Behind his mask!

Chapter 89

Sophie’s POV

It’s been one beautiful week since I gave birth to my adorable twins, Jane and Jason. Julian is keeping his promise, announcing our wedding for just two days from now. Tonight is my bachelorette party, and the preparation is in full swing, with excitement buzzing all around. I never imagined I could feel this happy; it all seems like a beautiful dream, one I hope never to wake from.

As I glance over at my little ones, peacefully sleeping in their cribs, my heart swells with love. I lean down to plant gentle kisses on each of their cheeks before heading downstairs to join the festivities.

“Bride-to-be!” Isabella teases as I enter the living room, making me chuckle. “Where are my babies?”

“They’re sleeping upstairs,” I reply, and she nods knowingly.

“Have you tried on your outfit for tonight and tomorrow?” Isabella asks.

“No, not yet,” I admit, and she gave me a mock scolding look.

“Go try it on now!” she insists. “We need you ready for the party!”

“Okay, ma,” I say with a grin as I head back upstairs.

I pick up the pink short dress laid out on the bed, remove my clothes, and find myself in just my bra and panties. Just as I’m about to put on the dress, Julian walks in.

He strides over to the cribs, planting a kiss on each twin’s forehead before turning his attention to me.

“So, you’re choosing your children over me?” I feign annoyance, crossing my arms.

“Of course not, milady,” he replies, pulling me closer by the waist until our lips are mere inches apart. “I wanted to come back to the sweetest of them all.” His words make me chuckle, and I savour the moment as he kisses my forehead, then the tip of my nose, before claiming my lips. His kiss is tender yet passionate, and I can’t help but moan softly against him.

As he pulls away, he kisses down my neck, and I shiver with delight. Just then, a cry from one of the twins interrupts us, and we both burst into laughter. I rush to pick up Jane, but Julian takes her from me and rocks her gently until she quiets down and drifts back to sleep.

I slip into the dress and turn to Julian. “Can you help me zip it up?” I asked, turning my back to him. Instead of zipping, he trails kisses along my neck, and I can't help but moan again.

“Julian,” I whisper, feeling his lips on my earlobe. He chuckles, finally zipping up the dress. I turn to face him, eager for his appraisal.

“How do I look?” I asked as I turned around.

“You look absolutely gorgeous, milady,” he says, making me blush as I walk to the mirror. My stomach is still slightly swollen, but the flowing part of the dress hides it perfectly. The dress features a fitted bodice that accentuates the waist, transitioning into a flowing skirt that falls just above the knee. It has delicate lace detailing along the neckline and sleeves.

I walked back to Julian, and he pulled me closer as he placed a gentle and soft kiss on my lips, then he pulled me back a little and whispered. “I just can’t seem to get enough of you,” he says, and my heart flutters at his compliment.

Then, he reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a small blue box. My curiosity peaks as he opens it, revealing a stunning diamond butterfly necklace that sparkles in the light. I gasp at its beauty.

“This is a little gift for your bachelorette night tonight,” he says, grinning. “I still have a wedding gift for you, but that will be revealed on our wedding night.”

Overwhelmed with gratitude, I wrap my arms around him tightly. “Thank you, hunny.” I turn around to let him fasten the necklace around my neck. I rush to the mirror again, marvelling at how it complements my skin and dress perfectly. Excitedly, I run back to him for another kiss, deeper this time.

He pulls away reluctantly, teasing, “I guess you don’t want me to tear this dress into pieces, but if you keep kissing me like that, I might have no choice but to.”

I chuckle, playfully pushing him away. “I definitely don’t want you tearing my precious gown!”

He pulls me closer again, whispering in my ear, “Well... I think we can order another one.”

“No, no! People are waiting outside,” I reply, trying to hold back laughter as he chuckles.

I finish getting ready, slipping on my silver heels, and grabbing a matching handbag. Hand in hand with Julian, we make our way downstairs, greeted by cheers from our friends and family.

“Why aren’t you wearing any makeup?” Isabella asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I just didn’t think it was necessary,” I said, shrugging.

“No, no, no! You must wear makeup, even if it’s just a little. I wish we had an expert to help quickly…” she continues, but her words are interrupted.

“Why do you need an expert when I’m here?” Evelyn’s voice cuts through the chatter, and I rush to embrace her tightly. After a moment, we pull apart.

“I’m so sorry I’m just getting here now. I had exams when I heard you gave birth, so I rushed over as soon as I could,” she explains, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“It’s alright! What matters is you’re here,” I replied, giving her another hug before she greeted Isabella.

“This is for you and my Prince and Princess. I’m sorry it’s small,” she says, handing me a beautifully wrapped bag. I dig inside and pull out a stunning white designer handbag, various colours of lingerie, skincare products, soft toys for the babies, and baby clothes and blankets.

“OMG!” I exclaim, overwhelmed. “Thank you so much, Evy!” I hug her again, my heart full.

Just then, my phone buzzes, and I excuse myself to check the message. It’s from an unknown number. My heart races as I read:

'Your husband-to-be is wearing a great mask; he is an assassin.'

I blink in disbelief, and another message follows:

'Former assassin, I meant.'

Relief washes over me, though I can’t shake the uneasy feeling about his past. I’ll need to ask Julian about this later. Just as I turn to head back to Evelyn and Isabella, yet another text arrives:

'He was the one who killed your father.'