UNEDITED 2017 version.
Paris, France
Morning rolled in fast.
Malcolm slept with the kids while he gave his room to Alexus. They've been together for almost six years but that doesn't mean that they also need to sleep with each other. Still, there is a thin line between them. He could not contain being with her in a one closed room. She could do a lot of things in just a snap of her hands.
Morning yet he's already in total shit.
The very reason of his morning burst out is no other than the mighty Alexus McDaniel. She abruptly decided—maybe she planned this before going to Paris with the kids—that she will leave them to Malcolm and go to New Zealand. She's a total bitch for choosing her newest passing fancy over her kids. Malcolm was pissed but he can't do anything about it.
She's Alexus McDaniel and no one can stop her from doing what she pleases.
"I know you will take good care of them." She said as she carries her luggage out of the room. Malcolm throws death glares at her but she only smirks in return. "Come on Love, don't be such a baby. I know you'll miss me... I told you last night, my room was not locked. It was your loss you know." And winked as if what she said was a good idea.
Malcolm huddled on the couch in the living room. Luckily, the kids aren't awake yet.
"Alexus..." He calls.
He's only human—he gets tired. Malcolm needs a life out of this misery. He doesn't deserve this but what can he do? He needs to face it even if he's too unarmed.
"Yes?" she stood in front of him.
He inwardly sighed. "Are you not tired of playing this game?" Pertaining to the war she started six years ago. "Are you not tired of playing everyone's lives? I'm not enjoying this, Alexus! You deprived me from everything!"
Instead of feeling pity towards Malcolm, she laughs. "Love, are you now in love?" she abruptly but playfully asked.
His jaw clenched. He's always been in love with the same person for over nine years—and he hurt her for being so selfish of him.
Thus, the want of telling Alexus about it prevents him from doing so. He doesn't want to drag Dana in this war against the McDaniels. They're manipulative and they can destroy anyone's life if they wanted.
"No." He stone coldly said.
She smiled seductively, "Then we're still on the right track, Malcolm. As long as no one gets into the way, I have no problem... And definitely, you're still safe." She meaningfully beamed on him and gave him a peck on the corner of his lips.
Malcolm pressed his lips into a hard line.
He waited for the kids to wake up. He ordered their favorite food and he prepared their clothes. He wanted to have time with the kids since he was away for so long. He kind of wants to make it up to them. He may not be his but he loves fathering them.
He went back to his room to where the twins are sleeping soundlessly. Their copper hairs are giving emphasis to their white complexion. They have cherry red lips and flushed cheeks—he'll carve it to the stones that these kids will be a head turner and a total heartbreaker in the future. He still have high hopes that maybe, he'll get to see them grow.
Malcolm was saddened at the thought of not being with them when the time comes that he needs to leave them. On if he could bring them with him, he will. But the McDaniels will never let him do that for sure. They are willing to kill just to have the kids.
When Par Devon and Pax Devan Henderson was born—yes, he gave them his surname—he immediately fell in love with the two of them. He saw their firsts. He heard their first cry. The best moment in his life was when their first uttered word was 'Dada' . He was ecstatic and very much happy.
Von is the serious one while Van is the adventurous. They have opposite likings but they are both sweet and caring to each other. They have respect and manners—he was thankful that Alexus did not let them act like a rotten spoiled brats. That will be a total headache.
"Doc, the patient is now in labor." The nurse informed the Ob-gynecologist.
Malcolm was like being poured with cold water. He waited for this day to happen. The day he'll get to see and hold the twins. "Doc, everything will be alright, right?"
The doctor smiled, "Yes Mr. Henderson. I will assure you the safety of your twins and wife." Wife? Alexus is not her wife and will never be. Thus, he doesn't want to ruin the happiness he's feeling right now. "I'll be back."
He waited for how many hours as Alexus give birth to her twins.
He prayed for that.
When the doctor came out of the delivery room with a wide smile in her face, Malcolm felt relieved. He knew the meaning of it!
"How was it, Doc?"
She smiled even more. "Congratulations Mr. Henderson. They're both healthy and beautiful."
Par Devon and Pax Devan. He couldn't ask for more. That day, his world changed big time. He was given the responsibility and he was so willing to do it. Kids bring happiness. They are the angels sent by the heavens above.
"Dad, where's Mommy?" Von asked the moment he woke up. Van was silent while he rubs his eyes.
Malcolm lovingly smiled at them, "She has to go somewhere, baby." He kissed them in the forehead and sat in front of them. "Don't you want to be with Daddy? We can stroll around Paris today." Luckily he's done with the business deal already so he has all the time to be with the kids. He chuckled when Van slumped back to bed and hugged the pillow. He was pouting while looking at them.
Von tugged his shirt, "Dad, little dragon is hungry." He said with a puppy eyes.
Always his weakness.
Malcolm stood up and pulled Van's feet to the end of the bed. The twins giggled. They always like that whenever Malcolm wakes them up. "Daddy dragon will feed his little dragons now. He prepared their favorites." He enthusiastically stated.
"Yehey! Bacons! Bacons!" They chanted in unison.
The kids immediately cling to him. Van is in his back while Von clings into his thigh. The door to kitchen walk took them minutes because Malcolm couldn't walk properly.
Malcolm puts their favorite breakfast in their plates and they indulge themselves into it. He was just right there, looking at the twins. Van who has more curls in his hair than his brother looks so cute while munching his favorite bacon. Their cherub cheeks compliment their lovely hazel eyes.
He couldn't ask for more whenever he's with them.
Malcolm fed them happily.
A day like this relaxes Malcolm. He finds peace together with the kids. They had bath together and played with the bubbles. The kids poured him liquid soap so he needs to take another bath alone. He pictured out this kind of bonding with the woman he gets to spend his life with. With Dana. He always wanted to end up with her. He wanted to have kids with her. That's how he wanted his life to end up.
Dana and Malcolm... the end game.
He promised them to stroll round Paris. So, the allotted this day for bonding. They went to Jardin du Luxembourg, The Louvre, Palais Garnier, Les Invalides, the Paris' trade mark—Eiffel Tower, and the Notre Dame de Paris.
Their last stop was the famous chocolate shop—the Chocolat Debauve & Gallais. The kids were in cloud nine when he told them to get whatever chocolates they want. So, Van and Von immediately parted ways to easily get chocolates. They love sweets.
Speaking of sweets, Dana loves truffles. Malcolm bought five boxes of assorted truffles for the girl who keeps him occupied.
The kids were so thrilled and happy.
On their way back to the hotel, Malcolm received a call. It was from his secretary.
"Yes?" He answered the call absentmindedly.
A series of gasp and sigh. By the tone of that, he knew something's up. "Sir..." She started. Malcolm looked at the kids who are happily sitting at his side. "Sir, Peterson called. Something happened in the site. You're badly needed in New York. The board is looking for you. I tried to tell them that you're in an important business trip but they shouted at me."
The board! They're very much a pain in the ass.
They only sit and wait for checks while Malcolm work his ass off to earn more.
"What happened?"
"Sir, half of the building was burnt down."
"Shit! How did that happened?!" He cursed,
"One of the machine used for drilling had a problem, sir. They tried to fix it but some parts sprang free. The gas tanks were hit by shrapnel so it caused the explosion."
"Send people to investigate about what happened and list me the casualties. I want to know everything!" and put down the phone.
He ordered the driver to drive them back to the hotel. He badly needs to go back to New York. He thought everything was okay. But still! Life is a bitch and better to suck it up! He'll bring the kids with him since he can't just send them back to California.
Malcolm was livid.
Why problems do not stop from happening? He's tired as hell!
He called different persons who can help him with the newest problem that he has. He invested millions to that and he can't just lose it like that! That is so not cool! That problem costs him millions! His people are now moving. He better gets his self to New York immediately fix fuss.
He was about to press the elevator's door when another buzz in his phone stopped him from his tracks. He looked at the caller and a ghost smile escaped from his lips because of the name flashing on the screen.
Dana Sanders Calling...
He answered the call, "Hey..."
"Hi Malcolm," She lovingly greeted. That put a smile on his face. "I heard about what happened to your site. How are you? Is everything alright?" The softness in her voice is very soothing. That calms his nerves.
Who would have thought that a single call from Dana could actually suppress the unstable emotions that he has right now? That's a miracle.
He grins, "Yeah. Maybe I'll fly back to New York tonight so I can supervise everything tomorrow when I get there." He casually said.
"Okay. Take care."
"I will." He smiled as if she can see it personally. "Oh, wait up!" He remembered the truffles that he bought. "Got your all-time favorite chocolates and truffles."
He sensed her happiness from the other line. "Really? Geez. Thank you! Can't wait to see you."
Can't wait to see you too. Malcolm thought.
Dana Ysobel Sanders... She can turn the tables upside down anytime. And, Malcolm likes it.
Got my manuscript earlier. I e-edit ko na siya. Hayy.