Leap OF Fate

The weekend finally came. Vivienne instructed him to go to Lewis Tower. From there, he took the helicopter going to Pines City. He could not help but sneer. He and his team focused on the airport when she used a helicopter to shuttle to and from Hyacinth Bay. Thinking alone that he'd see her and their children, he could not help but feel excited. The weekday felt like a drag for him. He wanted to fast forward the days, so it'll be the weekend and he'd finally be able to spend time with Serene and the twins. His heart thumped in his chest as soon as his foot touched Pines City ground. His palms felt sweaty and cold. The food park occupied part of the mall's outdoor space. It's composed of many stalls featuring various cuisines.

Vivienne welcomed him upon arrival. His eyes search the venue for Serene and the twins. Looks like they have not arrived yet. He looked at his watch. There's still 20 minutes before the scheduled ceremony.

As a familiar figure in the business world, people from his circle approached him. They would either want to network, or suggest cooperation. At ordinary times, he'd brush off these attempts with a curt answer and a cold treatment, but not today. He entertained them. "Daddy!" Felicity's voice cut through the surrounding conversations. She ran up to him with a bright smile. He crouched down to meet her embrace. Soon as he caught her, he swung her around, making her squeal with laughter. She then gave his face kisses, smearing her saliva all over his face. But he did not mind.

"Miss me?" he asked her, flashing a rare smile.

"Yes!"

The jaws of those around him almost reached the ground as they watched their interaction. Daddy? Isn't this girl the daughter of Serene Ellis? These were the questions that floated around the onlookers' heads.

After a while, Pax hugged his leg.

"Dad! Carry!" he said, extending his arms to his father. Justin indulged his son and carried both children in each of his arms.

Like Felicity, Pax kissed him on his cheeks. Both kids rested their heads on the side of his neck.

"Justin," Conrad's voice gave him chills. Five years ago, Conrad confronted him. He could not help but swallow when he recalled Conrad's threat that he would stand between him and Serene. He looked at the burly man in front of him and at his wife who stood beside him, her eyes scanning him.

"Mr. Ellis, Ma'am" he greeted. He sounded like a child scolded by the principal.

Conrad smirked and said, "So, it's Ma'am and Mr. Ellis now?"

Justin could not believe his ears. He thought Conrad would pounce on him. "Dad, Mom," he said tentatively.

"Hmm. Thank you for saving the twins and going after those who hurt them." Conrad gave him a pat on the shoulder.

"See you around, Justin," Carol said to him and smiled. The Ellis couple turned around and mingled with their friends.

He heaved a sigh of relief when the older couple left. His eyes followed them. Only then did he notice Conrad did not look as imposing as he did before. He lost some weight.

"Where's your mom?" he asked the twins. He's been there for some time and he had not seen her shadow yet.

"There she is!" Felicity exclaimed, pointing towards the venue's entrance.

Serene dressed in her usual white button-down shirt and dark jeans. She looked laid back, but still

business like. Around her were bet

Velket

and his wife, Susie. Bryan and Chester were also there, to his surprise. Dylan and Mary were also part of the group she's with.

"Dad, let's go there," Felicity asked, which he obliged. He left the group that circled him without bothering to excuse himself.

Crouching to let his children down, they raced towards their mother. Serene hugged and kissed them as soon as they hugged her legs.

Serene watched Justin approach her. He's not in his usual coat and tie but was wearing faded blue jeans and a plain shirt. He looked ragged but sexy. She could not take her eyes off him. Her heart skipped a beat when he smiled at her.

Ahem! Mary made an exaggerated cough and nudged her side. Her brow arched at her when she glanced in her direction. She gave her friend a 'what can I do he's hot' smile, to which Mary rolled her eyes.

"You came," she said, when Justin was within earshot. Her smile almost reached her ears.

"Yes. Congratulations," Justin responded, widening his smile. He knew how his smile made her weak on her knees. Seeing the blush creeping across her cheeks brought him joy. He's happy to know he still affected her.

After all the formalities of the opening ceremony, they gathered around a long table. The spread before them featured the vendor's bestsellers.

Palpable tension enveloped the

dining table at first. Serene did not know Al invited his friend, Bryan, and his family. While they did not know she invited Justin. Although not everyone knew the tension between the brothers, they're all aware of how she's related to Bryan and Justin. They're also aware of the complexities that relationship brought.

But leave it to the innocent children to break any tension.

"Wow, Lizzie! Our dads look the same!" Kenny still could not wrap his head around the fact Justin and Chester were twins. This was the first time Kenny saw Justin since the latter shun away from his family. "Yeah!" Felicity beamed.

"You think they came from the same store?" Kenny asked, his high-pitched voice filled with wonder.

"Mom, did Dad and uncle Chester come from the same store?"

The adults around the table could not help but chuckle at the exchange. None of them chimed in. Experience told them they would resolve it on their own.

"They did not. They're twins like us, can't you see?" Pax answered for Serene. Irritation all over his face. How could her sister think people come from stores? He rolled his eyes at her before craning his neck to Serene, "Am I right, Mom?" "Right. They're called identical twins." Serene explained. "While you and Lizzie are fraternal twins."

The children seemed satisfied with her answer. They returned to their regular topics of toys and cartoons.

Serene sat in between their children while Justin Sat beside Felicity. She fed them first. He observed how attentive she is with their children as he shelled shrimps in silence. After a while, he put the plate of shrimps he peeled in front of her. She smiled at him and ate the crustacean.

Everyone at the table watched the interaction. Mary arched her brows but said nothing while Dylan winked at his best friend.

Justin did not bother with him and focused on wiping his hands with a wet tissue. Serene meanwhile made sure his water cup does not go empty and would put food on his plate.

They looked like how they were five years ago. Serving each other in silence. Their actions were not big, but for those who knew what they've gone through, it spoke volumes. It showed how much Serene's wall had chipped away for him.0000000