Chapter 6.......Six years later

The moment I stepped out of the moving vehicle, into the huge building that laid before my very eyes, I couldn't help but take in everything before my very sight.

Standing right before me was years of hard work, coming off that horrific relationship with Jaxon.

A lot of people would have gone into the state of depression, after everything Jaxon did, but I was never the type to back down.

 While strolling through the hallway, deep in contemplation, I was greeted by a familiar voice saying my name. 

"Ayla!" he called out. "It's been a while since we last saw each other!"

I looked over and saw Bruce, a friend and marketing analyst, walking towards me with a friendly grin. 

"Great to see you again Bruce! How are you?" I asked extending my arm for a friendly hug.

Bruce has been one of the main men to push me to the limit with the business and I always found a way to show him gratitude for that.

"How is Finn and Feris doing? I bet they are really big now " he said with a smile on his face.

"Indeed they are....."

Bruce became serious in his expression and removed a folder from his bag. "Ayla, I've been pondering your financial business quite extensively, and I have come up with a plan that I think can elevate it to new heights."

Intrigued, I gestured for him to keep going.

"Have you seen the pictures of the market lately in New York City?" He asked with excitement filling his eyes.

"No I haven't..."

"Starting a jewelry store in the city will provide you with extensive and varied potential customers. I have analyzed the data, and the opportunity for expansion is enormous."

My thoughts weren't in his business plan at this point.

The mention of New York City had brought me, instant memory flashes, one that I couldn't keep my head away from. 

I didn't want to go back to the city for its memory.

"So what do you say?" He asked, his contagious enthusiasm sweeping me up in the vision he shared.

"I will have to discuss it with the kids and see their opinions about it." I said, with my thoughts fast-paced with the consequences.

Bruce gave a nod in agreement. 

"I know it's a big ask, but I truly believe this is an opportunity you shouldn't miss. You have the expertise, the passion, and the commitment. I will be there to assist you throughout the entire journey."

I paused to take a deep breath, considering the advantages and disadvantages. The idea of beginning again in a busy city where I had come from, was overwhelming, but the possible benefits were impossible to ignore.

"Very well then, I will speak with the kids"

**

It was evening time and as usual Finn and Feris were on the lookout for their play toys, when I stepped into the room. 

"Hey boys!" They all ran towards me, embracing me in a tight hug.

"I have good news boys! We are going back to New York City." 

Their expressions were unreadable at first and then their eyes filled with astonishment. "Why mom?! What is the reason for this?" Feris cried out, his voice filled with distress.

"This is a fantastic chance for us, my boys. We will be nearer to amusements park and you will have the opportunity to explore a different city, attend different schools, and meet new friends.""

However, they remained unconvinced. "We have no desire to abandon our friends here!" Finn objected, his voice getting louder.

I recognized their worries, but I was aware this was an opportunity we couldn't pass up.

" I understand it's difficult, but believe me, we will find happiness there. We will create fresh memories and experience an exciting journey!"

I had set aside my uncertainties, concentrating on the anticipated thrill. "Let's begin anew, everyone! We will discover the city as a team, discover new favorite places, and make it our own.

I could still see a hint of doubt in their expressions, but a slight spark of optimism was also visible. I was aware that it would not be simple, but we would confront this next stage as a family.

****

The next day...

We arrived on the coastline of New York City.

It has been  6 good years since I last visited the city that has brought trauma to my body.

I was anxious for no apparent reason as we approached the Bentley arranged by the investors.

"Mom,   you aren't looking   good."   The twins' voices  broke  my  thoughts  as we drove  down  the  street.  

 "It's   okay,  New York  just   has  so many memories for  me,"  I  said  as we  drove   past  familiar buildings.  

"You actually grew up in this  town,   didn't   you?"  

 "Of   course!   Mom  had a  hard  life  here   back   in   the   day,"  I  replied,  remembering the  time   I had to work to make sure Hailey was alive.

  

We arrived at the  luxury   hotel   that  the investors had prepared for the twins and  me.  It was the first time  I'd   seen  their  faces,   but  they  welcomed   me  as we  parked  the  car.  

 "It's   good  to  finally meet   you,  Ayla.  I'm   sure   you'll   have   a   wonderful  time in New  York".

I  turned   around  to see Finn and Feris  staring at  a  black  Mustang that was  parked  next   to   the  Bentley.  "Is that your son?"  one  of the investors asked. 

 "Yes,   Finn, Feris !  Let's  go,"  I  yelled.  

"He  seems  to like  this   car,"   he   stated.  

"Finn and Feris  love   nice   cars. I don't know why  they are so   hung   up   on   the   car."  

We  were  taken to  a   private  room and while Finn and Feris   had  the luxury of  owning their own  room, I was  given  an  exquisite room  made  mostly  of gold. 

The  king   size  bed was  carefully   crafted  to fit  the  great  personality   and  the wardrobe was  huge  and  filled with  a   variety  of  clothes  all  of  the same brand.  

I heard a  knock  on  the door and  when   I   got   to  the  door  it was one of the security  guards  who  was   supposed  to  be   watching   over   Finn and Feris .  

 "I'm  sorry ma'am,  we can't seem to find  the twins."  

 I was horrified, and couldn't even begin to imagine what could have happened.  . 

 "Why   can't  you  find  my   sons?"  You are the  security  guard  who  should   be   watching   over   them!"  

"I  know,  ma'am.  I   got  an emergency  call   from   one   of   our   investors  and  rushed  over  to find  Finn and Feris '  door  open  and  none of them was in the room." 

I pushed him aside and  hurried   down  the hallway, not minding  that  I  was  lightly   dressed.  

 As   we   reached  reception, one of the investors  saw  me and  ran  over. 

 "What's  wrong,   ma'am?"  

"My sons are missing. I don't know how the security let that happen. He left  on  a special  mission  and now Finn and Feris  are missing!" 

I was  angry.   If   anything   were   to   happen   to   Finn and Feris ,   I   couldn't   bear   it   and wouldn't forgive myself.

 "Ma'am,   please  calm down. I  think  your son is outside with the  hotel   owner."  

Confused, I walked past him and  opened  the  front   door.  

Right there,  next   to  our  Bentley,   Finn and Feris   were standing  with a man  in  a  black Armani  suit,   arguing  while staring at  the  black  Mustang.  

It wasn't  Finn and Feris  that  made  my heart  race,  it was the familiar  man  next   to  him.  "Mom?" They both  cried  out when  they   saw  me.  "Mom,  we  have  a new friend." 

 When  he  turned  around, I lost my   composure   completely.  

 Standing   next   to  Finn and Feris   was  not   a   stranger,   but   in   fact   Jaxon ,   Finn and Feris ' biological  father.