beat against her chest.
This was the reason she had fought.
This was why she had gone through everything.
For them. For her children.
And now, finally, they could start a new chapter. One without fear, lies, or control. A chapter full of light, love, and hope.
"I love you," Eva whispered into their hair. "Both of you. More than anything else in the world."
"We love you too, Mommy," Lily said, giggling.
Ethan just hugged her tighter, burying his face in Eva's arms.
In that moment, surrounded by her children's love, Eva felt something she hadn't felt in seven years.
She felt whole.
Later that morning, Eva saw Adrian in the garden.
He stood under the old oak tree, hands in his pockets, looking up at the branches moving in the wind.
The morning light caught his side view, softening the sharp lines of his face.
He looked... peaceful.
Eva walked up quietly, her steps softened by the grass.
"What are you doing here? You didn't sleep last night," she asked.
Adrian turned, a small smile on his face when he saw her. "Neither did you, from what I heard."
Eva had no reply to that.
"Lily told me you promised to make pancakes for her."
Eva laughed softly. "Did she? Lily tells everyone everything. It's a wonder if any of us have secrets."
"Secrets. They are a bit overrated." Adrian's smile faded, replaced by a more serious look. "How are you feeling?"
"Tired. But I'm relieved she's in prison and scared at the same time. You know what I mean," Eva said as she stood beside him, looking up at the oak tree. "Mostly scared, honestly."
"About what?"