Chapter 003

Chapter 003

Alice

Years later.

"Mom, come and see Ava! She won't let me play with my toy!" Liam's tiny voice rang out from the living room as I made breakfast in the kitchen.

My little triplets were so mischievous, but having them was the best and sweetest decision I've ever made in my life. They come with their lights to brighten my dark world. I couldn't believe it had been four years since I left my homeland to settle in Chicago. I now own a boutique in one of the busiest areas of town.

"Ava, give your brother his toy, or no chocolate for you!" I said teasingly, flipping the pancakes.

"If you won't get me chocolate, Mom, blue-eyed uncle will!" I heard Ava's tiny voice reply.

The plate in my hand nearly crashed to the floor at her answer. This same blue-eyed man had been the center of their conversations for months. Everything revolved around him.

I'd tried to meet him, to ask why he was giving my kids gifts without my consent, but they wouldn't agree.

"Ava!" I called, wiping my hands and heading to the living room where they sat with their toys. Paul was nowhere to be seen. My little boy had always been introverted, even at his young age. Born prematurely, he suffered from a rare heart condition that weighed so heavily on my mind.

I'd spent almost everything, with Dad and Granny's help, to get him the best care possible. Renowned heart specialist Dr. Smith was our only hope, but even she was booked a year in advance by the rich and powerful.

Watching Paul struggle at such a tender age broke my heart.

"Ava, dear," I knelt down beside her, gently tucking a stray hair behind her ear to get a better view of my adorable baby.

Her blonde locks, inherited from me, framed her beautiful face, while her striking grey eyes remained a mystery I couldn't find answers to. Perhaps she got them from her father, as no one in my family shared this trait.

Liam, too, had grey eyes and almost white hair, a unique combination that still also shocked me. Unlike Ava and Liam, Paul resembled me facially, with a salt-and-pepper hair color that’s like my own.

"Haven't I told you not to take something from a stranger?" I asked, cradling her little chin.

"I told her, Mom," Liam intervened, "but she wouldn't listen."

Ava shot Liam a playful glance, her big grey eyes shinning with mischief.

"But, Mom, he's nice and he got Paul a gift too," Ava said with excitement. "Paul always feels comfortable with him, Mom. He's always chatty when they're together."

I was taken aback. "Really, baby?"

Ava nodded enthusiastically.

"But promise me you won't take anything from him again. That includes you, Liam." Their big, puppy-like eyes melted my heart, but I stood firm.

"I promise you'll be safe," I assured them. "Now, pinky promise me."

I stretched out my pinky, and they reluctantly wrapped theirs around it, still gazing up at me with pleading eyes.

"Promise, Mom," they chimed in unison.

I kissed their foreheads, then headed upstairs to check on Paul.

Entering their room, I found Paul sitting face down on his bed, clutching a toy in his hand. He didn't even know of presence, he remained still. I watched for a moment, taking in my little world.

Unlike his siblings, Paul's frailty worried me. His lean frame made my heart ache.

"Hey, baby," I said softly, announcing my presence.

He didn't flinch.

I sat beside him on the small bed, gently taking his fragile hands in mine. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as a lump formed in my throat.

"Should I call Granny and Appa for you, baby?" I asked.

Paul was unusually attached to my parents. His eyes would sparkle whenever he heard their voices. But today, he remained indifferent.

That's when I knew something was wrong.

"What's going on, my love? Tell Mommy, please, or she'll cry. Do you want Mommy to cry?" I asked, hugging his head to my chest.

I couldn't shake the memory of almost losing him months ago. His sudden collapse on the stairs due to his illness still stick sed to my memory. Thankfully, Davis, my new friend, helped me rush him to the hospital.

The thought of losing any of my three children was unbearable. I hugged Paul tighter, feeling his heartbeat against my chest to reassuring myself he was safe and with me.

Although I had no experience with motherhood when I had them, Granny's guidance helped. However, my own mother remained absent. I'd only recently heard she'd had another child with my stepfather.

"Mom, where's Daddy?" Paul’s voice pierced through my heart, his question rooting my legs to the spot.

I gently released him from the hug to gaze into his face. The sight of tears in his eyes tightened my heart. My little baby was hurting.

Taking a deep breath, I replied, "You know I've always told you, Daddy is far away, working hard to provide for our family.” I said, gently brushing back his soft hair.

This familiar explanation was one I'd repeated for years, despite the criticism I'd faced. I'd anticipated this question eventually, but its arrival still caught me off guard, especially since they'd been asking severally for this past few months.

"But, Mom, Riley said I'm a bastard," Paul sobbed. "That I have no father, and that's why I'm always sick. Mom, please tell Dad to come home. I'm tired of being sick. I want my daddy!"

Tears streamed down my face as my heart clenched.

"And, who's Riley, baby?" I asked, trying to compose myself.

"He's my classmate," Paul replied. "No one talks to Ava, Liam, or me at school. They won't play with us or share their toys."

My grip on my emotions faltered.

"Is Riley right, Mom?" Paul asked, his voice trembling. "Everyone says it too."

I gulped, wiping away tears before cradling his cheek and meeting his tear-filled gaze.

"No, baby, they're wrong," I assured him firmly. "Don't listen to them, okay?"

Paul nodded, his eyes still welling up with tears.

"Mom's going to talk to your teacher about this, and I'll also call your dad to come home soon, okay, my love?" I said, forcing a smile despite the ache in my heart.

But beneath the surface, I was very worried. Where do I find their dad when I don't even know what he looks like?

Paul's bright smile, however, temporarily eased my pain.

"Now, give Momma that smile she always wants," I coaxed.

He beamed like the sun, and my heart swelled with love.

"Let's go eat, baby. I made your favorite," I said, taking his hand, and we headed out.

*****

"I think this red gown would suit you perfectly," I said to my customer, handing her the elegant garment.

My unisex boutique was always bustling, but I loved the energy.

"Right, I'll take it," the lady replied with a warm smile.

Just as I was about to respond, a harsh voice cut through the air.

"Oh my goodness! Who are you, rag? Why did you spill trash on me?"

I turned to see a stunning woman, dressed in designer clothing worth millions, berating my salesgirl. The girl fell to the floor, cradling her cheek after being slapped repeatedly.

Appalled, I rushed toward them and firmly slapped the woman's face.

"What!" she exclaimed, palming her cheek with a shocked expression.

"Why did you slap her? Didn't you know she's human just like you? Wasn't it an accident? Why treat her like an animal?" I demanded, rushing to help the girl up. Her cheek was already red and swollen.

"Take a break, darling. I'll cover for you," I said gently, guiding her away.

She muttered a grateful "thanks" and quickly left.

Facing the woman again, I met a piercing glare.

"Do you know who I am?" she shouted.

"Do you know who my father, fiancé, and family are, you insolent nobody?" she sneered.

“I don't care who you are. I won't tolerate you harassing my employee like that," I said firmly.

"Wow, how brave of you," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I'm astonished by this... you this thinks you can speak while someone of my status is standing and talking." Her gaze raked over me disdainfully.

"You're so uncultured," I snapped. "Refine that foul mouth of yours because it reeks of the gutter, little Miss Richie who relies on family wealth."

I smirked at her.

She raised her hand to slap me, but my firm grip restrained her wrist

"Stop! Stop!" she cried, her face flushing red.

I tightened my grip.

"Apologize, now," I demanded. "And you'll also apologize to the salesgirl you slapped."

"Never," she spat, her face now becoming red. "Lucas, help me call the police. I want this...this woman locked up."

Her lips quivered as she continued, "I was trying to patronize your store, but I suppose some people poorness is beyond redemption."

I didn't know who Lucas was or who she was addressing, but I didn't bother to find out.

“I do—”

"What the hell is going on here?" a deep, commanding voice with a hint of an Italian accent thundered through the boutique.

I turned toward the entrance, and my gaze was met by an imposing figure. The man stood tall, his broad shoulders and chiseled physique accentuated by a tailored suit that seemed made specifically for his formidable frame.

His rugged features were striking – a strong jawline, piercing grey eyes that reminded me of Liam's and Ava's, and a shock of white hair that fell elegantly across his forehead. He exuded an aura of intensity and authority, transforming the boutique's atmosphere into one of awe and intimidation.

I felt a sudden jolt of recognition, but it fled before I could grasp it. Why did this stranger's features remind so much of Liam and Ava?

"Baby, this rat harassed me!" the woman exclaimed, her voice shrill.

I glanced down, realizing I still gripped her wrist, now red and bruised. My attention had been captivated by the imposing newcomer.

"Release my fiancée immediately, Miss," the man ordered, his authoritative tone jolting me.

I instinctively let go of her wrist.

"Mario, arrest her right now!" the woman demanded, her eyes blazing with anger. "And make sure this incident stays out of the public eye."

"You don't get to dictate what I do, Aria," the man growled, his voice low and menacing. "I'm in charge. Go meet your bastard son in the car, and I'll handle this mess."

What! Too blunt!

Aria whimpered, her eyes welling up with tears. For a moment, I felt a pang of sympathy for her.

"But... but he's your son," she stammered. "Why humiliate me in front of this... nobody, Mario?"

My sympathy vanished at her venomous tone.

"Miss, call me 'riff raff' again, and my fist will connect with your perfectly made-up face," I warned, meeting her scathing glare.

The air was thick with tension as Aria's eyes flashed with hatred, her gaze piercing me like daggers.

Meanwhile, Mario's intense gaze remained fixed on me, his expression unreadable.

"This isn't over," the woman spat, her voice venomous. "You'll regret this, I—"

But her threat was cut short.

"Mom! Mom!" Ava and Liam burst into the shop, tears streaming down their cute faces. "It's Paul again. He's outside, and he's fainted."

My heart shattered into a thousand pieces at their words and the desperation etched on their faces. They grasped my hands, and we rushed outside.

The scene before me froze my legs in place. Paul, my little world, lay motionless on the roadside, surrounded by a crowd of onlookers. A scream tore from my throat as I rushed toward him, tears blinding my eyes.

"Look, Liam, it's Mr. Blue Eyes," Ava's tiny voice whispered, but it seemed distant.

The woman's malicious tone pierced the noises too as she said, "The presence of these kids has made my job and revenge—easier."

Her words barely registered because my focus was solely on Paul.