Stronger than Before

Chapter 93

Alucard

It was hard to get back on my tracks during those years. Thanks to Brother Azarius' help, my engagement with Charity had ended.

During those years, I yearned for Faustina and her touch. My shattered heart couldn't be picked up together since her death. I wanted to be with her, but I chose to be strong for her.

When I thought that I could finally accept her death, it was then I came to meet the daughter of the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess Bellwood. I thought I was dreaming when I learned her name.

Faustina Miles Bellwood... The current head of the House of Bellwood.

The moment I saw her, my world stopped, and I almost lost my cool upon seeing my beloved mate—alive and breathing.

However, it came to a light that she wasn't my Faustina. But deep inside, I knew to myself that it was her. She might have changed how she walked and talked; my guts were telling me that Faustina Miles Bellwood was the mate that I had been longing for, and I thought that she had died.

I did everything I could to get her attention and finally learned the truth that she had fabricated her death.

Not only that, but she had hidden our triplets from me.

Our beloved triplets... Luciana, Lumiere, and Liutrich.

I was in disbelief that she and I had offspring. I had mixed feelings then and had the urge to hate Faustina as to why she didn't tell me I had gotten her pregnant.

However, I could understand that Faustina hated every fiber of my being. I rejected her, which was why she never told me.

If I had only known that she was pregnant with our triplets, I would definitely elope with her. But I was a coward and broke the promise that I would protect her.

That was why I didn't give up. I wanted to be with her again and make amends for everything I had done. I especially wanted to make up for the time I hadn't spent with my children.

"I know you will have a hard time believing in my explanation, dollface. I am willing to earn your trust no matter how long it takes," I uttered as soon as I was finished telling the side of my story and held her face in concern the moment I saw her eyes brimming with tears. "What I did is unforgivable... and my cowardness got the better of me. I could have done something to protect you other than hurting you..."

She bit her lower lip as tears cascaded down her cheeks. Seeing how her expression flashed all her emotions about the past broke my heart.

It made me cry as well since I had hurt my beloved mate. I would forever regret that kind of action I had done.

"I was powerless before..." I admitted and looked at her, full of remorse, sobbing. "I couldn't protect you properly... But this time... this time..." I paused, reaching for her hand to intertwine with mine. "I am stronger than before, dollface. I can fight for you and our children. I am not the same Alucard who would resort to hurting you again..."

I released her face and hugged her so tight I didn't want to let her go. I didn't even care if people around me heard me sobbing like a child looking for his mother.

I had been longing to explain my side to Faustina. The emotions I felt bottled up and overpowered me.

"I love you so much, Faustina. I will end myself if we break apart again."

I heard her soft sniffs as my face was buried in her chest. Her scent filled my nostrils, and I couldn't help wanting to have her more. The scent I had been looking for was here... beside me.

"Please forgive me if I had acted strange these past few days..." I sniffed and looked up at her. "I envied that man... I—"

My words were cut short when Faustina pressed her lips into mine, leaving me speechless. My eyes were widening in shock before she slowly pulled away with a soft expression in her face and cupped my face.

"You do not need to envy him, pudding. There's nothing to be envied about," Faustina said, stretching out a small smile while looking at me lovingly. "Believe me, Alucard. You deserve to have me and our children, hmm?"

Staring intensely into her eyes, the sincerity ignited in them. My emotions kept swirling until I couldn't handle it. I nodded, putting my wolf at ease with my answer.

"Yes, dollface... I believe in you." I kissed the back of her hand, wanting to indicate how earnest I was.

My answer brought a massive smile on her face. Her smile seemed like the sun rising from the east, indicating a new day to be embarked upon.

That was why it was hard to resist how alluring she was. My dollface... The only woman who was meant for me.

"I love you, dollface."

"And I love you more, pudding."

At that moment, I felt a huge relief before we drew our faces to each other. While our lips descended to each other, I had come to the realization that I needed to propose to Faustina soon. I never wanted to let her go and wouldn't want anyone to steal her away from me.

There was nothing to worry about now. Simone... was just her past. I didn't need to be afraid that he would take her from me because I was not going to allow that.

Never.

No one could steal Faustina from me ever again. I would make up to the lose time that we hadn't been with each other.

With Faustina by my side, I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that together, we could overcome anything.

As the tears of the past gave way to the promise of a brighter future, I made a silent vow to cherish and protect Faustina for the rest of our days. Along with our children, Luciana, Lumiere, and Liutrich. Our love had endured the test of time, and now, as we embarked on a new chapter together, I knew that it would only grow stronger with each passing day.