–Sophia–
I want a second honeymoon, but it looks like it won’t turn out that way.
Kai approached while I was cleaning my guns. He sat beside and sighed.
"What?" I asked, already irritated by that expression.
"About our honeymoon," he sighed again.
I set the gun down and turned to him.
"Don’t fucking tell you’re moving it."
"No," he said quickly. "We’re going north for Alyssa and Lore’s far-away date."
I sighed.
"Babysitting?" I asked. He nodded.
"But it’s a cold place," he added, grinning. "I already rented a villa by the mountains. We have our own room."
"Perfect!" I hugged him. "That could be our honeymoon."
"I love you." He hugged tightly and kissed my lips.
"You have to," I said lightly.
He chuckled and kissed my neck.
"Hey, lovebirds!"
I looked up to see Francis—my first love and longti boyfriend—standing there with his arms crossed.
"Hey," Kai smiled at him.
"I need you with , Kai," Francis said.
I frowned.
"Why are you taking my husband?" I asked coldly.
"Why would I take you instead?" he scoffed.
I gaped. Kai grinned and stood.
"Babe, he’s not very attracted to you anymore." He patted his chest. "This man likes more."
"Oh, please." I rolled my eyes.
Sohow, my ex-boyfriend and my husband had beco instant best friends.
"Later, baby," Kai said, winking at . "Pack warm clothes, okay?"
I nodded as the two of them left, talking animatedly while heading toward the security house.
I went back to cleaning my guns when Deanne sat beside , yawning, sunglasses and hat still on.
"Am I fat?" she asked casually.
"It’s normal to gain weight," I replied, unfazed. "But those damn curves? Absolutely lethal."
It was true.
"Liva told ."
"Yeah, sure..." I raised a brow. "Why?"
"My doctor said my sugar spiked. Blood pressure too. I need to eat fewer carbs and sugary food... basically anything fun."
"That’s her way of stopping you," I said. "Chef Wally’s busy with his restaurant, so Jane and Aunt Ines planned your als. The freezer’s locked. No unlimited ran."
She pouted—and then started crying.
Hormones.
She pulled off her sunglasses and wiped her tears.
"I know, I’m sorry," I said softly, hugging her and rubbing her back.
She sniffled. I glanced at Caine, who was subtly signaling . I read his lips.
Please comfort her. She’s been crying all night.
I gave him a thumbs-up and patted her again.
"How about we ask Jane for alternatives? You can have ran for lunch. Just one bowl."
She nodded. I wiped her tears with my shirt, finished assembling my gun, placed it in its case, and walked her to the kitchen.
Livana was there in an apron, helping out. Deanne sat on the barstool by the counter. Without a word, Livana placed a bowl of ran in front of her.
Deanne pouted like a child.
"I checked the recipe," Livana said calmly. "It won’t spike your sugar. Different noodles."
"Thank you," Deanne murmured, wiping her eyes and picking up her chopsticks.
"Hello, family!" Laura greeted cheerfully as she walked in wearing a maxi dress and sat beside Deanne.
Livana set a bowl in front of her too.
"Wow, is this my instant ran?" Laura asked.
"No." Livana smiled. Laura’s face fell as she stared at the leafy vegetables.
"Oh..."
"Eat it," Livana said, her tone carrying quiet authority.
I pressed my lips together. The two pregnant, gorgeous won had no choice.
Health over cravings. Livana was ruthless when it mattered.
Then she slid a bowl toward —different noodles, more greens.
"But I’m not pregnant," I said.
She raised a brow. Those athyst eyes were sharp.
"Who cares?"
Extra strict.
Damon ca in looking fresh, kissed Livana’s cheek. She didn’t even react—too busy cooking.
Then Sky appeared, hair ssy, eyes warm and innocent compared to Livana’s fire.
"Mama," he called.
"Yes, my love?"
He walked over, raised his arms. Damon picked him up, but Sky pushed his dad’s face away.
"No! No!" he protested.
I pressed my lips together as Sky lunged toward his mother. Livana took him, and Sky showered her face with kisses—exactly how Damon does.
I cringed. They’re the sa person.
"So," I said casually, "when is it my turn to get pregnant?"
Livana froze and turned to . I smiled sweetly, just to irritate her.
"In two years," she answered sharply.
I pouted and glanced at the two pregnant won beside .
"Let’s start with family planning," Livana added.
I looked at Damon. He raised his brows.
"Livy—" he began.
She lifted one finger, silencing him.
I’m pretty sure he wants another one too. But this is Livana. She needs contingency plans. No two won pregnant at the sa ti.
I still wonder why we all got married almost at the sa ti.
–Lore–
We arrived at the Blackwell residence, and I went straight into greeting mode—her father, her mother, then her grandparents, who absolutely adored . Yes. I was very sure they loved . I had the data to back it up. Warm smiles, lingering pats on the shoulder, zero suspicion in their eyes. Perfect.
I sat down just as Aunt Amiliee plopped beside , looping her arm through mine like I was already officially hers.
"So," she said with a grin, "I heard about the trip."
"Yes," I answered, snuggling closer. She slled like lavender and expensive tea. "Are you coming with us?"
She laughed. "Isn’t it a date for just the two of you?"
"Yup." I leaned back against the sofa. "With friends, of course." I grinned.
She tilted her head, eyes sharp but amused. "So," she said, nodding toward her daughter, "she’s been difficult to take care of?"
"Yes." I nodded solemnly—then pouted.
That was when Alyssa launched herself at .
She tackled straight onto the carpet, fast and rciless, grabbing and twisting my arm behind my back.
"Ow!" I yelped dramatically—though, okay, it genuinely hurt.
"Oh, dear!" Aunt Amiliee laughed. "Aly, let him go."
Alyssa finally released and stood, glaring down like a victorious warrior.
"Babe, I’m sorry," I said quickly.
"Don’t call babe!" she hissed.
I clutched my chest in mock agony. "Wow. Okay. Then... baby?"
Her glare sharpened.
"Fine," I said, sitting up. "I think I’m hungry."
"Go to the kitchen," Auntie said. "Snacks are already prepared."
I headed straight there. Alyssa followed, footsteps sharp against the floor.
"Baby, you’re creeping out," I warned, lunging for .
I dodged smoothly, laughing as I slipped into the kitchen. The counter island was already loaded—burgers, fries, everything warm and slling incredible.
"Since you have that much energy to burn," I said casually, grabbing a plate, "how about sparring later?"
She shrugged. "Fine with ."
I stacked a burger with a real steak patty onto her plate and added a generous pile of fries—then added more.
"It’s too much," she protested.
"You need to eat more." I patted her head and kissed her temple.
I froze.
Soone else had just kissed my temple.
I turned slowly to find Alyssa’s dad standing there, completely calm.
"In this house," he said evenly, "whatever you do to her, I will do to you. Not until you are both married."
I blinked. Then smiled. "How about getting engaged?"
He squinted at .
"We’ll... talk about that."
"What do you an, engaged?" Alyssa smacked my arm. "We’re not even together!"
"Oh." I chuckled lightly. "Yeah. Sorry. Still learning how this works."
Then Uncle Hardin threw an arm around my shoulders. "I have insights."
"Oh, please," Alyssa groaned. "Stop it, Dad. You’re giving him wrong ideas."
I grabbed my plate just as Alyssa tugged back toward the living room. I dropped onto the couch and happily devoured my burger and fries.
"Guys, slow down," Auntie scolded. "Ms. Christina feeds you well."
"It’s jusssst sooo good," I said through a full mouth.
Alyssa glared.
I wiped my lips quickly and swallowed. "Sorry, baby."
Her brows creased. She was clearly irritated today. Interesting.
"Sorry, Aly," I added more gently.
"Stop bullying him," her mom scolded her.
Alyssa rolled her eyes.
Then my phone vibrated in a very specific pattern against my palm.
Morse code.
E-M-E-R-G-E-N-C-Y.
I stood imdiately.
I slipped out to the balcony, the air cool against my skin, and answered the call.
"We need you in the Nest right now," Livana said.
"Which one?"
"The mansion."
"Got it."
I hung up, grabbed my coat, and headed back inside.
"We’re going to Liva," I announced, reaching for my plate.
"Leave my china plate," Auntie snapped as a maid hurried over with takeaway bags.
"Okay," I nodded, accepting them.
"I’m coming!" Alyssa exclaid. "Wait for !"
I paused just long enough. She ca back wearing her leather jacket, eyes bright. We headed to the garage where my bike waited.
Just as we were about to pull out, a man in a suit stepped forward.
"Who is this?" he asked, pointing at .
"He’s my boyfriend," Alyssa said instantly. "Lore, this is my cousin, Jardin. Jardin, this is Lore."
The man frowned.
"No," he said firmly, pointing at . "You can’t be her boyfriend."
I glanced at my reflection in the bike’s side mirror. "Why not?" I said confidently. "I’m handso."
Alyssa laughed.
"Nice to et you, bro," I added, grinning. "I already have her parents’ and brothers’ blessing."
My phone vibrated again.
"Sorry," I said, already lifting the helt. I placed it on Alyssa’s head and carefully adjusted the mic inside. "We really need to go."
"You can’t be serious," Jardin muttered.
"Hey," Alyssa snapped at him, "you missed my birthday. We’re over."
"Bye-bye," I waved. "See you later, bro."
She climbed on behind . I made sure the seat was soft, positioned just right. She wrapped her arms around my waist and leaned closer, warm and familiar.
"What’s the ergency?" she asked.
"We’ll find out."
"Drive safely!" her dad shouted.
"Yes, Dad!" I grinned, waving as I revved the engine.
And just like that, we were gone.
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