The sound of laughter drifted from the kitchen, soft and musical, as Emilia stood at the counter rolling out dough. Sunlight through the curtains, painting across her face. She had flour on her cheek, and a stray curl framed her eyes utterly human, utterly beautiful.
Mommy, Hope stole my pancake Elian's small voice cut through the calm.
Hope, perched on the chair opposite him, pouted and held her plate close. No, I didn't! Daddy said I could have it
Sebastian leaned against the kitchen doorway, arms folded, hiding a grin. Actually, he said, his voice deep and teasing, Daddy said whoever finishes their milk first gets the last pancake.
Both kids looked down at their glasses and immediately started gulping.
Emilia burst into laughter. You're terrible.
He walked over, wrapping an arm around her waist from behind. "You say that now, but you're smiling.
She shook her head, fighting the grin that betrayed her. You're turning breakfast into a war zone.
He kissed her cheek. Keeps them competitive.
Or hyper, she said, eyeing the children, who were now hiccupping from drinking too fast.
Details, he murmured, brushing his lips against her jaw.
Sebastian… she warned, voice soft but breath catching.
Hmm? His tone was all mischief.
The twins are watching.
He turned his head toward them just as both pretended to cover their eyes though Hope was peeking through her fingers.
See? Emilia laughed. They're learning your tricks.
That means I'm doing my job right. He stole a quick kiss before she could protest.
---
By mid-morning, the twins were off with Tasha, who had taken them to the park. The house fell silent, and Emilia finally exhaled.
Sebastian dropped onto the couch, stretching his legs, watching her tidy up the table. You've been smiling more lately, he said.
I should be. Things feel... peaceful.
They should. You've worked hard for that.
She looked at him, her expression softening. We worked hard.
He smiled, the kind of smile that still melted her years later. Fair point.
For a moment, they sat in that quiet comfort no tension, no chaos Just them.
Then Emilia's phone buzzed. She frowned. The screen displayed a name that always pulled a muscle in her jaw Adrian Wolfe.
Her thumb hovered over the message. Sebastian noticed the change in her expression immediately. Work?
She nodded. Titan Dynamics.
His tone shifted. That's the company that was with Marcus Vane, right?
Yes. She locked her phone, unwilling to even open it. Adrian and Marcus were partners once. Adrian thinks I should consider a merger. But we both know what that really means
Sebastian leaned forward. You're not even thinking about it, right?
She smiled faintly. Not a chance. I built my company from ashes. I won't hand it to someone who sees me as a business conquest.
His eyes lingered on her admiration, pride, and a hint of awe. That's my girl.
Emilia laughed softly. You make it sound like I fight dragons for a living.
You do, he said, his tone suddenly serious. Only yours wear suits and send contracts.
That made her grin. And yours come with rust and broken bolts.
Fair trade.
He reached for her hand, tracing her knuckles gently. You're amazing, Emilia.
She tilted her head. You've said that before.
And I'll keep saying it until you believe it completely.
---
Later That Afternoon
The sound of rain tapping the windows filled the room. Sebastian was at his work desk in the small home office, flipping through blueprints for a client's car redesign, while Emilia stood behind him, absently running her fingers through his hair.
He closed his eyes at the touch. You're distracting.
That's the point.
He turned slightly in the chair, catching her wrist. I should be working.
You've been working all week, she murmured, leaning down until her breath touched his ear.
He smiled. Are you suggesting I take a break?
More like I'm insisting.
Her tone left little room for argument. He turned, pulling her into his lap.
Emilia…
Yes?
You know you're dangerous when you use that tone, right?
Maybe. She smiled against his neck. But you like it she said pouting
Guilty.
He kissed her slow, unhurried,
When they broke apart, she whispered, You still make my heart race, Sebastian Lores.
He brushed his thumb along her jaw. And you still make mine slow down just enough
---
Evening
By nightfall, the twins were tucked in bed, soft snores echoing down the hall. Emilia was in their room, adjusting Hope's blanket, when Sebastian appeared at the doorway, watching silently.
She turned to him, smiling. They're growing too fast. I just want to hold on to this a little longer.
He nodded. Smiling
They walked down the hall together, hands brushing. When they reached their room, she leaned against the doorframe, eyes tracing his face.
He exhaled quietly, pulled her into his arms.
---
Later That Night
The rain returned gentle, rhythmic, wrapping the house in a hush. Emilia lay against him, tracing patterns on his chest.
Remember when we used to dream about this? she murmured.
He smiled sleepily. brushed his lips across her forehead.
They stayed like that breathing together,
Outside, thunder rolled softly in the distance.
---
Meanwhile...
Across town, Sarah sat in her apartment, the photo of a little girl in her hands. Gracee's smile stared back at her bright, innocent.
Her phone buzzed. She ignored it.
Soon, she whispered to the picture. He'll know soon.
Lightning flashed through the window, catching the glint of tears on her cheeks.
---
Back at the Lores Home
Emilia stirred in her sleep, snuggling closer. Sebastian's arm tightened around her instinctively, even in dreams.