It Should Have Been Like This (The Revised Version)

Chapter 53: homecoming

Feeling dejected, I begrudgingly went to my room and threw myself down on the bed. I reached for Rominic's pillow and pulled it close, burying my face in the familiar scent before returning to my typing. I tried to convince myself that Rominic was not important, but the longing was palpable.

Needing a distraction, I initiated a group call with the guys and we talked for a long time about the reunion I was planning to host. Gael, as always, regaled us with a series of ridiculous incidents from his life, and I found myself reeling with laughter at his tales of misadventure. Gael truly is a walking disaster and a trouble magnet.

Just as I was catching my breath from the latest hilarious story, I heard Rominic's gruff voice from the doorway. Wishing the guys a wonderful day, I quickly signed out of the call and dropped my phone, turning my attention to the baby standing at the door. I folded my arms under my breasts and tilted my head, giving Rominic a sweet, playful smile.

However, Rominic did not return the gesture. Instead, he stopped tapping his foot and scowled at me. "He made you laugh," he said, his tone laced with distaste.

"Because I don't hate him," I responded, keeping my tone nonchalant.

"He's married!" Rominic exclaimed, throwing his hands up in frustration.

"Exactly! And his wife is my friend, my first female best friend. What exactly is wrong with you?" I asked, pointing accusingly at him, my brow furrowed in confusion and annoyance.

"But—" he started to respond, but I quickly cut him off.

"Shut up. I'm throwing a party in two days. They want to meet the quins and the girls are excited to meet them," I stated firmly.

Rominic scoffed, "Yeah, then they can steal my daughter's affection away from me." I knew he was likely referring to Serenity, as we both understood that Savvy was the reigning queen of snobs in our household.

I tried to reason with him, "Am I allowed to?" But Rominic simply rolled his eyes and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him. I chuckled and shook my head, knowing he would be back soon enough.

Turning my attention back to my laptop, I checked my email. It was no surprise that we were still working from home, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Being able to send the kids off to school and then welcome them back with kisses was a simple pleasure. Watching Rominic play with the children was a scene that filled me with warmth, and I wished I could see them like that forever, especially during their favorite game of "hunch cuddy hunch."

However, I couldn't shake the feeling that the kids were up to something. As their mother, I knew them well and could sense their mischievous plans brewing, though I couldn't quite put my finger on the details. Whatever it was, I was determined to thwart their scheme before it could unfold.

I had spoken with some of the business associates earlier, as Rominic had asked me to forward the exclusive email he had sent to me. The email was meant to be sealed in an envelope, and as far as I knew, it contained a link to a secret message he wanted to convey. I hadn't been particularly curious about the contents, so I hadn't checked.

Once I was sure our work duties were taken care of for the day, I slipped into my comfortable slippers and made my way downstairs to begin preparations for dinner. The chef, who was usually in charge of our meals, had taken a break to attend his daughter's graduation ceremony. However, he would be returning on Saturday evening to assist with the party we were hosting and to introduce his daughter to Rominic, who had promised her a job if her performance was up to par. Rominic had a deep admiration for Chef Russo, and his loyalty was not easily swayed.