Chapter 3
The heavy oak door swung open, rebounding off the carpeted wall with a thud. Ethan stood in the threshold, his towering, muscular frame casting a dark shadow across the room, his eyes blazing with fury. But as his gaze swept across the sunlit living room, the roar of anger in his chest died instantly.
The room was bathed in warm, golden sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The radio in the corner played a soft, cheerful children's lullaby. Scattered across the plush, fluffy carpet were colorful wooden blocks, stuffed animals, and picture books.
In the center of the rug sat Lena Morales.
At twenty-five, Lena was breathtakingly beautiful, possessing long golden-blonde hair styled in a slightly messy updo, with soft tendrils framing her delicate, rosy-cheeked face and expressive blue eyes. She wore a pale-yellow maid dress trimmed with white lace, a crisp white apron tied neatly at her waist, and a white ruffled headband across her golden hair. Far from being a cruel, neglectful monster, Lena was sitting on her knees, laughing freely as she stacked colorful plastic rings into a tower.
Climbing all over her were Nico and Noah. Both one-year-old boys wore matching turquoise-blue pajamas decorated with tiny printed teddy bears. Their soft golden-blonde hair caught the morning light, their round, rosy cheeks dimpled with pure delight as they squealed with uncontrollable laughter.
"Look, Noah!" Lena’s gentle, melodic voice echoed through the room as she tapped a red ring onto the stack. "The tower is getting so tall! Can you push it over?"
Little Noah let out a shrill giggle, his tiny hands clapping as he lunged forward, knocking the rings across the carpet. Nico tumbled over Lena's lap, burying his face in her crisp white apron while giggling hysterically. Lena wrapped her soft arms around both boys, pulling them close against her chest and kissing their golden heads with profound, genuine affection.
Ethan froze completely in the doorway. The terrifying, murderous rage that had consumed him for the past hour shattered into absolute, stunned disbelief. His jaw loosened, his piercing eyes widening as he took in the scene before him. There were no tears, no locked doors, and no abuse. There was only warmth, safety, and an overwhelming aura of pure love.
Behind him, Marco lowered his hand from his sidearm, his rugged face caught in equal astonishment.
Nico suddenly shifted on the rug, his bright blue eyes catching the tall figure standing in the doorway. The little boy’s face lit up with immediate excitement. He pointed his tiny finger and let out a loud chirp.
Ethan felt a sudden wave of emotional relief wash over his heart. He immediately dropped his terrifying stance, lowering his broad frame down onto one knee near the edge of the carpet. He opened his massive, tattooed arms toward his sons, a rare, soft smile touching his lips.
"Nico... Noah..." Ethan called softly, his deep voice trembling slightly. "Come here, boys."
What happened next stunned Ethan to his core.
Instead of running toward their father, both one-year-old twins unexpectedly turned around simultaneously. They wrapped their tiny arms tightly around Lena’s yellow dress, burying their faces against her chest, holding onto her with complete, desperate affection. They turned their little heads back toward Ethan, smiling brightly while holding onto the nanny as if she were their anchor.
"Mama! Mama!" both twins cheered in excited, innocent voices, pointing proudly at Lena.
May you like
Ethan froze completely, his arms remaining outstretched in mid-air. His eyes widened in utter shock, his breathing catching in his throat. Mama. The word hung in the quiet room like an electric shockwave.
Lena’s joyful smile vanished instantly. Her pale, rosy face drained of all color as she looked up and saw the formidable Mafia boss kneeling just feet away. Her expressive blue eyes filled with sudden terror as she realized Ethan had returned unexpectedly, caught in a moment that could cost her everything.
