II

Morning light seeps through the thin curtains in the living room. The smell of fresh coffee and toast filled the air, mixing with the sound of Max's laughter echoing in the kitchen. I sat at the small table with my laptop, typing fast to finish the report before the official work hours started.

Max came running towards me, carrying a small backpack with his favourite superhero print. "Mommy, I'm ready!" he exclaims, his voice cheerful. His brown hair was a little messy, but his blue eyes sparkled with excitement.

I smiled slightly, looking away from the screen. "Are you sure you didn't forget anything? Your hat, sunscreen, snacks, or lunch?"

Max shook his head vigorously, swinging his backpack in the style of a hero about to save the world. "Om Ben said he'd bring everything!"

"And I never forget anything," Ben appeared in the kitchen doorway with two lunchboxes in his hands. His white shirt was neatly folded up to his elbows, and his usual easy smile graced his face. "Trust me, Sister. I'm the best babysitter."

I rolled my eyes as I stood up. "That makes me even worry, you know?"

Ben laughed, rubbing Max's head before picking up his small bag. "We'll be fine. Right, Max?"

"Right!" Max grinned, then ran to the door, too excited to wait any longer.

I sighed, looking at Ben, who now had a serious face, although there was still a hint of teasing in his eyes. "Be careful on the road. Don't spoil him too much with ice cream."

He just raised an eyebrow. "Of course. I'm a responsible uncle."

With a quick kiss on Max's head and a warning glare at Ben, I escorted them out and then returned to my desk.

Work was waiting for me, and as always, I was ready to drown myself in it.

>>>> 

The sounds of keyboard typing, technical discussions, and small giggles in the corner of the room create a soothing symphony. I walked into my room, carrying a cup of coffee that I had just made in the pantry. On the desk, a small piece of paper from Ryan was waiting.

"Good morning, Boss. Ready to save the world (again) today?"

I smiled a little before placing the paper next to the monitor. I hadn't even had time to turn on my laptop when a knock on the door broke my concentration.

"Belva, can you come to my room now?" The calm yet firm voice belonged to Mr. Grant, my boss. A middle-aged man with always neat grey hair and sharp eyes that never miss a detail.

I quickly stood up, straightening my blazer. "Of course, sir."

I straightened myself briefly and then walked to his room.

Mr. Grant's room was spacious and minimalist. The large glass wall behind his desk showed off the view of busy San Francisco. On his desk, various documents were neatly organized, reflecting his systematic personality. He gestured unceremoniously to the chair in front of him.

"I want to get straight to the point," he said, opening the folder in front of him. "Our company has won a major contract with Lantum Mining Corporation, the largest mining company in the world. They are looking for a IT solution to automate their operations."

I held my breath. Lantum Mining? The name was enough to impress anyone in the industry. A contract with them was a golden opportunity.

"I need someone who can handle this project with precision and dedication," he continued, looking at me sharply. "I want you to lead this team."

Mr. Grant looked at me intently, waiting for a response. I could feel my heart beating a little faster than usual, but I kept my expression calm. This opportunity was too big to pass up.

"Yes, sir. I accept this responsibility," I replied firmly. "I will make sure this project runs smoothly."

The corners of his lips curved slightly, almost resembling a smile. "Good. But there's something else you need to know, Belva." He folded his hands on the table, his tone low. "The current state of our company is... quite risky. Our finances are in turmoil because some of our previous projects didn't reach their targets. This contract is a chance to turn things around. I hope we can do our best."

I nodded slowly, trying to digest the information. So this was more than just a big project—it was a company saviour. There was no room for error.

"I understand, sir. I'll do my best."

He seemed satisfied with my answer. "Good. We have a meeting with Lantum Mining in two days. They will explain what we will be doing. Use the time to prepare yourself. I want you to show that we are the best team for the job."

::::

The San Francisco afternoon sky was starting to turn golden when I arrived at the front of the house. I parked the car in its usual spot and stared at the front door. I opened the door and was immediately greeted by Max's voice, screeching happily from the living room.

"Mommy! Mommy! Look what Uncle Ben made!"

I peeked into the living room and found Max standing behind a huge pillow fort that almost touched the ceiling. Ben stood on the other side, with a blanket tied around him like a superhero cape.

"The strongest fort in the world," he said proudly.

I chuckled even though I was still tired. "Awesome," I commented, walking into the kitchen to pour a glass of water. "But you guys make sure to clean up later, okay?"

"AYE-AYE, Mom!" Max replied as he jumped up onto his fort.

Ben's steps followed me into the kitchen, the sound of his steps barely audible on the wooden floor. As I fill a glass with cold water, I feel his gaze on my back.

"You look tired," he said softly.

I nodded without turning my head. "It’s been a long day."

He leaned against the table, his normally relaxed face now looking serious. "I have to tell you something. Our parents are in town."

The glass in my hand stopped right at my lips. I looked at him with raised eyebrows. "And?"

"They want you to come to our distant relatives' wedding tomorrow. And they said Max should come too."

His hands fiddled with the edge of the table, his movements restless. It was rare—Ben was always full of confidence, but this time, I could tell he was carefully crafting his words.

"I'm not going," I answered firmly, setting down the glass with a soft clink. "I have no reason to face them, especially at a family event that doesn't even mean anything to me. Papa kicked me out, remember?"

He let out a long sigh, rubbing his face for a moment. "I know. And believe me, I didn't want you there either. But..." He lifted his face, looking at me with a serious look I rarely saw. "There's a threat, Bell."

My heart beat faster. "What do you mean?"

"Grandpa's coming."

Oh. Damn it.

"He'll do everything he can to get everyone to do what he wants. He wants you to come, and you must. I'm afraid Max will be affected."

The kitchen felt colder even though the afternoon air was supposed to be warm. I set my water glass down quietly, making sure no sound would break the silence that had suddenly overtaken us.

"Grandpa...." I said softly, trying to digest the word fully. A name that brought heavy images of the past and the smell of tobacco from his large study in the family mansion. His always stern voice almost echoed in my head like a hammer blow.

"He wants all the family members there. You know how he is, Bell. No one escapes his call."

I took a deep breath, trying to catch my ragged breathing. "And if I don't come?"

He looked at me for a moment before answering, his voice low. "He said he would tell Max to the Romanov family. Papa agreed with that."

I gripped the edge of the kitchen table, the hardwood cold in my palm. "He can't do that. He doesn't have the right."

"He doesn't care about rights. He has influence, and that's enough to make your life even more complicated than it already is." He rubbed his face, then continued in a softer, almost pleading tone. "I know you hate being around them. I know you want to protect Max from all this. But maybe... for once, it's better if we play by their rules."

I looked away, trying to hide the anger boiling in my chest.

"Their rules? Their rules that got me out of that house five years ago. Their rules that decide who deserves to stay and who doesn't."

"I'm on your side, Bell." Ben cut in quickly. "But this isn't about them. It's about Max. If we can avoid a big fight and still keep him safe, isn't that better?"

I looked up at him, my eyes full of resistance, but his words hung heavy in the air.

Max.

Always Max.

Any decision I make, no matter how difficult, always comes back to him. I looked away again, this time staring out the window at the beach. The waves roll in relentlessly, like a small storm that never ends.

"You know I'm here to help, right?"

I only replied with a small nod, not trusting my voice to answer.

In the living room, the sound of Max jumping up and down on his pillow fort could be heard again, unfazed by the threatening storm outside his little world.

I looked at my son, his wide smile and sparkling eyes. If this was all about protecting him, then I had to be ready for anything.

Even from the two men who were supposed to be my protectors.

:::