(Freya's POV).
That night, Devan's parents came home around midnight after spending time with Adam. I asked them to sleep there, but they refused because they didn't want to disturb our time. Only Aiden stayed over because he wanted to look after Adam and Adam, who kept whining and crying, didn't want Aiden to leave.
"What about Adam?" I asked as I saw Devan walk over to me who was still in the living room.
"With Aiden. They're asleep," he informed.
"Thank goodness. Adam really likes Aiden. Moreover, Aiden knows how to get along with small children."
Even when I first got to know Aiden, I felt comfortable around him because he was friendly. Which makes people he just met not feel awkward around him.
Devan suddenly pulled my body. His hands curled around my waist and I pressed against his chest with both my hands.
"Dev," I protested.
"I'm not going to do anything. I just want to talk to you," she said.
"Then we can sit and chat comfortably over there." I pointed to the sofa beside us.
I saw Devan let out a long sigh. He pulled my hand and sat on the sofa. When I was about to sit beside him, he pulled my hand until I sat on his lap. Reflexively, I wrapped my arms around his neck.
"Dev, what's wrong?" I asked. I felt confused by his behavior. "Did something happen?"
He looked at me with a serious expression on his face. "About what you said in front of my family. Did you mean it when you said it?"
"What did I say? There were many things I saidー"
"About you going back to New York with me," he said, cutting me off.
I was a little surprised. Apparently, he had been thinking about me going back to New York. Yes, of course, he was thinking about it because he kept asking me to go back to New York with him.
I smiled. My right hand rubbed his cheek. Warmth traveled from my palm to my heart.
"Would you like it if I really went back to New York with you?" I asked.
"At first, I really wanted to come back to New York with you, but now I'm more concerned about your comfort. I don't know where you want to live, but I'll agree to your decision," he said.
"But you can't just leave your company. If I choose to stay here, you'll be overwhelmed."
He was silent. I knew he really wanted to take me back to New York. He just forced himself to accept my every decision and make sure I wasn't disappointed. But I also couldn't be selfish and only think of myself.
"Just like you. Wherever I live, I don't care as long as it's with you guys," I said with a smile.
A warm feeling ran through my body as I saw the happy smile on Devan's face.
"You mean it?" he asked incredulously.
I nodded. "I'll come back with you to New York, but I need to make sure Adam is fully recovered."
"I know," he whispered, "I'll wait for it."
I looked at Devan with a teasing smile. "I didn't know that you're now so good at waiting, Dev."
"Why? Don't you like it?"
"No. I like it," I chuckled. "Thank you for still being willing to fight for me no matter what."
"I'm the one who should be thanking you." He took my hand and kissed the back of it. "Thank you for giving me a second chance. I swear I won't let you two down."
"I'm looking forward to it," I said with a smile.
"So..." I noticed Devan's fingers playing with the buttons of my shirt. "Because you've given me a second chance."
"No," I said quickly. I grabbed Devan's hand and moved it away from my chest.
"No?" he looked at me with a disappointed expression. His forehead was furrowed in confusion. "Why? You're not ready yet? Or you feel that I'm not forgivable enough that you still can'tー"
I chuckled amusedly at how frustrated she was at wanting the whole of me. Yes, I understand that. I also really want it, but somehow teasing Devan like this makes me feel good. He used to not like me touching him at all, and now he's the fussy one who wants to keep touching me. Sometimes I like to wonder if they are the same person.
"What's so funny?" he asked irritably. "Do you like seeing me suffer? Fey, come on," he whined as he dropped his head on my chest.
"What?"
"Please don't be too hard on me."
"I'm not. Besides, I have to keep it and give it to my husband," I said.
"Husband?" he looked up at me. "I am your husband."
"Oh, really? the last I remember, we were separated a long time agoー"
"We're still married, Freya" he cut me off. His eyes turn serious.
"Wh-what?"
"I know you registered our divorce in court before you left. But I never agreed to it. So legally, you are still my wife."
I widened my eyes in shock. My heart was beating very fast and I felt my eyes heating up. I never knew about that. That Devan still maintained our marriage even after I left him.
"Dev..."
"I am trying to improve myself for you. For over four years I've always thought of you. I've always kept you in my heart, Freya," he whispers. I could hear his voice trembling.
I didn't know Devan's love for me was that great. I thought all this time I was the one being tormented by this love and longing, but it turns out we were just the same. I felt so happy and grateful to know this.
"But now I'm Vivian," I said. I hope this won't make her feel disappointed.
"Then we'll just have to get married again. No matter if you are Vivian or Freya, you are still the same woman I love. And that will never change."
I closed my eyes as Devan kissed my lips.
"I love you, Freya," he said.
I smiled, crying with happy tears rolling down my cheeks. "Me too, Dev. I love you so much," I whispered as I covered his face with both my hands.