ALEXThe week went by quickly, with each day mirroring the one before it. I continued thinking about Ricardo and the ramifications of his abrupt homecoming between job commitments and the customary household rituals. Ricardo was a threat, not simply a ghost, but I wasn't one to linger on the past. Now that Saturday had arrived, the house was a hive of weekend activity. As usual, Brie went above and above to make sure our visitors had anything they wanted. Although Mason was coming for the first time, Brie wanted to make sure he felt welcome, even though Michael was family. --- Naturally, Michael came first, smiling like he owned the place and carrying a box of pastries. "Uncle Mikey!" Emma's voice could be heard as she hurried to welcome“Sunshine!” Michael exclaimed as he lifted her up with ease. “Have you been causing trouble, or is Damien still hogging that title?” “Hey!” Damien exclaimed from the couch, a smile tugging at his lips. “I’m a reformed man, Uncle Mike. Haven’t caused t
BRIE The blaring sound of my alarm clock woke me up from my deep slumber. Reaching to switch it off, I checked the time displayed on it. 5:40am. Reaching to my left, I found it empty, Alex must have gone for a workout in the gym. I decided to lay in bed for a while to have some me time before a certain toddler waltz in as usual demanding for food. For the past week, Luca has been waking me up early, demanding breakfast, I guess it's part of his growth process but I don't mind, it gives me and him some ‘’ mama and Luca” time. We cuddle, he plays with his toys, I watch him while I drink my cup of coffee before the older ones start waking up. I pick Luca up, placing him in his play pen. “ Luca baby, mommy is going to wake sissy up, okay”. I cooed. He gives me a cute nod. Making my way upstairs to Emma's room, I slowly open the door to find her already waking up. “ Good morning sweetheart,” "Good morning mommy”. “ Did you sleep well?”. I asked. “ Yes mommy “. “ Ok now let's fresh
THIRD PERSON POV The days following Lisa's period passed in a haze of meetings, phone calls, and strategizing. Alex found himself more on edge than usual. He had always prided himself on being a man who thrived under pressure, but the reappearance of Ricardo Matteo was like a splinter lodged deep beneath his skin—impossible to ignore. He couldn’t shake the unease, no matter how hard he tried to focus on the present.Brie noticed it, of course. She always did. And while she did her best to maintain an air of normalcy for the kids, Alex could see the concern etched into her face when she thought no one was looking.The kids, perceptive as ever, had picked up on the tension too. Lisa, in particular, had grown uncharacteristically quiet over the past few days, while Damien and Dave seemed to channel their unease into endless teasing and roughhousing. It was their way of coping, Alex supposed, but it only added to the chaos brewing inside him.By Friday afternoon, Brie decided it was tim
Alex’s POV The next morning, Alex woke with a heaviness in his chest, as if the weight of his own thoughts had transformed into something tangible overnight. The promise he’d made to Brie lingered in his mind: today, he would tell the family everything. After breakfast, Alex gathered everyone in the living room. The kids were scattered across the plush couches, their expressions ranging from curious to mildly annoyed. Brie sat beside him, her reassuring hand on his arm. Michael and Mason were also present, their faces solemn, already understanding the gravity of the situation. “Is this another one of those family meetings?” Damien groaned, leaning back with an exaggerated sigh. “Can’t it wait? I was about to beat Dave at FIFA.” “You wish,” Dave shot back, but his teasing tone faded when he caught the serious look on Alex’s face. “Enough,” Brie said gently. “This isn’t just a meeting. Your father has something important to share with all of us.” The room fell silent, all eye
ALEX The air in Alex’s office was unusually still, a sharp contrast to the quiet hum of the house beyond its thick doors. He leaned back in his chair, letting his fingers drum a steady rhythm on the polished oak desk as he reviewed the quarterly reports. Numbers were his escape, a world of certainty and structure in the chaos of recent days. A faint flicker on one of the computer monitors caught his eye. The security feed from the backyard cameras, a constant presence on his secondary screen, glitched briefly before returning to normal. A chill ran down his spine, a quiet instinct whispering that something wasn’t right. Moments later, the office lights flickered ominously, and then—darkness. The room plunged into an eerie silence, broken only by the faint hum of the emergency generator kicking in. The monitors blinked back to life, but something was wrong. The primary security system was offline, and the usually seamless streams of footage were replaced by static. “Damn it,”
Brie's Pov My name's Brianna Quinn, I'm 28 years old. The proud owner of B Architecture and interior designs. I started this company at the age of 20 and here I am today. It wasn't easy though but I had support from my mum and siblings. They were there for me and I couldn't be more thankful their support. My company is everything to me and I don't take shot from anyone, my employees know best not to mess with me. People think am a bitch and a sassy one at that but honestly am not. Am a lonely girl. I once had a best friend before college but I guess our friendship wasn't at all that important to her. All the people that I meet pretend to be "friends" when in reality it's just a way of gaining connection in the business world. I mean how can you pretend to be someone's friend for the sake of money and fame?. I just don't get it. Am the only one left in the office and it's late so let's call it a night. I need my bed honestly. Taking my bag and stuffing my laptop in it, I grabbed my
Brie's PovOk kids am so happy today. You guys sit down while I get you some hot chocolates to warm you up. Then we can introduce ourselves and get to know each other ok?. They nodded smiling making my own smile widen. Five minutes later, I came back with three cups of hot choco and handed it to them. "So I'll go first. My name's Brianna Quinn and am the CEO of B Architecture and interior designs. It feels like high school where we have to introduce ourselves. I'm Damien, am 16years old and I want to be an architect in future he said. He's name is Luca and he's 2 years old will be turning 3 in two weeks, Damien said pointing at a sleeping Luca. "Awwwwn, my baby is turning three. I gushed."I'm Lisa and am 14 years old, I love fashion and I want to be a fashion designer in future. Lisa said.And she's Emma, she's six years old. Lisa said pointing to a shy Emma."I love to play dress up, Emma said cutely.Now that we've introduced each other, I'll just call my assistant to get you g
Third Person PovWhen they were done with the purchase of the gadgets, they decided to go back home as it was getting close to Luca and Emma's nap time. The rest of the purchase would be done online. While Emma and Luca were napping, Brie, Damien and Lisa decided to purchase the remaining items . They bought TVs, stuffs. they would need to decorate each room with, a car sit, paints and much more which was going to be delivered the following day. "Mom? Lisa called, why don't we paint the rooms ourselves? itt will be more fun. " That's a great idea, that way we can spend time together". "Am in, Damien agreed. " Since we're done with our purchase, am going to look up for schools so I can enroll you guys and a daycare for Luca, Brie said."ughh" they both groaned. You guys need to go school so you can make momma proud, said a smiling Brie. It was late in the afternoon, Brie and the kids were in the sitting room. Brie was bonding with them when the door bell rang. "I'll get it " said L
ALEX The air in Alex’s office was unusually still, a sharp contrast to the quiet hum of the house beyond its thick doors. He leaned back in his chair, letting his fingers drum a steady rhythm on the polished oak desk as he reviewed the quarterly reports. Numbers were his escape, a world of certainty and structure in the chaos of recent days. A faint flicker on one of the computer monitors caught his eye. The security feed from the backyard cameras, a constant presence on his secondary screen, glitched briefly before returning to normal. A chill ran down his spine, a quiet instinct whispering that something wasn’t right. Moments later, the office lights flickered ominously, and then—darkness. The room plunged into an eerie silence, broken only by the faint hum of the emergency generator kicking in. The monitors blinked back to life, but something was wrong. The primary security system was offline, and the usually seamless streams of footage were replaced by static. “Damn it,”
Alex’s POV The next morning, Alex woke with a heaviness in his chest, as if the weight of his own thoughts had transformed into something tangible overnight. The promise he’d made to Brie lingered in his mind: today, he would tell the family everything. After breakfast, Alex gathered everyone in the living room. The kids were scattered across the plush couches, their expressions ranging from curious to mildly annoyed. Brie sat beside him, her reassuring hand on his arm. Michael and Mason were also present, their faces solemn, already understanding the gravity of the situation. “Is this another one of those family meetings?” Damien groaned, leaning back with an exaggerated sigh. “Can’t it wait? I was about to beat Dave at FIFA.” “You wish,” Dave shot back, but his teasing tone faded when he caught the serious look on Alex’s face. “Enough,” Brie said gently. “This isn’t just a meeting. Your father has something important to share with all of us.” The room fell silent, all eye
THIRD PERSON POV The days following Lisa's period passed in a haze of meetings, phone calls, and strategizing. Alex found himself more on edge than usual. He had always prided himself on being a man who thrived under pressure, but the reappearance of Ricardo Matteo was like a splinter lodged deep beneath his skin—impossible to ignore. He couldn’t shake the unease, no matter how hard he tried to focus on the present.Brie noticed it, of course. She always did. And while she did her best to maintain an air of normalcy for the kids, Alex could see the concern etched into her face when she thought no one was looking.The kids, perceptive as ever, had picked up on the tension too. Lisa, in particular, had grown uncharacteristically quiet over the past few days, while Damien and Dave seemed to channel their unease into endless teasing and roughhousing. It was their way of coping, Alex supposed, but it only added to the chaos brewing inside him.By Friday afternoon, Brie decided it was tim
BRIE The blaring sound of my alarm clock woke me up from my deep slumber. Reaching to switch it off, I checked the time displayed on it. 5:40am. Reaching to my left, I found it empty, Alex must have gone for a workout in the gym. I decided to lay in bed for a while to have some me time before a certain toddler waltz in as usual demanding for food. For the past week, Luca has been waking me up early, demanding breakfast, I guess it's part of his growth process but I don't mind, it gives me and him some ‘’ mama and Luca” time. We cuddle, he plays with his toys, I watch him while I drink my cup of coffee before the older ones start waking up. I pick Luca up, placing him in his play pen. “ Luca baby, mommy is going to wake sissy up, okay”. I cooed. He gives me a cute nod. Making my way upstairs to Emma's room, I slowly open the door to find her already waking up. “ Good morning sweetheart,” "Good morning mommy”. “ Did you sleep well?”. I asked. “ Yes mommy “. “ Ok now let's fresh
ALEXThe week went by quickly, with each day mirroring the one before it. I continued thinking about Ricardo and the ramifications of his abrupt homecoming between job commitments and the customary household rituals. Ricardo was a threat, not simply a ghost, but I wasn't one to linger on the past. Now that Saturday had arrived, the house was a hive of weekend activity. As usual, Brie went above and above to make sure our visitors had anything they wanted. Although Mason was coming for the first time, Brie wanted to make sure he felt welcome, even though Michael was family. --- Naturally, Michael came first, smiling like he owned the place and carrying a box of pastries. "Uncle Mikey!" Emma's voice could be heard as she hurried to welcome“Sunshine!” Michael exclaimed as he lifted her up with ease. “Have you been causing trouble, or is Damien still hogging that title?” “Hey!” Damien exclaimed from the couch, a smile tugging at his lips. “I’m a reformed man, Uncle Mike. Haven’t caused t
ALEXThe office felt colder tonight. It wasn’t the temperature but the heavy silence, broken only by the faint ticking of the clock on the wall. My sanctuary, once a place of focus and strategy, now felt suffocating, like the walls were pressing in on me. I sat behind my desk, nursing a glass of bourbon, the amber liquid catching the dim light from the desk lamp.Ricardo’s face haunted me—his smug smirk, his piercing eyes. The encounter at the mall was brief, but it had triggered memories I’d worked hard to bury. The way he said “ just surprising an old friend” A knock at the door startled me.“Dad?”I looked up to see Damien peeking inside.“Yes, buddy?” I asked, trying to sound normal.“Just wanted to say goodnight,” he said, stepping in. His voice carried a maturity that always surprised me, even though he was only sixteen, “And… is everything okay?”I hesitated. “Why do you ask?”“You’ve been quiet since you guys got home,” he said, frowning. “It’s not like you.”I forced a smile
Brie’s POV The tension in the car was suffocating. Alexander’s hands gripped the steering wheel so tightly that I thought he might break it. His eyes were fixed on the road ahead, but his mind was clearly elsewhere. I watched him from the passenger seat, biting my lip, wanting to ask but knowing better than to probe in front of the kids. “Mom, look! I drew this!” Emma’s cheerful voice broke the silence as she held up her sketchpad, oblivious to the heavy air. “That’s beautiful, sweetheart,” I said, smiling at her in the rearview mirror. Alexander didn’t respond, and I noticed Luca glanced at his father.When we pulled into the driveway, the house was lit up like a beacon. The familiar warmth of home greeted us, and as soon as we walked through the door, we were met with the sound of laughter. Damien, Dave, and Lisa—were already in the living room, locked in one of their usual banters. “You can’t seriously think pineapple belongs on pizza, Damien,” Lisa was saying, her tone incre
BRIEI looked down at my phone smiling as Alexander's name lit up the screen “ I'm outside”. After the whirlwind of the past weeks with the kids, moment like this, calm and domestic feels unreal. “ Heading down now”. I replied.The ride down the elevator felt longer than usual, anticipation building with each ding. The glass door of the building opened and there he was leaning casually against the hood, his tailored jacket off and his shirt sleeves rolled up, exposing strong forearms. The moment his gaze met mine, a slow smile spread across his face, sending a warm flutter through me.“Hey there, beautiful,” he said as I approached, his deep voice full of affection as he kissed my forehead. The gesture erupting a pool of butterflies in my tummy.“Hey yourself,” I replied, unable to stop my own grin.He stepped forward, his hand gently grazing my lower back as he opened the passenger door for me. I climbed in, inhaling the familiar mix of leather and his cologne.“Long day?” he asked
ALEX Today was going to be very hectic for me. Taking two weeks off from work wasn't the best idea but I couldn't change it for the world. Spending time and getting to know the kids was something I really needed. They make me happy, I don't remember when I was this happy, this was something I was missing all through my life. Brie and the kids make me happy. The house is no more quiet as they have practically moved in with me and dad. Their banter, laughter, food fights, loud noises fill the whole house. Even dad is more happier with the kids always around him. The warmth that spreads through me whenever I'm going home is unexplainable. HOME. The word so foreign yet so comforting. The sound of my office door opening brings me out of my thoughts. Revealing my best friends " Hey man, what's up." Mason And Micheal greeted while sitting in front of me. The both of them propping their legs on my table. " The fuck!!, get your legs of my table, Now, you both". I said slightly getti