Sinful Games (Sinful #2) | 18+

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

"Sometimes the dreams that come true are the dreams you never even knew you had."

― Alice Sebold

 Two years ago.

August 2022.

Caia

I closed the door slowly, relishing the peace, and stretched before padding barefoot to the kitchen.

Alexsei turned around, a bowl of mixed green salad in his hands, deliciously shirtless with his pajama hanging low.

His smile greeted me as he set the bowl down and opened his arms, and I immediately darted into his embrace, finding comfort there - my favorite place to be.

"Little monster finally asleep?" He chuckled, kissing my nose but then I tiptoed to reach his lips and kissed him.

"Yes," I sighed against his lips. "Kept asking for you, but I had to say you were busy with work," I rolled my eyes and chuckled. "Now, you're expected to go to the park together tomorrow or you won't be forgiven."

He let out a laugh, caressing her back. "That sounds exactly like our son. He's just as mischievous as his parents."

"I can't believe he's turned one today," I whispered, releasing myself from his embrace and settling down at the dining table, where Alexsei had already set our plates and drinks.

He placed the salad on the table and brought over the lobster pasta, serving us both before sitting down.

I thanked him and immediately dived in.

"Me too. He's starting to look a bit more like you," he remarked with a mouthful, and I couldn't help but chuckle as a tiny piece of salad got stuck on his chin.

I rose from my seat to wipe it off, a smile playing on my lips. "He's the perfect mix of us."

Alexsei put his utensils down and reached for my hand across the table, his thumbs caressing my hand. "He absolutely is."

We stayed in silence for a couple of seconds, absorbed in each other's presence.

Exactly one year ago, our son Lukyan came into the world right in our home, a moment that nearly cost me my life.

But despite the pain, the sheer joy of seeing his little face and hearing his cries made it all worthwhile.

It was such a contrast to the fear I felt when I first found out I was pregnant, just days after graduating.

I must've taken six pregnancy tests before mustering up the courage to tell Alexsei, scared stiff of his reaction.

The idea of being a mother, of bringing a new life into this world, was overwhelming. I worried about how Alexsei would take it—what if he didn't want the baby? What if he left me?

The uncertainty almost crushed me, but one night, I decided to share the news, ready to face whatever came my way.

I never anticipated his reaction. He was absolutely over the moon, with tears of joy streaming down his cheeks and a smile that could light up the whole world. He hugged me so tightly that night, I almost worried he'd squeeze me in half.

My pregnancy was really tough, both physically and emotionally. I faced various health issues every day, and to top it off, our little one decided to arrive a whole month early, catching us completely off guard.

But through it all, Alexsei was my rock.

He was there for me every step of the way, offering comfort, reassurance, and endless love. His support made the tough times a bit easier to bear, and together, we tackled each challenge that came our way.

Who knew a member of the Silas could be so ... sweet.

"Got any updates on your grandma?" Alexsei asked, grabbing his glass.

I let out a sigh. "Yeah, Valeria called me this afternoon."

Back when I was pregnant with Lukyan, I still worked part-time at the retirement home until my feet couldn't handle it anymore.

Valeria was thrilled when she found out about my pregnancy. She went all out, baking cakes, pies, muffins, cookies—anything sweet I craved, she made sure I had it.

And when I finally gave birth, she showed up at our door with the biggest bouquet of lilies I've ever seen.

For almost two years now, my babushka has been conscious only a handful of times, but I'm grateful I was there for each of those moments. I shared with her the news of my marriage, but I never mentioned the less-than-ideal circumstances that led to it. I didn't tell her about how I ended up having so much sex with Alexsei that my brain decided to start loving this man, or my unexpected pregnancy despite years of being on the pill.

Last week, I went to visit her because Valeria said she was awake.

I brought my baby along so she could see him and do her usual thing—touch his face and coo at him like she did the first time she saw him. I told her how our little guy is already a handful, only knowing four words: mama, papa, park, and "miamiam" for food.

He's practically running the show already—total tiny dictator material.

She hugged him so tight, kissed his little chubby cheeks and caressed his blond hair until he fell asleep on her hair.

Before I left, she told us how much she loved us and insisted that next time we visit, we bring pavlovas with us.

Little did we know, she wouldn't have much time left.

"The doctor told Valeria she probably only has a few days left..." I whispered, arms crossed, trying to hold back the tears.

The room fell into a hush as he lowered his glass, a hint of sadness flickering in his blue eyes.

"Come here, love."

I got up and made my way over to him as he made space for me to sit on his lap. His hand gently caressed my cheek while the other wrapped around my waist, holding me close.

"She's been through so much these past few years," I said, tears welling up. "But now, she needs peace. She deserves to find peace."

He nodded silently, pulling me even closer until I could bury my face in his neck, hugging him tight. His hand continued to stroke my back reassuringly.

"She's been a fighter, but even the bravest souls must eventually find their rest," he said softly.

Then, suddenly, the cries of our son echoed through the hallway.

With a chuckle, he kissed my shoulder and reluctantly let me go, urging me to finish my dinner while he tended to put our little one to sleep.

Yep, no doubt about it, he's the best hubby in the world.

I couldn't help but smile, hearing Valeria's voice in my head.

---- 

Our favvv couple are parents omg :') 

Don't forget that apparences can be misleading ...

Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions in the upcoming chapters my loves.<3

xx Marie