CHAPTER 85

CHAPTER 85
CARLA'S POV

My heart was pounding like a talking drum. We were going home.

The drive home was beautiful, unlike the drive here. We decided to leave bright and early. We didn’t tell anyone we were coming except Mila, whom I was uncertain about but curious to meet. I wondered if there was something between her and Alec, but he treated her like an annoying little sister. Who was a murderer? I wasn’t used to this part of the world.

I made sure to buy gifts for everyone. I used Alec’s card because I wasn’t allowed to use mine just yet. I got a new set of clothes for my twins. I printed out the pictures of the sky, sea and myself for them. I bought unique toys for them. I got a new heels for Vivian, a new suit for Bertram, nice shoes for Luca, a handbag for Viola, a pair of sunglasses for Chad, like the ones he always wore and shirts for Gabe.

For Alec, I got nothing because I wasn’t sure what he wanted. I wasn’t even sure if he wanted anything. He was quiet all through the drive, just focusing on the road and sticking close to me in the store. He didn’t even eat. His shoulders were squared, and his jaw was clenched.

A great contrast from his declaration last night.

“Then, don’t. You are my friend, Carla. You mean too much to me to let you go. You don’t want to have sex again? Fine. I won’t make a big deal out of it. I will do whatever you want me to. I won’t touch you like that again, but you are still going to see me. I am going to stop by your home four times a week. I’m going to play with your children. I am going to harmlessly flirt with your best friend and annoy Bert. There’s no escaping me, Carla.”

Unable to take the silence anymore, I asked, “Are you okay?”

We were stuck at an intersection, so he looked at me, his eyes filled with an overwhelming intensity.

“Yes, I’m okay. Thank you, Carla.” He responded and kept driving.

We will get home very soon. I wasn’t sure what the dynamics would be. I knew I shouldn’t ask anything more of him, but I couldn’t help it.

“If this is about us no longer sleeping together –” I blurted, and he cut me off, “It is the right decision. It was just sex, like you said. What happens on the Island stays on the Island. If it happened on the Island, then it didn’t happen. So, we are fine. I have to focus on work either way.”

He was saying my own words back to me, and it gave me a whiplash. It also stung, which was ridiculous because it was my own words.

“Okay, just let me know how I can help.” I mused, and he nodded but stayed silent.

The rest of the drive was in silence. We drove into my estate and towards my home. He was looking around as he drove.

“You should consider moving. This place is not safe. Micah might not have been responsible for the attack, but he is definitely planning something. He knows how to hold a grudge.” He advised, and irritation flared in me.

I would have taken his advice calmly if he hadn’t said it in that horrible monotone, like he was bored and would rather be anywhere else. I reined in my anger and ignored him. If he wanted to be an asshole for absolutely no reason, then fuck him.

He pulled into my driveway, and I basically jumped out of the car. Bertram, Gabe, Viola and Luca were waiting for us, alongside the rest of my security team. They all looked happy to see us.

Bertram hugged me firmly and apologised for not being there when I needed him. There were a lot of unnecessary apologies. I brushed it off and directed one of them to get all I had for them. I adored them all, but I wanted to see my children.

“Damn, look at you. You look really good, and there’s something different about you.” Gabe teased, placing his arm on my shoulder, and I rolled my eyes at him.

“Really? Something different about me? Tell me.” I went along with his joke as we walked inside.

“I don’t know. Guess we’ll find out.” He grinned, and I rolled my eyes.

Alec walked ahead of us, opening the door. I didn’t read much into it. I sped walk into the living room and found my twins watching their favourite TV show, one of the only things they agree on. I watched with satisfaction as they glanced at me.

Alex erupted in cheers at the sight of me.

“MOMMY!” He yelled and ran towards me. I laughed and carried him in my arms. I spun him around, then peppered kisses all over his face. He was healthy. He had no bruises, which was a shocker. He looked very wonderful.

By the time I dropped him down and reached for his sister, I realised she was with Alec. My heart pounded at the sight of them. He was bent, talking to her, and she was laughing. In this light, with them so close to each other, they looked alike; it was crystal clear, and I was certain everyone could see it.

“R – Rosa?” I called, my voice cracking, showing my fear. Alec was going to take them from me if he knew. I couldn’t allow that.

“I’m sure you’re glad to see your Mom,” Alec concluded and nudged her towards me.

My daughter walked to me, and I took her in my trembling arms. She wrapped her small arms around my neck and hugged me tightly. I leaned into her warmth and ran my fingers through her hair. My chest expanded. I didn’t know if it was the fear or the love. My gaze connected with Alec’s, and I blinked away tears.

This was getting bigger than us. I was going to drown.