Confession

Lillian’s POV

“Alright, the three of you should be good to Aunty Nora, okay?” I told Carter and Connor as I donned my sneakers.

Caleb was upstairs taking a nap.

We had returned from the hospital earlier today, and I was about to go see Mrs Laughlin.

“Yes, mummy.” Carter answered on their behalf.

“Mummy, can you buy chupa chops on your way back?” Connor asked, doe eyes staring into my soul as his hands came together in front of his chest.

Chupa chops was a chocolate brand that he favorited. I sometimes wondered if that was the case because I had consumed quite a lot of the famous chocolate brand during my pregnancy.

“Okay, I will,” I said, as Nora came out of the kitchen, holding a bowl of fresh popcorn. “Babes, I'm leaving them to you now. Thanks for agreeing to watch them again on short notice.”

Nora had gotten back from Germany last night after her conference ended.

“You're welcome, Lilly. Although, I've repeatedly told you that it's not a big deal. They are my god babies.” She said, setting the bowl of popcorn on the table as the triplets clamoured around her.

“Alright then. Bye everyone.” I waved, and both Nora and my kids waved back, as I stepped out of the house.

Heading to the parking lot, I entered my car, switched on the ignition and stepped on the gas. Moments later, I was revving my car onto the busy highway of the city.

After forty five minutes or thereabout, I reached Mrs Laughlin's mansion. As always I was impressed as I stared at the gigantic expanse of the medieval building.

For some odd reasons, I couldn't help but wonder how things would have been if Stefano and I had been in a loving marriage and he had introduced me to Mrs Laughlin.

It would probably be so blissful coming here with Stefano and our triplets to pay visits.

“My triplets, not ours,” I said aloud, as I pushed the weird thought away.

Stefano was in the past and that was where he would always be.

No more thinking of him.

After exchanging pleasantries with the butler, I moved further into the house, where Nancy was cleaning the dining table.

“Good afternoon, Miss Nancy,” I greeted, as she turned to face me.

“Good afternoon, Miss Baker. Mrs Laughlin is her bedroom,” She said. “It's the first room on the right wing of the first floor.”

“Alright, thank you.”

Heading back to the sitting area, I made my way into the hallway and knocked on the Mrs Laughlin's room.

“Is that you, Lillian?” Her soft voice came from within.

“Yes, ma'am,” I replied.

“Come in, dear. I've been expecting you.” Mrs Laughlin replied, and a smile creased my lips before I twisted the doorknob open.

Entering her bedroom, I saw her sitting on a rocking chair, knitting a beautiful beige beanie.

“Good afternoon, ma'am,” I greeted her.

“Afternoon, dear,” She smiled. “Before you have your seat, could you please grab that photo album on the nightstand for me?”

“Surely.” I replied before doing as she said then outstretching it to her. “Here you go, ma'am.”

“Actually, I want you to go through it and tell me what you notice in the pictures,” She said. “Have your seat, darling.”

Although confused, I sat down and opened the photo album. On the first page, the words, “Stefano's important milestones” were written, which deepened my confusion.

Regardless, I flipped it over and my heart nearly stopped when I saw the first picture.

Stefano couldn't be any more than five years of age in the picture and he looked exactly like Caleb. They even had the same cropped, bowlcut haircut.

Realization slapped me harshly like an evil witch as I continued flipping through the album, terrified to raise my head and look at Mrs Laughlin.

She knew everything.

Had Stefano told her? Just when I thought he was a tiny bit selfless, the scumbag had to blow everything.

“In case you are wondering if Stefano told me anything, he didn't,” Mrs Laughlin said like a mind-reader. “I figured everything out on my own.”

“But how?” I whispered, finally looking at her.

“Instincts,” She chuckled. “Right from the day I introduced you, I noticed a weird tension between you and him but I decided against prodding you. However, the day you brought the triplets here, I noticed the uncanny resemblance they had with Stefano. The tallest one especially. It was then I knew something was up.”

To think I had concluded that Mrs Laughlin was too busy to even notice my children whereas she did.

What would become of my children and I now?

Given the power she had, she could easily make me give up custody of my kids but even if she decided to do so, I had no intention of giving up without a fight.

“Stefano and I were married for three years. It was a business move actually. Then we got divorced so he could marry his longtime love,” I divulged, my composure calm even though I was in a state of inner turmoil.

Mrs Laughlin sighed heavily as she scooted closer and took my hand in hers.

“I'm so sorry for the way he treated you, dear. I take it that he doesn't know they are his then.” She uttered, and I nodded.

“Yes and I really don't want him to know.” I replied, looking into her eyes as a silent plea.

“Don't worry, I won't tell him. My lips are sealed,” Mrs Laughlin smiled again. “But I'd like to meet them properly whenever you're ready. And if you don't want me to, that's okay too. I understand.”

“Thanks, ma'am.” I responded.

“You're welcome,” She beamed, before pulling away from me and returning to her knitting. “I made beanies for them but I don't know if you'd want it.”

“Oh. It's fine, I'll take it. Thank you so much, ma'am.” I said, as she stood up to grab a package from a drawer.

Handing me the package, she patted my back. “You are really a strong woman, Lillian.”

Tears clogged my throat at her utterance and I could only nod as I swallowed my liquid sadness.

+

Stefano's POV

“Thank you,” I told the young man as he cleared my table. “By the way, can I see the head chef?”

I was currently at Lillian's workplace to see her. A whole week has passed since I last saw her, and I wasn't making an iota of progress with winning her heart again, so I knew I had to do something fast.

As much as I wanted to give her a reasonable tip, l decided against it because giving her money, would make her hate me even more.

It would seem as if I was trying to buy her forgiveness.

“Most definitely, sir.” He replied before walking away.

Moments later, Lillian walked out, smartly dressed in her chef uniform. On seeing me, an unreadable expression crossed her face for a fleeting moment.

A smile creased my lips as she walked up to me.

I had missed her so much.

“Good day, sir. You asked to see me.” She uttered, and my heart dropped at her coldness.

Regardless, I remained undaunted.

“Yes. I loved the food. Your food always tastes superb. I have never had anything better.” I rambled out. “You are really a talented chef.”

“Thank you,” Lillian simply replied. “Will that be all?”

“Yeah, that's all.”

“I will take my leave now.” She replied before walking off, without darting as much as a backward glance at me, further dampening my hope to ever win her heart again.