Annika King
3 years later
"Diego, stop giving her chocolate. She's hyper enough already!" Diego was still spoiling my daughter, despite my attempts to stop him.
"She likes it." I could hear him argue. I rolled my eyes playfully, knowing that Diego had always been a softy when it came to Rue.
"That doesn't mean you should keep feeding her! It's too much sugar." I give him a stern look. "No more chocolate for now, okay?" I say, trying to sound authoritative but failing as a giggle escapes little Rue's lips.
"Please, mommy." Rue's little voice cut through the playful banter, and her little hands reached up towards her uncle Diego, pleading for more chocolate. Diego looked at me with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Come on, just one more piece won't hurt," he said, his voice full of mock innocence. I shook my head, trying to maintain my parental authority, but deep down, I couldn't resist the bond between uncle and niece.
"Fine, one more piece." I said, giving in.
"Yay!" Rue cheered, clapping her little hands excitedly. She was only three years old, but she was already so smart and energetic, just like her father. She had Matteo's eyes and my curly brown hair. She had the best qualities of both of us, and seeing her grow every day was a joy.
"Thank you, Mama," Diego replied, a cheeky grin on his face. He turned back to his niece, holding up the chocolate. "Here you go, bubbles. Say ahh." Diego said as he held up the chocolate for Rue.
Rue's little lips parted, and her tongue peeked out as she leant forward to take the candy from her uncle's hand. But before he could, Diego pulled back and popped the chocolate into his own mouth. "Gotcha," he teased.
"Not fair!" Rue whined, her lower lip quivering. "You tricked me!" she stamped her foot. I couldn't help but laugh at the adorable pout on her little face.
"It's just a game, bubbles," Diego said, patting Rue on the head. She crossed her hands around her stuffed bunny and scowled at him, her eyes brimming with indignation. "I don't like this game," she declared, her voice filled with determination.
I watched as she turned away from Diego and marched towards me, her tiny feet stomping against the carpet. "I'm going to tell Daddy. He will kick him in the ass for eating my chocolate." I couldn't help but chuckle at Rue's determination, marvelling at the innocence and fierceness in her young spirit.
As she approached me, her pout still intact, I kneeled down to her level, trying to hide my amusement. "Oh, sweetie," I said, trying to soothe her frustration. "I'm sure Daddy will handle it, but let's not use that language, okay?" Rue scrunched up her nose, contemplating my words, before nodding reluctantly.
She was always a father's girl, looking up to him with admiration and trust. I couldn't blame her, as he had always been her hero, the one who could fix anything and make all the bad things go away. I gently brushed a strand of hair behind Rue's ear, hoping to distract her from her chocolate woes.
"Okay," she said, her voice softening. "But can I go find Daddy and tell him what Uncle Diego did?" She asked, her big brown eyes wide with anticipation.
I couldn't help but smile; the sight of her eager little face brought a warm feeling to my heart. "Of course, sweetie," I replied.
"Yay!" She exclaimed, jumping up and down with excitement. "I'm going to find Daddy!" She proclaimed this before running off in search of her father.
I watched her go, a smile playing on my lips. Her energy was infectious, and I couldn't help but be proud of the young lady she was growing into.
As she disappeared down the hall, I turned my attention back to Diego, who was watching me with an amused expression. "It looks like you've been replaced," he quipped, a smirk tugging at his lips.
"Yeah, well, she's a daddy's girl. Just like her mother." I replied with a chuckle, remembering how Rue would always light up at the sight of her father. It was a bond that I cherished, knowing that she had a strong role model to look up too. I knew that no matter how much she adored her father, there would always be a special place in her heart for me.
"And her uncle," Diego added, a note of pride in his voice. I couldn't help but laugh, shaking my head at his antics.
"Sure, Diego," I teased, knowing that he was only playing.
I walked towards Matteo's study. When I opened the door, Rue was standing in front of Matteo, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand to stop her tears from falling. Matteo had a concerned look on his face, his brows furrowed with worry.
"Of course, cara mia," he said, scooping her up into his arms. I smiled fondly at the sight, my heart swelling with love.
"But why are you crying, princess?" He asked, gently brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. Matteo was always very protective of Rue, and seeing her upset always brought out his nurturing side.
"Because Uncle Diego ate my chocolate."
"He did?" Matteo's voice was calm and soothing, a contrast to the fiery anger that was evident in his eyes.
"Mhmm," Rue nodded, sniffling. "But he said it was a game," she continued, her tone indignant.
"Can we go kick his ass- I mean butt."
"Don't worry, Tesoro. I'll make sure Diego never takes your candy again." Matteo reassured her, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
I couldn't help but smile as I watched them from the doorway. My husband was under the control of a fierce, chocolate-craving toddler. It was a scene that never failed to amuse me but also reminded me of the challenges of parenthood. Matteo's expression shifted from concern to amusement as he tried to suppress a laugh. Rue, on the other hand, continued to pout, her tiny face scrunched up in frustration. I couldn't help but chuckle at their playful interaction. Despite the minor mishap, it was moments like these that made me grateful for our little family.
I remember the day I was going into my first ultrasound being the day I found out that I was married to Matteo King. Maybe it was my pregnacy hormens, but I wanted to kill him. I was a married woman, and I never knew he had taken it upon himself to change my last name without consulting me.
That explained every unexpected time he called me his wife. I smiled at the memory, looking at my ring. Don't get me wrong, I was angry, but it was only for a moment. He had given me not only a beautiful family but also a new identity. King, the name that now defined me, had become a symbol of our commitment and unity. It was a small gesture, changing my last name, but it meant the world to me. It signified that we were in this together, building a life as one.
Rue kissed Matteo on the cheek and said, "Thank you, daddy!" before running out of his study. I watched her go; my heart was filled with joy. She was so full of life and energy, and I knew that her future was bright.
"Carful, don't run."
"Yes, mama." She was already running down the stairs to her uncle Diego.
Matteo turned and saw me, his eyes locking onto mine. A smile tugged at his lips. He closed the distance between us, his hands wrapping around my waist. "Ti amo," he murmured, his voice filled with love.
"Ti amo," I replied, leaning into his embrace. We stayed there for a moment, basking in each other's presence. The years had only deepened our love, and I knew that no matter what the future brought, we would face it together.
"Let's go kick uncle Diego's ass," Matteo whispered in my ear. I laughed, nodding my head in agreement.
"After you," I replied, following him out of the study.
END