Chapter 13

Amara's POV:

I could hear the birds chirping, and a thin streak of sunlight peeped through the curtains and shone on my face, sharing its warmth with me. I let out a loud sigh and went to check the time. I had to get up and make breakfast for the two boys. I got out of bed and walked to the bathroom to wash my face, brush my teeth, and put my hair up in a bun.

Once I was half-ready for the day, I checked on Sebastian and saw he was already up. He was sitting on the ground and playing with a few of his car toys.

“Good morning, baby,” I said sweetly, walking towards him and bending down to his level.

“Morning, Momma.” He smiled at me, handing me one of his trucks. He always did that. I suspected that was his toddler love language.

“How was your sleep?” I asked, pulling him into my lap and placing my head on top of his.

“Good,” he answered, rolling the wheels of the green car toy on the rug then looking up at me.

“Are you hungry?” I asked, brushing his dark hair out of his eyes.

“Yeah!” he exclaimed and threw his little hands in the air.

“Let’s go down, then.” I tickled his stomach and got up. I picked him up and carried him downstairs, all while he used me as his racetrack for his red car toy. When we got downstairs, I set him down and turned on some cartoons on the TV before going to the kitchen to make us all breakfast.

At some point, I heard Zavier coming down the stairs. I quickly poured his smoothie into a glass cup, added a metal straw for him, and placed it on the counter. I still followed his schedule from when I was just his personal chef. I liked it better that way because I knew exactly what he wanted for his meals.

“Good morning, Bash,” I heard Zavier say to our son.

“Morning, Daddy,” Sebastian replied.

“What are you watching?” he asked.

“Cartoons!” he answered with a giggle. Clearly, someone woke up on the right side of the bed.

“Oh, wow. Are they good?” I heard Zavier ask him.

Sebastian answered, “Yeah!”

“Okay, I’ll join you in a moment, okay?” Zavier ruffled Sebastian's hair and walked off. I heard the footsteps coming my way.

“Okay,” Sebastian mumbled softly.

“Hey, good morning,” Zavier said as he stepped into the kitchen, and I turned around to look at him.

“Morn—oh, hey.” I cleared my throat, my eyes focused on his bare torso as I tried to form a proper sentence but couldn’t. He wasn’t the most muscular man, but he also didn’t lack muscle at all. He had just the right amount that fit his frame.

“Shoot, I’m sorry. Should I put on a shirt? Usually, I don’t wear one until I leave, and I figured Bash would want to run around. I’ll go put one on,” Zavier rambled as he looked down at himself, then back up at me, and stood there a little awkwardly.

“No, no. It’s fine; it’s your house, after all. I was just surprised,” I muttered and turned around to focus on the scrambled eggs that were making a sizzling sound.

“Thank you. Is breakfast ready?” Zavier asked, picking up his smoothie.

“Yes, could you get him?” I asked, looking over my shoulder and seeing him give me a nod as he sipped the smoothie and walked off.

I pulled out three plates, placed them on the table where we would sit, and then returned with the scrambled eggs, toast, chicken bacon, and a bowl of cut-up fruit. Zavier helped Sebastian sit on his chair and then got the apple juice, water, and cups for us to drink out of.

“Will you be leaving for work?” I asked, picking up a piece of the bacon and bringing it to my lips.

“Yes, I have a meeting to attend,” Zavier answered, taking another sip of his smoothie.

“Okay.” I nodded.

“What do you have planned?” he asked me. I thought for a moment before finally answering him.

“I’m not sure yet. I might play outside with Sebastian a little,” I answered and looked over at the glass door that led to the backyard. We never had a backyard before, so this would be fun. At Amelia’s, there was a backyard, but it was pretty tiny.

“When I come home for lunch, I think we’ll be doing the photoshoot. Are you okay with that?” Zavier continued to talk, setting down the fork as he waited for my answer.

“Okay, sure.” I just shrugged, knowing we had to do it to make matters much more believable.

“Alright.” He hummed and continued finishing off what was left of his breakfast. “Maybe we can also go out at some point?” he added slowly, looking at me.

“As a family, right?” I asked. There was no way I’d go out on a date with him. I knew that in the public eye, we’d have to fake things, but that was where it ended. The last time we got close, he accused me of many bad things, and it really hurt me.

“I was thinking the—or yes, as a family.” He sighed.

We continued to have breakfast together. When we finished up, Zavier went upstairs to continue getting ready for work while I cleaned up. By the time he came downstairs again, I had finished up, so I walked him to the door with Sebastian, who was pouting as he waved at his father. We watched as he drove away then got back inside. I got Sebastian ready for the day and then got ready myself with a short shower. I didn’t like leaving Sebastian alone for too long.

I ended up doing a bit of writing. Finally, my muse came back, and Sebastian was playing in my room while I wrote. At some point, we went outside and ran around a little. There was a single swing set that I placed him on and gently pushed him. He was the happiest he could be for now.

When lunch hour came closer, I put Sebastian down for a nap and started making lunch, deciding to make extra as Zavier had mentioned that Tessa would come and help with the photos. His family also asked to come over today. They hadn’t said anything yet, but I assumed they’d come, and I would like to be prepared if they did.

Just as I sat down to take a breather, I heard the gate rolling open. I went to look and saw many cars coming in. Zavier's family did come after all. I watched as they all stepped out of their cars, and I quickly opened the front door for them.

“Hey, Mara,” Tessa greeted me as she walked up the three steps to the door.

“Tessa, hey. How are you?” I smiled, opening the door wider for her.

“I’m really good. You?” she asked, stepping in and leaving her shoes by the door, already knowing the rules that the Fuentes family had set.

“I’m doing fine,” I answered and saw Charlotte coming in too.

“Hello, Amara. Where’s Sebastian?” she asked excitedly and looked around for the little guy.

“Hey, Charlotte. Oh, he’s taking a nap, which he should wake up from any minute now,” I said and checked the time on the clock hanging on the wall.

“Can I go get him?” Tessa asked, looking up the stairs.

“Of course. First door to your left,” I told her.

“Okay.”

I watched as Tessa and Charlotte rushed upstairs to get Sebastian. Then, I turned to the others and greeted them too as they walked into the house.

“Where’s Tessa?” Zavier frowned and looked around for her.

“She went to get Bash,” I answered, stepping aside so he could come in.

“Ugh, come on. Help me get the things from her car.” Zavier dragged Arlo back outside.

“Why do I have to go?” Arlo whined and looked at me with puppy eyes as if I could help him.

“Because Carolyn will complain that her nails may break.” Zavier shrugged.

“I’m right here!” Carolyn reminded them, and they just shrugged.

“And I'm correct, aren't I?” Zavier looked over at her.

She opened her mouth, wanting to deny it, but she couldn’t and just muttered, “Yeah.”

“Come on in, Mrs. Fuentes,” I said, looking over at her. That woman still scared me a little. “How have you been?” I decided to ask and be polite.

“I’ve been better,” she mumbled, walking to the living room and sitting down on the one-seat couch.

“Okay…” I said to myself and shook my head.

I heard giggles coming from the stairs and looked over to see Charlotte, Tessa, and Sebastian making their way down together. The little boy was truly loved by the two. He had many aunties who adored him, and it made me proud to know that he was loved by others too. Zavier and Arlo walked in with three suitcases. I wondered what was in them.

“Be careful with those. My camera is in there,” Tessa warned Arlo, who just nodded and carefully put down the bag. For billionaires—well, Zavier was the billionaire, and the others were multi-millionaires—it still surprised me how much they did by themselves.

“You’ll be taking the pictures?” I asked Tessa. I thought they’d hire a photographer, but perhaps for privacy reasons, this was the best option.

“Yes, I will! I think we should do your and Zav’s first,” she answered, letting go of Sebastian.

“Okay.” I looked over at Zav, who stared at me.

“Arlo, can you help with the set-up?” Tessa asked, walking to him.

“Um, sure. Caro, come help out.” He sighed and called his little sister over.

“We’ll do three shots. A casual summer vibe one, a fancy family dinner one, and a semi-formal one,” Tessa informed us, staring at the notes she made on her phone. Professional Tessa terrified me a little. “Zavier, your clothes. I’ll help Amara. Also, for the family picture, we’ll add Sebastian in the last one, and then we’ll take another with just Sebastian and Zavier.”

“Um, okay.” Zavier frowned a little, probably doing his best to remember it all.

“Come on, then.” Tessa linked her arm with mine, taking one of the suitcases in the other and leading the way to a room downstairs.

“Let’s get you all dolled up.” She sat me down on one of the chairs and turned to her suitcase, already opening it up to let a pile of clothes flow out.

“What’s the first outfit?” I asked, looking at the many outfits she had.

“I was thinking you could wear this,” Tessa suggested. She held up a red floral maxi dress. It was one of those wrap dresses that tied at the waist and looked exceptionally stunning.

“Do you like it? Or maybe something else?” she asked, a little unsure as she looked at me.

“No, this is perfect!” I jumped up from the seat and walked over to take the dress.

“Okay, we’ll do your hair longer. We can pretend this is when you two found out about your pregnancy,” Tessa said, handing me the dress and pulling out a pair of brown sandals.

“Okay, should I put this on first?” I raised a brow at her and looked around to see where I could change.

“Yes, go ahead. I’ll get the makeup and such ready,” she said and looked around for something in the suitcase.

I went behind the blinds to change out of my current outfit and put on the dress. It was yet another Fuentes dress, so it went without saying that it was comfortable. Once I was done, I walked out to face Tessa.

“You look stunning. Wow.” Tessa smiled, looking at me from top to bottom with a proud look on her face.

“Thank you.” I blushed a little and walked to the seat she patted for me to sit on.

“You know, you can always come model for us.” She adjusted the mirror in front of me and picked up a few bottles of foundation.

“Now you’re just lying,” I laughed, watching as she mixed her foundation on the back of her hand.

“I’m serious.” She narrowed her eyes at me for a moment and lifted a purple sponge.

I just smiled at her and remained still as she began applying my makeup, luckily keeping it natural. She added in the hair extensions and curled them to the front. Once I was ready, I stepped outside, where I saw Arlo and Carolyn setting up everything for the photoshoot. I looked over and saw Zavier. He was dressed in form-fitting black jeans that were ripped and paired with a green dress shirt that brought out his eyes. His hair was styled a little differently. It was exactly how it was years ago when we first met.

“Amara, you look so lovely,” Zavier said, eyes a little wide as he kept staring at me from head to toe, making me a little nervous as I shifted my weight from one leg to the other.

“Thank you. You don’t look too bad yourself.” I smiled, trying to look away so he wouldn’t see me blush.

“Okay, come on, people.” Tessa clapped her hands, making us all jerk a little.

Zavier and I walked to where Tessa pointed. For this photo, Zavier stood behind me and rested a hand on my shoulder while we looked into the camera with a slight smile on our faces.

“Guys, this isn’t good. You look like you just met each other. Zavier, try wrapping your arms around her and holding her to your chest,” Tessa whined and pointed out to us how and where we should stand.

“Oh, okay,” Zavier mumbled awkwardly, looking at me. I gave him a nod, and Zavier did as he was told. I felt his large arms wrap around my waist, pulling me into his chest. All I could feel were his muscles underneath me. I remained a little stiff, trying not to breathe in his intoxicating smell.

“Amara, can you look up at him with adoring eyes? Rest your hands over his and stop holding your breath, please.” Tessa sighed.

I mumbled a soft "sorry" and did as she told. I looked up at Zavier, letting out a loving sigh, and tried to look at him like he was the last piece of cake I desperately wanted. Tessa took a few more shots while we were in this outfit and then sent us to go change.

~~~

Zavier’s POV:

I went back to my room and searched for the perfect suit to wear. Perhaps this navy one would suffice? I put it on and looked at myself. It was a perfect fit. I neatly styled my hair to the back to match the occasion and swapped my watch for another one. I walked to the backyard, knowing I shouldn’t waste time. The last thing I needed was Tessa flipping out on me.

I saw Amara walking towards me, dressed in a rosewood silk dress. It had the thinnest straps and hung quite low, exposing her skin. Her hair was up in a bun, and her makeup was still kept natural, though her lipstick was much brighter. Her diamond earnings matched the necklace she wore.

For this photo, we were both facing each other, my hands wrapped around her waist while hers were over my shoulders as she looked at me.

“This dress was made for you,” I whispered in her ear, making her smile a little, and right at that moment, Tessa took several photos.

“Okay, give each other the most romantic look you can muster,” Tessa then ordered. I looked down at Amara and cupped her chin, looking into her brown eyes and smiling a little. Then, I leaned in a bit closer. I could feel her gaze on my lips, and mine was also on hers.

“Good! Now go change for the last one!” Tessa shouted to us, making us take a step back.

We went ahead and changed for the last photo and met up again. This time, Tessa had us sit down on a bench and went for a slightly more serious look. Amara was not wearing hair extensions as this was supposed to be a recent photo.

~~~

Amara’s POV:

Now that I was done taking photos, I went back inside, changed back into my casual wear, and went to find Sebastian. He had a picture to take with Zavier. I looked around and couldn’t find him till I walked into the living room.

I saw him all cuddled up on his grandmother’s chest, fast asleep, his lips slightly parted as he clutched the blanket she used to cover him.

“Oh, he’s asleep,” she said softly, looking up at me with a—wait, was that a smile on her lips?

“He looks so peaceful,” I said quietly, watching as he took deep breaths in his sleep.

“I know, right?” Tiffany said, rubbing his back gently. “He reminds me of Zavier a lot,” she added, making me frown a little. I never knew what he was like as a child since Tiffany and I barely spoke. Amelia was able to tell me little things she remembered from when I was born.

“Really?” I asked, sitting down next to her.

“Mm-hmm. He wouldn’t sleep when he was so full of energy, but the moment I picked him up and cuddled him, he’d drift off to sleep,” she told me with the brightest smile on her face.

“Aw,” I said, imagining a little Zavier. Sebastian already looked so much like him.

“Is it his turn for the photos?” she asked.

I nodded in response and said, “Yeah…”

Luckily, she woke him up gently and even helped get him ready for the photo. And to think that I was worried she’d hate him—she was already wrapped around his tiny finger. Sebastian was a pro at taking photos with his father. When it was all done, he ran to Arlo and pointed to the swing.

Zavier went inside to pick up a call, and not five minutes later, he walked up to us. “We have dinner with Mr. Fischer next Saturday,” he announced.