Breathless ✓

Thirty - Eight ✔

I pulled back, playfully narrowing my eyes at her. "What are you gonna do about it?" I teased, placing my hand on her stomach and initiating a playful tickle.

She let out a giggly scream, and I reveled in the joy reflected in her laughter. "What are you gonna do, huh?" I continued, thoroughly enjoying this playful exchange.

Instead of replying, she giggled even more. She looked so young in these moments, and I couldn't help but appreciate the innocence she brought to my complicated life.

"C-Christian, please," she managed to say between giggles, attempting to swat my arms away.

I decided to show mercy and stopped, savoring the musical aftermath of her laughter. As she caught her breath, she fixed her gaze on me with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"You!" she declared, narrowing her eyes playfully. "I was going to get you."

With a determined expression, she stood up, glaring at me, and stomped away, leaving the room and slamming the door shut in her way out.

I followed her out, unable to resist the urge to continue our playful banter. As I approached the staircase, I caught a glimpse of her white shirt disappearing towards my mom's room.

Outside the room, I listened as Victoria enthusiastically recounted my supposed mischief to my mom. Ria's storytelling skills were on full display, and I couldn't help but chuckle at the dramatized version of events. The sound of my mother's laughter filled my ears, and to my surprise, another laughter joined in.

It was my father.

I could hardly believe my eyes. My dad, who had been reserved and serious for as long as I could remember, was laughing freely. It was a rare sight, and I owed it all to Victoria. Her caring, kind, and beautiful personality had won everyone's hearts, especially my father's.

 Knocking on the door, I entered, and the sight before me made me laugh. Victoria sat on the bed, arms crossed, and an adorable pout on her face.

Dad was sitting next to mom on the edge of the bed. They were both laughing at her.

As her eyes set on me, she gave me a mock glare. "You!" she exclaimed, grabbing a pillow and throwing it at me. "What were you doing here?"

"I was just visiting my mom," I smirked at her, enjoying our playful banter.

She smirked right back, "Oh, you mean your mom who loves your girlfriend more than she loves you?"

"Excuse you, my mom loves me more. Right, mom?" I turned to my mother for support.

"I mean..." Mom scratched her head, "I don't wanna lie to you or anything, Christian." She placed her hand on Victoria's with a smile. "I kinda do love her more."

I raised an eyebrow at her. "Are you sure I'm your son, mom?"

Victoria smirked at me. "See? Your mom has spoken."

With a chuckle, I playfully shook my head. "Well, I guess I was outnumbered here."

But in that moment, surrounded by laughter and shared joy, I couldn't feel more grateful for the unexpected turn of events. All thanks to Victoria—the one who brought light into our lives.

Before I could utter a word, a firm knock echoed through the room, and Francis strode in.

"Everything was ready, Chris," he nodded at me. "You should leave as soon as possible."

"Thanks, Francis. Please, send someone to grab our bags from our room," I instructed. He nodded and made a swift exit.

I redirected my attention to Victoria. The playfulness that filled the room moments ago had dissipated from her expression. Fingers fidgeting, a telltale sign of her nervous habit, she wore a serious look now.