ICE’S POV:"I want pork adobo! So yummy!" History suddenly chimed in.I nodded my head at him, "Okay, pork adobo it is." I replied with a chuckle as I saw how cute he was. "Anything else?" I asked again."I want pork sinigang, mom." Chronicles answered calmly, so I smiled and nodded my head at him as well.After that conversation of ours, they immediately dozed off. I just let them take a nap until we arrived at the house.Grandpa sounded the horn of the car, and I saw that Kiana came out of the house and opened the gate. Grandpa immediately got into the car and put it inside the garage. As soon as he turns off the engine, he immediately looks back at me."I will carry History and you will carry Chronicles," he told me gently, and I just nodded my head before opening the door on my side.I got out first and carried History in my arms, who was still sleeping. I think this kid is tired already. Grandpa also opened the door on History’s side and did the same.I immediately closed the do
ICE’S POV:I asked her as soon as she answered the call, "What did you discover? Any news?" "I have already found something about your twin, Empress," she answered with a serious tone.This was immediately picked up by my interest and somehow felt better knowing that we already had a lead on him."What did you find out about him?" I asked her again.She answered, "I immediately looked for your records from the hospital where you were born, and I searched that hospital to see if there were twins born on December 29, 1993." I was immediately eager to hear some more."What did you find out about that hospital?" I asked her.I heard him sigh, "I found that there is a twin who was born there, Empress." She answered and stopped for a moment before continuing, "However, I also found out that one of them is missing.""It was the boy, right?" I inquired, hoping that the twins she was referring to were indeed us.This answer made my chest pound. "Yes, the baby boy disappeared, and when I looke
ICE’S POV:“Then how about your husband?” Xercel asked while looking at me curiously.I shook my head, “I don’t know anything about him and I am not planning to get to know him at all. I am already content with having him as the father of my children and him doing his obligation to my children.” I answered lazily.Her lips formed an ‘O’ shape and she nodded her head in amusement, “Okay, but what are your plans about Iciest?” She asked again, which left me somehow speechless for how many seconds. My plans for Iciest? I don’t know either. I don’t know how to face him and tell him about my situation. People may tell me that I have a choice if I really want to. I can choose to have a divorce so that I can be with the person I love, but it wasn’t that easy for me. Marriage is sacred to me. Aside from that, I want my kids to experience having a complete family, although their real father is still nowhere to be seen. Yes, I will not be treating Gray as their father figure anymore because
ICE’S POV:However, I still choose to manage my other businesses instead of focusing on being a doctor. Now, I guess a hands-on mom of two and someone who needed to get her revengeYes, I am still not going to let go of this plan, not when I discover that they were somehow involved in my accident as well as the fact that I almost lost my children.I can’t let that slide. I fucking didn’t see my children when they were born, during their birthdays, and everything that I should have witnessed during their growth.But now, everything will be different. I will make sure of that.I told them, "Menudo is already cooked, babies." This made History clap both of his hands happily while smiling and looking at the pot. "Help me to prepare the table, please," I added while getting a bowl where I planned to put the menudo.I cook an extra portion as well, since we can just re-heat this later at night and maybe the four annoying creatures will like to taste this as well."Okay, mom." I heard Chroni
ICE’S POV:"Empress, are you okay?" I heard Jensen ask, which made me snap back to reality.I looked at them and saw that they were looking at me questioningly.I scoffed, "Of course. Just eat there while keeping your mouth shut since I am not in the mood right now. After you eat, go already, or you will all be late." I replied coldly and continued eating as well.I didn’t even notice that I was already spacing out again. Damn it! I had so many papers to work on last night, and I didn’t have that much time to sleep. I even stayed here in the living room so that I would not disturb the two sleeping kids on my right."Empress, we are now finished." I heard Kiana mumble, so I looked at them and saw that the four of them were already standing up one by one with their plates, utensils, and glasses.I just nodded my head, "Just put your plates there. I will clean that up once we are finished eating." I told them.They all look at each other and put down the things in their hands gently befo
ICE’S POV:Since I thought that they may feel bored if they just stayed at our house, I invited them to go to the nearest park, which they gladly accepted.Here we are now, putting a blanket on the grassy field of the park below a tree. I found a place that was somehow away from the rays of the sun, so I decided to spread the blanket here instead.Once we were all settled in our positions, I couldn’t help but glance at them and smile as I saw them watching the sky silently.Chronicles were just looking above calmly while History had this fond look on his face, as if he was really enjoying this leisure time of ours.Well, as much as I wanted to finish all that paperwork of mine, I can do that later. What matters now is my children, who seem to like this bond of ours at the moment. I looked around and saw that many children not far from us were already playing and even running with their peers happily.I sighed and smiled sadly. I didn’t experience that though, based on the memories tha
ICE’S POV:I woke up when I started to feel the pain in my head again. I tried to open my eyes, but the pain only got worse, so I just decided to keep them closed and stay in my position.I gritted my teeth and clenched my fists to stop myself from making any noise so that I would not wake them up. I sighed and tried to calm myself as it took some time for me before the pain went away.I slowly opened my eyes as I searched for air to breathe and held my forehead to somehow make sure that it was already fine. This is when I realized that I was already covered in sweat.I just shook my head and slowly got up to take a shower, but before that, I caught a glimpse of the two children still sleeping on the bed without any sign of waking up. I sighed. That’s good.I kissed them on the forehead gently and continued walking to the bathroom while trying to balance myself to avoid falling.Without saying anything, I took off all my clothes and turned on the shower. I even closed my eyes and brea
ICE’S POV:"Good morning, everyone!" I heard them greet me as soon as they entered the dining area together."Good morning, uncle and aunties!" History greeted them back happily while waving his little hands."Good morning." Chronicles greeted them back calmly as well while still maintaining his stoic expression. Nothing’s new, though. We are all used to it anyway."Are you leaving, Empress?" Jaycel asked suddenly, once she was already settled in her seat. This caused me to stop eating and look at her.I nodded my head, "Yes, and I will bring the children with me." I answered her calmly."Do you want us to come too?" Xercel asked anxiously, as if she was worried about something.I can’t blame her, though. Many things have happened in the past few days, and this is just a rare moment for us in which we can somehow have the freedom to go without minding any mission and such.I shook my head, since for me it is not needed anymore. After all, Kiana is with us already."There is no need si
ICE’S POV:"Mommy!" I heard History's excited voice echoing through the house, and I couldn't help but smile. I knew he, along with his dad, Iciest, and his brother, Chronicles, were eagerly waiting for me and our little angel, Legend. With a fond shake of my head, I anticipated History's imminent arrival in the room that Iciest and I shared.I glanced at my 2-year-old daughter, her vibrant violet and green eyes meeting mine. She had inherited those striking eyes from me. Gently, I dressed her in a beautiful blue dress, carefully placing a delicate white flower tiara on her head before braiding her hair. It was a marvel to think about the journey that had led to this point—after everything that had transpired, the unexpected gift of another baby had caught Iciest and me by surprise. Recollecting a past conversation with my two older children about their desire for a third sibling once their parents reunited (which, unbeknownst to me at the time, referred to me and Iciest), I had decid
ICE’S POV:As my arms encircled him, I could feel his body tremble beneath my touch. It was clear that his façade was cracking and that the tough exterior he tried to project was giving way to the pain he held within. I gently turned him to face me, his tear-streaked face a testament to the battle raging inside him."It's going to be alright, brother," I murmured, my voice a steady anchor amidst the storm of his emotions. I held his gaze, willing him to believe my words. "Your sister will not leave you again." His eyes, usually so guarded, seemed to soften with a glimmer of hope as our connection deepened.Yet, as we stood there locked in our embrace, something shifted in Grayson. His defenses crumbled, and the floodgates he had erected against his feelings began to open. The sound of his sobs, raw and heartbreaking, reached my ears, and I felt a pang in my chest. This was his pain, his vulnerability laid bare, and I was honored that he chose to share it with me.Tears welled up in my
ICE’S POV:Guns were drawn, tension hung thick in the air, and it seemed like a standoff was about to erupt, but amidst the pointed weapons, only Zia and I stood without weapons, locked in a chilling gaze. With a wry smile, Zia's voice slithered forth, her words carrying a mocking tone: "Well, isn't this a cozy gathering? Traitors' offspring all grown up. What a delight."My response wasn't as amusing as hers. I fixed her with a cold stare, my voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "Why drag me, my brother, and those who matter to me into this? What's the point of involving us in the tangled mess our parents made that wasn’t our problems in the first place?"Zia's laughter rippled, a bitter melody in the midst of the charged atmosphere. She fired back, her tone dripping with sarcasm, "Oh, come on. Did you really expect me to roll out the red carpet for you just because your parents are the culprits and it doesn’t include you?"I didn't grace her question with an immediate ans
THIRD PERSON’S POV:On the other side, "Calvin, Travor, and Kiana reached the main entrance, spotting guards converging on the control room."Calvin whispered, "We're not too late. Let's go."They engaged the guards in a swift and calculated skirmish, taking them down one by one with a combination of martial prowess and precision.Travor took down a guard as he whispered, "Marcus and Jerry must be in trouble. We have to hurry."Kiana knocked out a guard as she mumbled, "Agreed. Let's clear the way."On the other side, Alfer, John, and Daryl pressed forward, their movements fluid as they navigated the dimly lit corridor.Alfer checked the corners as he mumbled, "Keep pushing. We're almost there."Suddenly, a group of guards rounded the corner, spotting the infiltrators.John smirked as he mumbled, "Looks like we've got a welcoming committee."Daryl cracked his knuckles as he muttered, "Let's give them a taste of our skills."A fierce battle ensued as the infiltrators clashed with the g
THIRD PERSON’S POV:The group wasted no time, moving with calculated precision. Zee sat hunched over a bank of monitors, fingers dancing across the keyboard as lines of code scrolled across screens along with Taylor.Arthur leaned against the wall, his gaze fixed on the surveillance feed showing the imposing structure of Zia's base across the street. Luke tinkered with a small device on the table, his earbuds plugged in as he kept an ear on the team's communication while Jaycel was just on the side watching them.Zee muttered to herself, "Alright, I've patched into their security network. I can see the guards patrolling the perimeter."Arthur replied, "Keep an eye on the guards' patterns. We don't want any surprises."Luke nodded his head with a sighed as he mumbled, "I've got the signal jammers set up. Their comms won't be working."Meanwhile, outside the hotel, Zian smiled as he happily said it into his earpiece as he lured the guards. "Hey, have you guys heard about that new virtua
ICE’S POV:Inside, an ensemble of guards stationed throughout offered their respectful greetings. It was a familiar routine, and their commitment to our children's protection never wavered.Venturing deeper, we were met with a heartwarming sight. On the couch, our two children were engrossed in their tablets, undoubtedly lost in the world of their game company—an endeavor they had taken upon themselves.My throat gave a subtle cough as we entered their line of sight. In response, their heads snapped up in a mixture of surprise and sheer delight.The room was alive with a sort of controlled chaos. I watched as History hopped off the sofa with a reckless enthusiasm that sent a pang of worry through me. His father's voice, laced with pure concern, rumbled like a soothing undertone, "Be careful, baby!"Chronicles, his older brother, didn't hold back either. His words came out in a stern, almost icy tone, but beneath that frostiness, concern flickered like a hidden flame: "Slow down, Histo
CALVIN’S POV:Meanwhile, Grayson sat alongside Zee, the enigmatic figure responsible for the intricate hacking that fortified Ice's group. Learning that Zee led the faction known as Antares stunned everyone, even Arthur and Luke, cyber experts themselves, who had worked under her leadership for so long. I made a mental note to uncover the backstory behind Grayson and Zee's connection when the timing was right.Other than Ysabelle, Taylor, and Arthur, who were already acquainted, the rest of the newcomers had just arrived this morning. The dynamics in the room were captivating—a mix of camaraderie and curiosity, like a puzzle waiting to be solved.Amidst the hum of conversations, what puzzled me was the trio from Jaycel's team; their gaze was locked onto Travor. He remained unfazed by their judgmental stares, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. He seemed impervious to their scrutiny as he goaded the mother of his child, her simmering anger evident yet contained.Within this intrica
ICIEST’S POV:Her response carried a scoff, her voice tinged with humor despite the situation: "I'm keeping it in check. You know me, I've got this. We're nearly at your location, so sit tight."A frown creased my brow, her words stirring a different kind of unease. Swiftly, I retorted, "Don't play it down too much. I'll be waiting right here, wife. Just get back safely."The tension in the air was thick as I clenched my fist, waiting for her response. The seconds felt like an eternity until her voice finally broke through the silence."I will," she replied, her words hanging in the air like a promise. The call ended, leaving me with a mixture of relief and uncertainty.As the call ended, I turned my gaze to Grayson, who seemed to release a breath he had been holding. There was a tension in the air that still lingered, but some of it seemed to ease with his reaction.Calmly, I advised, "Let's give them a few minutes. They should be arriving soon."My prediction wasn't off, as mere mom
GRAYSON’S POV:I nodded, my exhale carrying the weight of my anxiety. Just when it seemed like the call would go unanswered once more, I glanced at my sister, her expression unwaveringly frosty.My hope was fading, and desperation clawed at me, but then, miraculously, someone picked up the call. It took every ounce of restraint not to burst into a jubilant shout—a reaction completely out of character for me.I had never been one to wear my emotions on my sleeve, nor did I usually indulge in sentimentality. My demeanor was typically as chilly as a winter breeze, and my interactions with others were marked by detached professionalism.But in the face of recent events, my perspective has shifted. I had come to realize that I was no longer an island, no longer alone. Their well-being had become paramount to me, and I would do anything to keep them safe from harm.As soon as Calvin answered the call, I hit the loudspeaker button, ensuring Ice and Iciest could listen in on our conversation.