CHAPTER 31

Beatrice’s POV

A New Journey Begins.... 

I slept thinking about everything yesterday but I was woken up by the loud hum of my alarm.

The alarm buzzed at exactly 5:30 AM, pulling me from a restless sleep.

I blinked against the dim light filtering through my bedroom curtains, my body sluggish with the weight of exhaustion. A part of me wanted to roll over, to steal a few more moments of comfort before the chaos of the day began or as I always said; the troubles of the day.

But I couldn’t.

Today was different.

Today, I was leaving my babies for two weeks.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I forced myself up, stretching slightly before padding toward the bathroom. The cold tile sent a shiver up my spine, but I welcomed the sharp sensation. It kept me present, grounded.

By the time I finished showering, I felt a little more awake. I needed to pack some useful materials, so I just shoved all necessary materials into my bag. 

I stepped into the triplets' shared bedroom, smiling softly at the peaceful sight before me.

Charlotte was curled into a ball, her tiny frame barely visible beneath her favorite pink blanket. Caleb had kicked his covers off, his limbs sprawled in every direction like he had been fighting an imaginary battle in his dreams. And Cooper… well, Cooper was clinging to the edge of the bed like he was about to fall off any second.

I knelt beside him first, brushing a gentle hand over his curls.

“Coop, baby, time to wake up.”

He grumbled something unintelligible, burying his face deeper into his pillow. It was like he never wanted to wake up from this sleep.

I chuckled and moved to Caleb, giving his shoulder a light shake. “Rise and shine, sweetheart.” it's your time.

Caleb let out a sleepy groan but obediently cracked his eyes open, blinking up at me with hazy confusion.

Finally, I reached Charlotte.

She was the lightest sleeper of the three. All it took was a soft kiss to her forehead, and she was already stirring, rubbing at her eyes with her tiny fists.

“Mommy?” she murmured, voice thick with sleep.

“Good morning, my love.” I smiled, brushing stray strands of hair away from her face.

She blinked a few times before realization set in. “Are you leaving today?” or why? I want to sleep a little bit at least maybe the clock will slow down. I laughed and looked at her cute face. The clock can't be drawn back , we only need to make the best use of it. 

She smiled and said " ok mom, I'll make use of my time well."

Though her  question made my chest tighten, but I nodded. “Yes, baby. But not before I take you to Auntie Sarah’s place.”

That seemed to brighten her up, if only a little. She sat up quickly, her excitement contagious. “Does that mean we get pancakes for breakfast?”

I laughed softly, shaking my head. “You and your pancakes.”

She grinned, her dimples on full display.

Caleb and Cooper, now a little more awake, perked up at the mention of food.

“Well,” Cooper yawned, stretching his arms, “if we have to wake up early, at least we get something sweet out of it.”

I stood, hands on my hips. “Then let’s get moving.”

I took them to the bathroom and in few minutes, we were all dressed up, with each other holding the bags needed for their day-to-day activities. Then the triplets packed the clothes they were going to wear for two weeks, well,same goes for me. 

Is it time for Farewell?

By the time we arrived at Sarah’s place, the sun had fully risen, casting a golden hue over the quiet neighborhood. Everywhere seemed to bright and I couldn't see clearly but the triplets already ran to Sarah's side with each of them hugging her.

Sarah was already waiting for us at the doorstep, her arms crossed, a knowing smirk playing on her lips.

“Took you long enough,” she teased ..

I rolled my eyes. “You try getting three kids ready before sunrise.”

She chuckled, opening her arms just in time for Charlotte to launch herself at her again. “Auntie Sarah!”

Sarah twirled her in the air before placing her down with an exaggerated sigh. “Whew! You’re getting heavy, kiddo.”

Charlotte giggled.

Caleb and Cooper were next, tackling her with  who will give her tight hugs.

I watched them with a bittersweet smile, my heart swelling and aching at the same time.

I had never left them for this long before.

Never.

Sarah must have noticed the way my face fell because she stepped closer, lowering her voice. “They will be fine, Bea. You need this break, call me if you need anything.”

I forced a nod, even though my gut twisted at the thought of being away from them.

Still, I crouched down to their level, cupping Charlotte’s cheeks first. “Be good for Auntie Sarah, okay?”

She nodded solemnly, though her bottom lip wobbled. “Promise you’ll come back soon?”

“I promise, my love.”

Caleb and Cooper each got their turn, receiving hugs, kisses, and whispered reassurances.

And then, just before I could completely break down, I pulled Sarah into a hug.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

She squeezed me tight. “Always.” you're always there for me. I pray the Goddess grants all your requests.

An Unexpected Call

I arrived at the office later than usual, but no one seemed to care.

After all, everyone was too busy packing.

My office was a mess of half-filled suitcases, documents scattered across my desk, and my assistant running around trying to get everything in order.

I had just started sorting through my things when my phone buzzed.

I glanced at the screen.

Xander.

I hesitated before picking up. “Yes?”

“Where are you?” His voice was calm, controlled, but there was something unreadable beneath it.

“I just got to the office.”

“Good. Put your things aside.”

I frowned. “Excuse me?”

“Leave them. I’m taking you somewhere.”

I stared at the phone as if it had grown a second head. “I have a flight in a few hours, Xander—”

“I know. This won’t take long.”

There was no room for argument.

I sighed. “Fine. Where are we going?”

“You’ll see.”

And just like that, the line went dead.. 

Minutes later, I found myself sitting in the passenger seat of Xander’s car, completely confused and more than a little annoyed.

He hadn’t said a word since I got in.

I stole a glance at him. He looked as composed as ever—hands steady on the wheel, gaze focused on the road ahead.

“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?” I finally asked.

“No.”

I huffed, crossing my arms. “At least tell me if I should be worried.”

The corner of his lips twitched like he was holding back a smirk. “I’d tell you if you should be.”

That didn’t make me feel any better.

The ride stretched on in silence, only the hum of the car filling the space between us.

And then, suddenly, I noticed the shift in scenery.

Gone were the glass buildings and corporate offices. Instead, the streets became lined with luxurious shops, high-end boutiques, and designer brands that I had only ever admired from a distance.

My brows furrowed.

“Are we… shopping?” I asked skeptically.

Xander didn’t answer, but the slight upward curve of his lips told me everything I needed to know.

A high-end store came into view—a boutique so exclusive that it didn’t even have a name displayed, just sleek black walls and an ornate golden door.

I swallowed hard. Could this be true? 

He wasn’t serious.

He couldn’t be.

Could he?

The car pulled to a stop, and before I could fully process what was happening, Xander was already stepping out, coming around to open my door.

I stared at him. “You cannot be serious.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Because this—” I gestured wildly at the extravagant store—“is unnecessary. I have clothes, Xander.”

His eyes darkened, and just like that, his usual authority took over. “Not the kind you need.”

I blinked. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

He didn’t answer.

Instead, he held out his hand.

An invitation. A challenge. Was that actually hys hands dropped out to me? I think I might not relocate again if Xander keeps behaving like this.

I hesitated, my pulse picking up speed and my  heart was beating hard in my chest. This store isn't even for men so there was more to this  .

Something about this wasn’t just shopping. It was as if the air in the atmosphere shifted.

It was something more. Or better but I sy had to wait.

And I wasn’t sure if I was ready for it.

Still…

I placed my hand in his.

And as he led me toward the golden doors, I couldn’t shake the feeling that whatever was about to happen next—

Was about to change everything.