Chapter 136 A House No Longer Safe
“Yes, yes, I’m home. Looks like the kids are back too,” Melissa said into the phone with a smile, her eyes sweeping over the toys scattered across the front yard. She shook her head and turned toward the door.
As she reached for the doorknob, the door creaked open before she could touch it.
“Jeez. How many times do I have to say this?” she muttered, stepping inside. “If I’m not around and you’re inside, lock the door.”
She sighed, kicked off her shoes, and closed the door behind her. Dropping her bag and coat on the stand, she took a moment to scan the mess around her. Toys were everywhere—some she didn’t even recognize. As she walked down the hallway, she noticed unopened boxes and new toy cartons lying around.
Her lips curved into a frown.
“Is he back?” she whispered.
From the living room came giggles and laughter. Her heart skipped—maybe her husband had come back early to surprise them? He wasn’t due for two more days, but it wouldn’t be the first time.
She quickened her pace, anticipation building—until she stepped into the living room and her heart nearly stopped.
Sitting casually on the loveseat was her boss, Kieran Blackwood.
Her son Edwin sat beside him on the armrest, smiling as Kieran ruffled his hair.
“Mama, you're back!” Edwin beamed.
But Melissa couldn’t hear him. Her gaze was fixed on Kieran's smile, the way his hand moved through Edwin’s hair. And then Marilyn, her daughter, looked up from her Barbie doll and rushed over.
“Mom!” she squealed, wrapping her arms around her.
Melissa didn’t react. Her eyes drifted to the far end of the room where a tall, muscular stranger—Julian—stood holding her youngest daughter, Peace, fast asleep in his arms.
Her heart pounded so loudly, she was shocked no one else heard it.
“Mom! Look what Uncle Kieran got me!” Edwin grinned, waving a toy car in the air.
Melissa finally tore her gaze away from Kieran. “Come here, baby...” she said softly, stretching out her hand.
But Kieran rose from the loveseat, and she instinctively stepped back—though she forced herself to hold still.
“Kids, could you give your mom and me a moment?” Kieran asked smoothly.
Neither Edwin nor Marilyn seemed to notice the tension. Edwin jumped down, and Kieran gently steadied him before he ran out the other door, car still in hand.
Marilyn hesitated, still clinging to Melissa.
Melissa kept her arms around her, frozen.
“Go on, sweetheart,” Kieran said with a smile.
Marilyn looked up at her mother, confused, but Melissa still wouldn’t meet her eyes. Finally, she let go.
Marilyn walked to Julian, who was still holding Peace. She reached up, and Julian gently lowered the sleeping toddler into her arms. To Melissa’s surprise, Marilyn held her steady, then carried her out after Edwin.
The room fell silent—just Melissa, Kieran, and Julian remained.
Melissa turned from the door and took a deep, steady breath.
“What are you doing here, sir?” she asked, voice tight.
Kieran stepped forward and she flinched.
He chuckled. “Relax, Melissa. I’m not here to hurt you.”
“Then... why are you here?”
He glanced around. “You have a beautiful home. And I don’t just mean the house. Your children… they’re lovely.”
Her heart stuttered. “T-thank you. They’re my life.”
He walked toward the mantel and picked up a photo—Melissa, her three kids, and her husband, all smiling.
His smirk deepened. “Your life... but it seems hubby might not feel the same way.”
Her frown returned. “What do you mean by that?”
But he had already turned away.
“I’ve always wondered what kind of father I’d be,” he said suddenly, almost to himself.
Melissa stared, confused by the shift.
“I don't think I'd make a good role model,” he went on, glancing toward the hallway where the kids had gone. “But my little dove... she doesn’t seem to mind the idea of kids. And I’d do anything for her. Do you know why?”
Melissa’s throat tightened. Of course she knew who he meant by little dove.
“Your children are your life,” he said, voice low. “That girl you tutor? She’s mine.”
He stepped closer. She backed up until her spine hit the shelf.
Kieran stopped just inches away and gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. She tensed.
“I hate when things about my princess are hidden from me,” he said softly. “So… is there something you might be hiding?”
Melissa’s chest rose and fell rapidly.
He stroked her cheek, eyes sharp and cold.
“Think carefully before you speak,” he whispered. “Because if you lie to me... I’ll be the last face you see.” He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “And that wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing.”
Looking into that twisted smile, Melissa knew, without a doubt—Kieran Blackwood was a psychopath.
"I'm waiting, and I don't like waiting," he murmured, rubbing his fingers along the curve of her pink ear. She flinched and nodded quickly.
"I'll tell you. I'll tell you everything I know—just please, don't hurt me or my family."
He frowned, almost mockingly. "Now you're making me sound like the villain. I’d never hurt those sweet little ones." His voice dipped lower, darker. "But you? I can. And I will... if you don’t start talking about a certain bottle."
Her breath caught as she looked up at him and gave another hesitant nod.
"Good girl," he said smoothly, the words curling around her like a noose. "Now, come on. Let’s have a seat. I even brought a surprise for you. What kind of guest would I be if I didn’t bring a little something too?"
He turned with a calm smile and sank onto the love seat like he owned the place. Julian stepped forward silently and pul
led a gift box from behind his back, presenting it like it was something precious.
Melissa stared at
it, her eyes wide, heart pounding.
What could it be?
Her stomach twisted.
Oh Lord... please help me.