CHAPTER 30

 Beatrice’s POV. 

It was like – A Day of Firsts

For the first time in years, I left work early and i fely really glad beautiful I'll be able to do the catching up i need to do with my kids, it has been a long while since we last had fun has a family.

No late meetings. No emergency emails. No last-minute assignments from Xander. Just a simple instruction from him: Go home early today. 

At first, I thought I misheard him. The Xander I knew—the ruthless, unyielding CEO—never gave me a break. But he had looked me in the eyes and said it, almost as if he was… trying to make things right or maybe he realized he has done a lot of bad things and it needed fixing. 

The memory of his apology from yesterday still echoed in my mind. Xander Thane had apologized. And while I was not naive enough to believe that meant everything between us was suddenly fine, I couldn’t deny that something was shifting, like a whole Xander apologized to me. Today is definitely great. 

For better or worse, I wasn’t sure yet.

But I wasn’t about to waste this rare opportunity.

I grabbed my bag and left before he could change his mind.

The first thing I did was— Picking Up the Kids as it was theyr closing time already, I wanted to suprise them because they have beeen going by bus recently and i hate that. 

When I pulled up to my kids' school, I could already see the little crowd of parents waiting at the gates. It had been so long since I was part of this scene that for a moment, I hesitated— like one part of me pulled back. I had missed my motherly roles. 

Would my kids even believe it was really me picking them up today? It would be shocking.

I stepped out of the car just as the school doors swung open, and the children started pouring out. My heart squeezed when I spotted them—Caleb, Cooper, and Charlotte—walking together, laughing about something.

Then Charlotte glanced up and saw me. 

She froze, blinking rapidly, as if trying to make sure she wasn’t imagining me— I'm sure she must be doubting if I am her real mom but then Caleb and Cooper followed her gaze, their eyes widening.

"Mommy?" Charlotte whispered.

A lump formed in my throat. I crouched down, opening my arms. "Hey, treasures."

They did not  hesitate this time. In an instant, all three of them bolted toward me, crashing into my arms. The force of their hug nearly knocked me over, but I didn’t care. I held them close, breathing in their warmth, their familiar scent, their tiny arms wrapping around me so tightly it almost hurt.

"You’re here?" Caleb asked, his voice muffled against my shoulder. Why? Did your boss allow you leave early? A lot of questions that I wasn't ready to answer popped up. I only want them to be with me . 

"You never pick us up!" Cooper added, squeezing my waist. But I did now? 

Guilt twisted in my chest. They were right. I had been so consumed with work, with survival, with avoiding Xander, that I had missed out on this simple joy.

I kissed the top of Charlotte’s head, stroking her soft curls. "I missed you guys."

Charlotte giggled, her little hands clinging to my sweater. "We missed you too, Mommy!"

As we walked toward the car, they chattered excitedly, telling me about their day—about Cooper’s new friend, Caleb’s art project, and Charlotte’s funny story about her teacher tripping over a backpack. Their voices filled the air, bright and full of life, and for the first time in forever, I let myself just be in the moment.

Maybe… just maybe, things were finally changing.

I had promised them pastries earlier, so we stopped by their regular restaurant, they took their favorite spots and ordered for what they wanted. They were overwhelmed with joy, I didn't know when tears started rolling down my cheek. This was so emotional to watch. 

After clearing the bill, we got home in haste. They got of the car shouting.., mommy is back . I couldn't help but smile. I told them to change their clothes , then refresh themselves.

That afternoon , something happened that hadn’t happened in five years.

We cooked lunch together. The triplets and I. I was really happy about this. 

Not takeout. Not rushed meals between work calls. A real, home-cooked meal by all of us. 

The kitchen was a mess within minutes—flour dusting the countertops, vegetables half-chopped, Cooper stirring something with a little too much enthusiasm. 

At one point, Caleb knocked over the bag of flour, sending a white cloud into the air. Charlotte shrieked, Cooper burst into laughter, and I should have been exasperated.

But instead, I laughed with them until I found my face covering with something that looks like white powder, I noticed it was flour immediately and caught up with him, then I faked a fall, all of them came close , I just took the spilled flour and used it to paint their faces. We all smiled and we hugged each other.

It felt… good.

For the first time in forever, I wasn’t drowning in exhaustion or stress. I wasn’t worrying about work or Xander or the past.

I was here, with them, making memories.

And for that, I silently thanked Xander.

For giving me this one good day.. It was if he knew we needed this re- union quickly.

The food was ready, we all started at the dining table and ate quietly until it was interrupted by Charlotte. She asked where Dad is?

I was shocked when I heard it, then I asked her why did she ask. 

" The other kids in school, they're brought to school by their mom and dad but I only have you functioning as my mom and dad. " she replied.

This statement touched me. But I told her, her dad would be back soon.

Later that evening, after dinner and bedtime routines, I found myself curled up on the couch with Sarah, my best friend and confidante.

She handed me a cup of tea, raising an eyebrow. "Okay, spill. You’re actually home before midnight, and you don’t look like a zombie. What’s going on?"

I took a slow sip, savoring the warmth before answering. "Xander let me leave early today."

Sarah choked on her drink. "I’m sorry, what?"

I laughed at her reaction, shaking my head. "I know. I was just as shocked."

Her brows furrowed. "Wait… he let you? As in, he wanted you to leave early?"

I nodded.

Sarah stared at me, her expression unreadable. "And how do you feel about that?"

I let out a slow breath. "I don’t know. He’s been… different lately. Not as cruel. Not as distant." I hesitated before admitting the truth. "I was so sure I wanted to leave, to relocate and start over, but now…"

"You’re second-guessing it," she finished for me.

I nodded.

Sarah studied me for a long moment, then sighed. "Look, Bea, I know you’ve been through hell with Xander, and I’d never tell you to stay where you’re not happy. But if he’s really changing… maybe it’s worth seeing where this goes."

I stared into my tea, letting her words sink in. Maybe she was right.

Maybe I didn’t have to run.

The next morning, I was back at the office, drowning in work.

But my mind wasn’t in the spreadsheets or reports. It was on my kids.

So when the afternoon rolled around, I made a decision.

I was leaving early again.

Not because Xander told me to.

But because I wanted to.

That night, after dinner, I sat the triplets down. They looked up at me, curiosity shining in their little faces.

"Mommy has to go on a business trip," I told them gently. "For two weeks."

Their faces fell.

"But that’s forever," Cooper whined, crossing his arms.

Caleb’s lower lip trembled. "We just got you back."

Guilt punched me in the chest. But I forced a reassuring smile. "I know, baby. And I promise it won’t be like before. You’ll stay with Auntie Sarah, and when I come back, we’ll have more nights like yesterday."

They didn’t look convinced, but after some coaxing—and the promise of extra bedtime stories—they finally agreed.

Charlotte snuggled into my lap, sighing. "You promise you’ll come back?"

I pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I promise." Mom is always there with you and besides aunt Sarah will surely take care of you and we'll speak through the phone.b

The night before my flight, I barely slept.

Something about this trip felt off.

Like it wasn’t just about business.

Like something big was waiting for me.

And I had no idea if I was ready for it.

What awaits me  on this business trip? A new challenge? A revelation? Or something even more dangerous?