Con

CHAPTER 115

Elijah’s POV

After getting back from New York, I offered to drive Sophia home. I figured it was the perfect excuse to talk to Sophia about bringing Reese to meet my parents eventually. But all I told Sophia was that I was eager to see Reese, she immediately agreed.

“Sophia,” I began, breaking the stillness. “I was thinking… Maybe you could take Reese to meet my parents.” I had mentioned this to her before, but last time she didn’t seem too keen about it.

Sophia glanced at me, her eyes wary. “Are you sure that’s a good idea? Do you think Morgana would want to meet Reese? I mean, surely Reese would remind her of me. And she had always hated me.”

I frowned for a while, knowing that it was true. But then I nodded, trying to convey my conviction. “I’m sure it will be okay. My stepmom might have her issues, but once she sees her adorable first grandchild, she’ll forget about the past. And my dad, he’s often busy, but he’d certainly welcome the arrival of a sweet little kid that’s his own flesh and blood.”

Sophia hesitated, biting her lower lip. But eventually, she sighed and said, “Okay, let’s do it. Maybe we won’t stay long, though.”

“Yes, that’s perfectly fine. And we’ll do it in my house, not in theirs.” The thought of having Sophia again in my house, along with our very own daughter, made me very excited. Maybe we can be a family again.

We reached her apartment, and as soon as we stepped inside, Reese rushed toward us, her little arms outstretched. “Mommy! Daddy!”

I scooped her up, feeling her small body against mine, and smiled as she hugged both of us tightly. The nanny appeared from the kitchen, greeting us warmly.

“I’ve just prepared sandwiches for everyone,” she said, smiling.

Sophia headed into the kitchen, and the nanny took her luggage to the bedroom. I followed Sophia, watching her as she began to pour juice into glasses. Reese tugged at my sleeve, and I knelt down to

her level.

“Hey, sweetheart, do you know Uncle Adrian?” I asked gently, making sure that Sophia wouldn’t be

able to hear me.

Reese nodded vigorously. “Yes, Daddy!”

Tsmiled and asked, “Who do you prefer, Daddy or Uncle Adrian?”

She laughed, a delightful sound that filled the room, and pointed to my chest before hugging me tightly. “I like you more, Daddy!”

That simple declaration filled me with an indescribable happiness. I lifted her up, carrying her toward the kitchen counter. “Let’s eat some yummy sandwiches,” I said, feeling a warmth spread through me.

Sophia turned, a glass of juice in each hand, and smiled at the sight of us. “Let’s enjoy some snacks,” she said, placing the glasses on the table and then handing over the sandwiches.

+15 BONUS

We settled down, the three of us, and began to eat. Sophia told Reese about our New York trip, and our little girl listened intently with fascination. I watched Reese with a sense of contentment, feeling that maybe now, everything was starting to fall into place

Just as I finished my sandwich, my phone buzzed on the counter. I glanced at the screen and saw Julia’s name flashing. With a slight frown, I picked up the call.

“Hey, Julia,” I greeted.

“Elijah, I can’t get into my house,” she said, sounding a bit flustered. “I think I left my keys in your car before we went to New York.”

I remembered driving her home after work a day before our flight to New York. “Oh, right. I probably still have them. Hold on a second.” I looked at Sophia, who was now watching me with a curious expression.

“Julia left her keys in my car,” I explained. “I need to drive over and give them to her.”

Sophia nodded understandingly, but I could tell that she was wary of Julia. “Of course. Go ahead, Elijah.”

I knelt down to Reese’s level. “Hey, Reese, I have to go help a friend, but I’ll see you again very soon, okay?”

Reese’s face lit up. “Okay!”

I smiled, feeling a tug at my heart. “Next time, we’ll bring you to meet your grandparents.” I gave her a quick kiss on the forehead and stood up. “Take care, Sophia.”

“You too, Elijah,” Sophia said softly.

I left the apartment and drove to Julia’s house, the one her wealthy adoptive parents had bought for her when she moved back from Paris. The neighborhood was quiet and dark, the houses looming like silent sentinels in the night. I parked in front of her place and got out, calling her name as I approached the house.

“Julia? I’m here. Where are you?”

There was no answer. I tried the front door, expecting it to be locked, but it swung open with a creak. Instantly, my senses went on high alert. Something wasn’t right.

“Julia?” I called out again, stepping into the darkened hallway. “Julia, are you here?”

Before I could take another step, Julia appeared out of the shadows, her eyes sparkling mischievously. Without warning, she jumped at me, her lips crashing into mine, kissing me passionately.