Chapter 197: Book 2 CHPT 29: Jullius

ALINA

I slowly rose from my seat, my heart thumping so hard I could feel it in my throat.

For a terrifying second, I thought it was Valentino.

Has he found me already? Did he have men tailing me the whole time without me knowing?

Oh God, no.

If it was him, this would bring trouble to Nana, and that was the last thing I wanted.

Then another thought crossed my mind. Maybe it was not him. There was no way he would realize so quickly that I was gone.

My hands trembled slightly as I reached the door and wrapped my fingers around the knob.

I swallowed hard.

"Yes?" I called out. "Who is there?"

No answer.

Only silence.

I glanced at Nana, and she rose from her seat too. We stood side by side in the quiet living room, our hearts pounding so loudly it felt like the walls could hear it.

I leaned closer and whispered, "Are you sure you're not expecting anyone?"

She shook her head slowly.

"No. Nobody visits me except my son. And he is not coming. He told me he would not be taking any break. He said he is trying to make more money and does not have time to visit. So it is definitely not him."

My chest tightened.

I tried again, my voice a little firmer. "Who is there?"

Still nothing.

Nana cleared her throat and spoke louder this time.

"Yes? Who is it? Who is there?"

Then a voice came from the other side of the door.

"Mom, it's me. Open the door."

I froze and looked at Nana.

"Your son?" I mouthed.

Her eyes widened. "What? Julius?"

She rushed forward and opened the door.

A man stood there, tall and broad-shouldered, with warm brown eyes and soft golden curls dusted lightly with snow.

He looked young, gentle, and calm, the kind of man whose presence felt safe without trying.

His coat was thick, his scarf loosely wrapped around his neck, and beside him were several travel bags and neatly packed boxes filled with gifts.

"Mom," he said with a soft smile. "Happy New Year in advance."

Her hands flew to her mouth. "What? You said you were not coming."

He chuckled lightly, his voice warm. "I wanted to surprise you."

She burst into tears and wrapped her arms around him. I watched them hug, mother and son holding each other tightly, and something in my chest softened at the sight.

When they finally pulled apart, Nana was already crying openly.

"I am so happy to see you," she said, her voice shaking.

"I have not seen you in almost a year. I thought you were not coming. I already gave up."

"Of course I would come for the New Year," he replied gently.

"Have I ever missed celebrating it with you? Not when Alfredo is here. I missed him so much. Where is he?"

"Inside," Nana said quickly. "Come in, come in."

As Julius stepped inside, his eyes landed on me standing just behind Nana. He paused.

"Uh... who is she, Mom?"

Nana smiled proudly. "This is my guest. Alina. She is like a granddaughter to me."

He laughed softly.

"So you finally found yourself the granddaughter you have been craving."

"Of course I did," she replied playfully. "Since you decided not to give me any granddaughter, I adopted one myself."

I laughed before I could stop myself.

Julius turned to me and stretched out his hand.

"Hello. I'm Julius."

"I'm Alina," I said, taking his hand.

His handshake was warm and gentle, and for a moment I noticed a faint blush spread across his cheeks.

Maybe I imagined it.

He carried his luggage inside and immediately called out, "Alfredo! Dad is back!"

The moment Alfredo heard his voice, he dropped whatever he was holding and came running.

"Dad! You came!"

Julius laughed and lifted him up, tossing him lightly into the air as Alfredo squealed with joy.

"Of course I did," he said, pulling him close. "I missed you."

"I'm so happy to see you, Daddy!"

"I brought you so many presents."

"Thank you, Daddy!"

He set Alfredo down and opened the bags, pulling out toys and gifts. Alfredo was overjoyed, tearing into the wrapping with excitement.

Later, when we were all seated, Julius looked at me curiously.

"So... why are you here?"

Nana waved her hand. "It is a long story. I will explain later. For now, she is our honored guest, okay?"

He studied us for a moment, then nodded. "Alright."

Later that night, I sat outside the house on a wooden bench covered with a thick wool blanket, my boots buried inside the snow.

The cold air brushed against my face as I stared up at the sky, watching bright fireworks bloom and fade against the dark clouds.

Happy New Year.

It was exactly midnight. A new year had begun.

I wondered where Valentino was. I wondered how he was welcoming the new year.

Was he lighting fireworks around the castle with Nikita like we did last year? Was he sharing pancakes with the wolves, laughing the way he used to?

I exhaled slowly and placed both hands on my stomach.

Val, the baby is fine here.

We miss you.

We wish you were here to hold us, to warm us with your embrace.

"Happy New Year," someone said softly.

A white faux coat was gently draped over my shoulders.

I looked up to see Julius smiling down at me. His golden curls fell loosely over his forehead, and he was dressed simply in a maroon play shirt, sweatpants, and white clogs that crunched softly against the snow.

I forced a small smile as I took the coat. "Happy New Year to you too."

I slipped it on over my leather jacket.

"Thank you, Julius," I said, meeting his gaze. "That was very thoughtful of you. Now I see where Alfredo gets it from."

He chuckled, his cheeks turning a little pink.

"Do you mind if I sit?"

"Of course not."

He sat beside me, leaving a respectful distance between us.

For a while, we said nothing, just watched the fireworks. Alfredo ran around in the snow nearby, laughing and playing with his new toys.

For a moment, my heart felt warm.

I imagined a life like this with Val, a life without chaos, without power, just us and our children.

My hand moved to my stomach and I rubbed gently circles around it.

"Is he or she okay?" Julius asked quietly, his voice filled with genuine concern.

I looked at him, confused for a second, then realized Nana must have told him.

I nodded. "Yes. Just missing the dad."

He looked at me carefully. "Mom did not tell me much about you. Just that you are pregnant and separated from your husband for now."

He hesitated before speaking again.

"I know we just met, but I would be lying if I said I was not drawn to you."

My jaw dropped.

"No, no, I mean," he rushed, flustered. "I am not trying to offend you."

"It's okay," I said gently.

He took a deep breath.

"I lost my wife sixteen months ago and since then, I have not felt anything for another woman. But when I saw you today, it felt like something woke up inside me."

I stared at him, stunned.

"I am not saying I am in love," he added quickly.

"But you caught my attention, and that means something to me."

"I..." I stammered.

He smiled kindly, clearly noticing my discomfort.

"It's fine. You do not have to say anything."

I turned back to the fireworks. "Alright."

After a moment, he spoke again. "I know this might sound strange, but if you ever need a father for your child, I would not mind."

He looked genuinely hopeful.

"I promise to stand by you and make you happy."

I nodded politely. "Thank you for the offer, but I do not think that will be needed."

"Oh," he murmured softly.

"If you ever change your mind," he added.

I stayed silent.

Thankfully, he said nothing else.

We sat there quietly, watching the snow fall and fireworks fade, until headlights suddenly cut through the darkness.

A convoy of black SUVs rolled into view.

My heart stopped as they zoomed into the street recognition slamming into me so hard it stole the air from my lungs.

I knew that convoy far too well.

I had seen it too many times to mistake it for anything else.

Those vehicles belonged to the wolves, to the castle, and their sudden presence here could only mean one thing....

Valentino is here.