The next morning, Elias woke up feeling refreshed for the first time in weeks. The warmth of Lani beside him, the quiet hum of the house before the kids woke up—it was the kind of peace he had been missing.
He turned to Lani, brushing a strand of hair from her face. She stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open.
"You're staring," she murmured, her voice groggy.
Elias chuckled. "I'm just admiring my beautiful wife."
Lani smirked, still half-asleep. "Flattery this early in the morning? You must want something."
Elias grinned. "Maybe just a little extra time with you before the chaos starts."
She stretched, yawning. "Enjoy it while it lasts. The kids will be up any second now."
As if on cue, the bedroom door burst open.
"Daddy! Mommy!" Lily ran in, jumping onto the bed, followed closely by Luca, who was less enthusiastic but clearly awake.
Elias groaned playfully as Lily landed on him. "Oof—good morning to you too."
Lily giggled. "Wake up! You're gonna be late for work!"
Lani rolled her eyes. "It's Saturday, sweetheart. Daddy's not working today."
Lily's eyes widened with excitement. "So you're staying home? All day?"
Elias smiled, ruffling her hair. "All day."
Luca raised an eyebrow. "No phone calls? No emails? No sneaking off?"
Elias chuckled. "No sneaking off, I promise."
Lani smiled softly at him. "Good. Because we've missed you."
Elias squeezed her hand. "I've missed you guys too."
---
Since Elias had the whole day free, Lani decided they should go out as a family. It had been too long since they had done something fun together.
Leo and Olivia joined them, making it an even bigger gathering.
At the amusement park, the kids were full of energy. Lily wanted to go on every ride, while Luca was more selective, choosing only the "cool" ones. Elias, of course, had to ride with them.
"You're getting old, man," Leo teased as Elias stepped off one of the spinning rides, looking slightly dizzy.
Elias groaned. "I think my body is reminding me I'm not a teenager anymore."
Lani laughed. "That's what you get for trying to keep up with them."
Elias rubbed his temples. "I just wanted to prove I still had it."
Lily tugged on his hand. "Daddy, let's go again!"
Elias paled. "Uh… maybe after a short break?"
Leo smirked. "Looks like I'll have to step in."
Lily gasped. "Leo, you're gonna ride with me?"
Leo shrugged. "Why not? I'm still young."
Lani and Olivia exchanged knowing glances.
Ten minutes later, Leo stumbled off the ride, looking like he might throw up.
Elias patted his back. "Still young, huh?"
Leo shot him a glare. "Shut up."
Everyone burst into laughter.
---
As they were heading to a food stand, Lani suddenly tensed.
Elias noticed immediately. "What's wrong?"
Lani's eyes were locked on a woman standing near one of the benches.
Vanessa.
Elias frowned. He hadn't seen her outside of work before, and from Lani's reaction, she had noticed them too.
Vanessa's eyes flickered to Elias first, then to Lani, and for a split second, there was something unreadable in her expression.
Lani let out a slow breath, squaring her shoulders. "I don't want to deal with this today."
Elias squeezed her hand. "Then we don't have to."
But before they could turn away, Vanessa walked toward them, a polite smile on her face.
"Elias," she greeted smoothly. Then she looked at Lani. "Lani."
Lani's jaw tightened. "Vanessa."
Leo and Olivia stood protectively close, sensing the tension.
Vanessa glanced at the twins, her expression softening slightly. "You have beautiful kids."
Lani didn't respond.
Elias cleared his throat. "What are you doing here?"
Vanessa smiled. "Just enjoying the day." Her gaze lingered on Elias a little too long before she turned to Lani. "I was hoping we could talk."
Lani narrowed her eyes. "About what?"
Vanessa sighed. "About the past. About… us."
Lani's grip on Elias's hand tightened. "There is no 'us,' Vanessa. Not anymore."
Vanessa nodded slowly. "I know. But that doesn't mean I don't regret how things ended."
Elias felt the tension in Lani's body and knew she was fighting to keep her emotions in check.
"I don't think today is the right time," Elias said, stepping in.
Vanessa hesitated, then nodded. "I understand."
She looked at Lani one last time before turning and walking away.
Lani exhaled sharply, rubbing her temples.
"You okay?" Elias asked softly.
Lani nodded, but her eyes were stormy. "I don't trust her, Elias."
Elias placed a reassuring hand on her back. "You don't have to."
Leo crossed his arms. "If she tries anything, she'll have to deal with all of us."
Lani smiled slightly. "Thanks, guys."
Olivia looped an arm through hers. "Come on, let's get some food. That woman already took up too much of our time."
Lily tugged on Elias's sleeve. "Daddy, I'm hungry."
Elias scooped her up. "Then let's eat."
As they walked away, Elias couldn't shake the feeling that Vanessa's sudden appearance wasn't a coincidence.
And that this wasn't the last time they'd see her.
To be continued…